of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Get a widely-recognised, work-related BTEC qualification to support your future
Progress onto our Level 3 business course, an apprenticeship or a career in the sector
Want to take the first step towards a future in business? Our Level 2 Business college course will provide you with an excellent introduction to this sector while giving you a widely-recognised BTEC qualification, opening the doors to a range of further study options and opportunities within the industry.
This course features a core of underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding along with a range of options to reflect the breadth of pathways within the business world. You will gain a broad understanding and knowledge of the business sector, investigate areas that interest you, and develop essential skills and attributes that are prized by employers. In addition to studying key topics such as enterprise, finance and marketing, you can explore a variety of other subjects ranging from recruitment and customer service to corporate social responsibility and business documentation.
Completing this course will earn you a Level 2 qualification that will provide you with the springboard to progress onto a BTEC National Level 3 in Business or Business and Finance, start an apprenticeship or launch your career in business by entering employment.
Why choose this college course?
- BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Gain knowledge in a range of business-related topics as well as sought-after skills such as teamwork, presentation and creative thinking
- SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – Investigate subjects that interest you through optional units, including customer service, recruitment and managing personal finances
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Our BTEC Level 2 Business course gives you a recognised work-related qualification, opening the door to further study, employment and apprenticeships
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
- Enterprise in the Business World
- Finance for Business
- Principles of Marketing
- Principles of Customer Service
- Small Business Planning
- Work Experience
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
Maths and English
To help you secure your dream career, you will also continue developing your maths and English skills alongside your full-time course. If you haven’t achieved GCSE grade 4/C in English and maths at age 16, you will continue to study these through resits or taking Functional Skills at an appropriate level.
How maths will support your career
- Understanding business finance
- Processing of large quantities of data
- Presenting information
How English will support your career
- Good quality speaking and listening skills are needed when communicating with colleagues and customers.
- Customer service requires good English skills in speaking and written communication.
- Accurate reading is vital for following instructions, reading documents and emails, and understanding the ideas, aspirations and demands of colleagues and competitors.
- Your use of English is important when preparing a CV and a business proposal, and for putting together advertising and marketing plans for your business.
Entry requirements
Our business lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about business, together with a keen determination to succeed in the industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.
If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Academic requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 3 (grade D) including English Language and Maths, or equivalent.
English and maths
If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19, you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.
Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve BTEC Level 2 First Certificate and achieve GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 (studied alongside the programme) will be permitted to progress onto BTEC Level 3 National Foundation in Business, Business and Finance or Marketing and Social Media.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through coursework assignments and projects, some of which will involve industry-related visits and external assessment.
25% of the qualification is externally assessed. Pearson sets and marks these assessments and the qualification is graded from Level 2 P to Level 2 D*. Learners who do not achieve at Level 2 may achieve a grade of Level 1 Pass.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
70%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired employability team can help find the ideal placement for you.
As part of this business college course, you will undertake ten days of industry placement in the second semester.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Soho BID (Birmingham)
- Lidl (Birmingham)
- Medilink (Birmingham)
- The Future Melting Pot (Birmingham)
- Avid Panda (Sutton Coldfield)
This course is an excellent introduction to the world of business, covering a variety of topics that prepare you to progress onto our BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Business or Business and Finance, as well as apprenticeships and ultimately a range of careers including marketing, finance, customer service and business administration.
Career opportunities
On completion of the Level 2, you could progress onto our Business Level 3 course, or you could pursue a range of employment opportunities within the industry.
Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Customer service representative
Average Salary: £18,786
Human resources assistant
Average Salary: £20,935
Finance assistant
Average Salary: £20,298
Marketing assistant
Average Salary: £18,863
Business adviser
Average Salary: £32,500
Accounting technician
Average Salary: £24,000
Nav’s Story
With advanced qualifications in both business and law, Nav brings vast expertise to this course packed with real-life experience opportunities.
