BTEC First Dip in Business - EdExcel

The First Diploma in Business is a level 2 course; it is equivalent to 4A*-C grades.  Grades are awarded as Pass – 4 C grades – Merit – 4 B grades or Distinction – 4A grades.

There is no examination in this course but there are 6 pieces of assessed coursework for 3 compulsory units and 3 optional or specialist units.

Unit format

All units in Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First qualifications have a standard format which is designed to provide clear guidance on the requirements of the qualification for learners, tutors, assessors and those responsible for monitoring national standards.

Each unit is set out in the following way.

Unit title

The unit title is accredited by QCA and this form of words will appear on the learner’s Notification of Performance (NOP). In BTEC First qualifications each unit consists of 30, 60, 90 or 120 guided learning hours.

NQF Level

This is the level of study of the qualification as determined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Guided learning hours

Guided learning hours is ‘a notional measure of the substance of a unit’. It includes an estimate of time that might be allocated to direct teaching, instruction and assessment, together with other structured learning time such as directed assignments or supported individual study. It excludes learner-initiated private study. Centres are advised to consider this definition when planning the programme of study associated with this specification.

Unit abstract

The unit abstract is designed to give the reader an appreciation of the value of the unit in the vocational setting of the qualification as well as highlighting the focus of the unit. It provides the reader with a snapshot of the aims of the unit and the key knowledge, skills and understanding developed while studying the unit. The unit abstract also emphasises links to the sector by describing what the unit offers the sector.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes state exactly what a learner should ‘know, understand or be able to do’ as a result of completing the unit.

Unit content

The unit content identifies the depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and understanding needed to design and deliver a programme of learning sufficient to achieve each of the learning outcomes. This is informed by the underpinning knowledge and understanding requirements of the related National Occupational Standards (NOS). The content provides the range of subject material for the programme of learning and specifies the skills, knowledge and understanding required for achievement of the pass grading criteria.

Each learning outcome is stated in full and then the prescribed key phrases or concepts related to that learning outcome are listed in italics followed by the subsequent range of related topics.

The unit content section will often have lists of topics that provide the range of the subject material required to be covered in order to meet the grading criteria. Subject material maybe further detailed by lists enclosed within brackets or an elongated dash which provide the defined elements of the specific topic item. Where the subject material list includes an ‘eg’, it should be noted that this provides an indicative range of material to support the specific topic item.

Grading grid

Each Grading grid contains statements of the criteria used to determine the evidence that each learner must produce in order to receive a pass, merit or distinction grade. It is important to note that the merit and distinction grading criteria refer to a qualitative improvement in the learner’s evidence.

Links

www.businesstudiesonline.co.uk

www.bized.co.uk

www.webooks.co.uk/Business/running-a-business/

Webmaster: James Ramsden