Age 16-18
Progress to university, further study, an apprenticeship or employment. Former students have gone on to higher apprenticeships or straight to work in sectors such as banking, retail, finance and digital commerce.
Course Overview
Entry requirements
GCSE Average Points Score: 3.50, Grade 4 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE, 5 GCSEs at Grade 4
Course information
If you are applying to Havering Sixth Form Campus:
The Level 3 Extended Certificate in Business is a two-year course equivalent to one A Level. It is for students who are interested in learning about the business sector and it offers an alternative to A Level Business by assessing students’ understanding of business through vocational scenarios and a majority of coursework. This course must be taken alongside two other A Levels.
The qualification provides an opportunity to develop business knowledge and skills that are transferable to many different careers. It will prepare you for a range of higher education courses and job roles related to business and you will gain an understanding of topics such as marketing, digital business and finance. There is the opportunity to develop practical, work-related skills through completing projects and assignments based on real-world, workplace situations.
You will learn about running a business as well as the importance of decision-making and being an effective manager. You will also develop your skills in communication and IT.
The course must be combined with two other A Levels. It combines well with most subjects, but goes particularly well with A Level Accounting, English Language, Law, Media Studies, Politics or Sociology.
If you are applying to Ardleigh Green, Epping Forest, Redbridge or Tower Hamlets Campuses:
The Level 3 Extended Certificate in Business is a two-year course for students who have passed the Level 2 qualification and are interested in learning about the business sector. It assesses students’ understanding of business through vocational scenarios and a majority of coursework. This course is taken alongside GCSE English and GCSE Maths.
The qualification provides an opportunity to develop business knowledge and skills that are transferable to many different careers. It will prepare you for a range of other courses and job roles related to business and you will gain an understanding of topics such as marketing, digital business and finance. There is the opportunity to develop practical, work-related skills through completing projects and assignments based on real-world, workplace situations.
You will learn about running a business as well as the importance of decision-making and being an effective manager. You will also develop your skills in communication and IT.
Key topics
- Developing a marketing campaign
- Digital marketing
- Market research
- Investigating customer service
- Personal and business finance
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Next steps
Students are awarded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* grades which carry UCAS points and enable progression to many degree courses at universities. If students do not want to go on to university, they can progress through other routes, such as higher apprenticeships, training schemes, further study or straight into employment. -
Why study at NCC?
- Expert teaching: Learn from experienced tutors with real-world industry knowledge
- Flexible study options: Part-time, evening and online learning available
- Career progression routes: From entry level to professional qualifications
- Outstanding support: One-to-one advice, wellbeing support and financial guidance
- Ofsted-rated Outstanding: Quality teaching and support you can trust
- Modern facilities: Industry-standard workshops, labs, studios and digital tools
- Employer links: Courses shaped by local and national job market needs
If you’re aiming for a career in business, finance or entrepreneurship, New City College is your launchpad.
With direct links to London’s banking and commercial district, you’ll connect with top employers like Barclays, JP Morgan, Canary Wharf Group and KPMG, gaining real workplace experience and industry contacts. Our exclusive partnership with the Ministry of Defence also opens unique career pathways.
Built with input from industry leaders, our Business courses teach the skills employers want, plus you’ll boost your CV through international trips and competitions. Recently, students worked on a sustainability project with Dutch peers in the Netherlands.
Select your campus option to apply
Dates
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027
Dates
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027
Dates
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027
Dates
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027
Dates
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027
What Can This Course Lead To
Life At NCC
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Facilities for Students
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Financial Support
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