Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business (QCF)

The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business focuses on extending the specialist work-related focus of the BTEC Level 3 Certificate while covering the key knowledge and practical skills needed in the appropriate vocational setup. This unit offers learners greater flexibility and a choice of emphasis via the optional units. However, it is equivalent to one GCE A Level.

The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma provides an engaging programme for learners who are certain about their area of employment that they intend to join. As such, these learners may want to extend their programme by pursuing a general qualification like GCE AS levels, additional specialist learning through another BTEC qualification, or a complementary NVQ. These kinds of learning programmes can be developed to enable learners to pursue related and complementary qualifications without replication of the content.

However, for adult learners, the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma aims at extending their experience of work in a specific sector. Besides, it may also come in handy for those looking to change career or move into a new area of employment after a career break.

Rules of Combination for Edexcel Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business Qualification

In BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business, the rules of combination specify the following:

• Total credit value of the qualification
• Minimum credit to be attained at, or above, this level of qualification
• Mandatory unit credit
• Optional unit credit
• Maximum credit that comes from other BTEC Level 3 to meet local needs.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business Rule of Combination

• Qualification credit value of a minimum of 60 credits
• Minimum credit to be attained at, or above, the level is 45 credits
• Mandatory unit credit is 40 credits
• Optional unit credit is 20
• A maximum of 5 optional credits can come from other BTEC Level 3 units to meet local needs.

Units for the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business

The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business qualification requires 60 credits and 360 guided learning hours. It contains four compulsory units plus optional units that give a combined total of 60 credits.

Mandatory Units

1. The Business Environment – 10 Credits
2. Business Resources – 10 Credits
3. Introduction to Marketing – 10 Credits
4. Business Communication – 10 Credits

Optional Units – Choose any two units

Accounting Pathway Optional Units

1. Business Accounting – 10 credits
2. Management Accounting – 10 credits
3. Financial Accounting – 10 credits
4. Accounting Systems – 10 credits

Marketing Pathway Optional Units

1. Creative Production Promotion – 10 credits
2. Internet Marketing in Business – 10 credits
3. Market Research in Business – 10 credits
4. Relationships Marketing – 10 credits

Human Resource Pathway Optional Units

1. Aspects of Employment Law – 10 credits
2. Recruitment and Selection in Business -10 credits
3. Human Resource Management in Business – 10 credits
4. Development Planning for a Career in Business – 10 credits

Management Pathway Optional Units

1. Managing a Business Event – 10 Credits
2. Training in the Business Workplace – 10 credits
3. Developing Teams in Business – 10 credits
4. Managing Physical Resources in a Business Environment – 10 credits

Law Pathway Optional Units

1. Aspects of Contract and Business Law – 10 credits
2. Aspects of Civil Liability for Business – 10 credits
3. Aspects of the Legal System and Law-making Process – 10 credits
4. Aspects of Criminal Law Relating to Business – 10 credits

Administration Pathway

1. Supporting Business Activities – 10 credits
2. Managing Business Information – 10 credits
3. Understanding Health and Safety in the Business Workplace – 10 credits
4. Business Project Management – 10 credits

Retail Pathway Optional Units

1. Understanding Retailing – 10 credits
2. Visual Merchandising in Retail – 10 credits
3. Fashion Retailing – 10 credits
4. Food Retailing – 10 credits

General Optional Units

1. The Impact of Communications Technology on Business – 10 credits
2. Website Design Strategy – 10 credits
3. Supply Chain and Stock Management – 10 credits
4. Starting a Small Business – 10 credits
5. Understanding Business Ethics – 10 credits
6. Business and the Economic Environment – 10 credits
7. International Business – 10 credits
8. Computer Applications for Financial Management – 10 credits
9. Business Markets and the Economy – 10 credits
10. Quality Management Systems in Logistics – 10 credits

Logistics Pathway Optional Units

1. Transport Planning – 10 credits
2. Operational Management of Road transport – 10 credits
3. Transport Systems and the Environment – 10 credits
4. Supply Chain Organisation – 10 credits

Assessment and Grading

The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business is internally assessed with criterion-referenced based on the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Regardless, a summative unit grade is awarded at Pass, Merit, or Distinction.

Calculation of the Qualification Grade

Pass Qualification GradeLearners who attain a minimum eligible credit value specified by the rule of the combination will achieve the qualification at pass grade. Learners can also be awarded Merit or Distinction qualification grades by the aggregation of points gained after the achievement of individual units. Below are points available for credits achieved at Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business.

• Pass – 7 points per credit
• Merit – 8 points per credit
• Distinction – 9 points per credit
• Qualification Grade

Points Range above Pass Grade

Points Grade

• 460 – 499 Merit (M)
• 500 – 519 Distinction (D)
• 520 and above Distinction* (D*)

Mode of Delivery

The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business doesn’t have a defined mode of study. Therefore, centers have the liberty of offering this qualification using any mode of delivery. They can use full-time, part-time, evening only, or distance learning. Whichever mode of delivery is used, the center must ensure all the learners have adequate access to resources identified in the specification and the subject specialists delivering this qualification.

Delivery Approach

Centers are tasked to develop an approach to teaching and learning that supports the specialist vocational nature of the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary and the mode of delivery. As such, striking a balance between practical skill development and knowledge requirements is crucial.

Tutors delivering this qualification should ensure appropriate links between theory and practical application are made. Moreover, the knowledge base should be applied to the sector. An outline plan is included as guidance to demonstrate one way of planning of delivery and assessment of the unit.