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Key details

Course areas
Business and AccountsSport
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
Notts County Football Club Meadow Lane, Nottingham, NG2 3HJ
Course code
Parent course code:C059402 Child course code: Q059403
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Course introduction

The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Business is ideal for students who want to build a strong foundation in core business concepts while gaining insight into how these skills apply within the fast‑growing world of business particularly the business of football and sport. It forms the first year of the Extended National Diploma, which you can progress onto after successfully completing year one at a merit grade overall.

You will be based at the Notts County football ground and this qualification is particularly suited to learners who enjoy applying theory to realistic workplace scenarios and want to explore how areas such as marketing, finance, operations and event management function within sports organisations. Whether you’re interested in working for a football club, a sports charity, a leisure provider, a governing body, or a commercial sports brand, this course provides a versatile and industry‑relevant starting point.

Units include:

  • Exploring Business: understanding how sports organisations operate, grow, and compete
  • Developing a Marketing Campaign: designing campaigns that could support ticket sales, community programmes, merchandise, or participation initiatives
  • Personal and Business Finance: learning how clubs, academies, and sports companies manage budgets, revenue streams, and financial planning
  • Managing an Event: planning events such as tournaments, matchday activities, fan experiences, or sports development projects
  • Digital Marketing: exploring online engagement, social media strategy, and content creation for sports audiences

The course also encourages the development of essential employability skills, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving, all of which are vital in the dynamic environment of sport.

This qualification is equivalent to one and a half A Levels in the first year, rising to the equivalent of three A Levels if you complete both the foundation and extended years. The entry requirements for this course are 4 GCSE grades 4 and above including both maths and English.

You will also complete a mandatory work experience placement of 30 hours, which could include opportunities in areas such as sports marketing, event operations, community engagement, retail, or administration across a range of the clubs departments.

If you’re motivated, organised, and eager to understand how businesses, and sports organisations in particular, succeed and adapt in today’s competitive world, the BTEC National Diploma in Business could be the ideal route for you.

Course information

1 year

BTEC Level 3 

You’ll need:

  • 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4/A*-C, including English Language and Maths – both of these must be grade 9-4/A*-C or Functional Skills level 2 in English and Maths; or
  • A relevant Level 2 vocational qualification with English and Maths GCSE grades 9-4/A*-C.

You will be assessed through written assignments, practical projects and business presentations.

On successful completion of this course, you can progress to the Business (Level 3 Extended Diploma) in the second year.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Business Associate Professionals

Potential Earnings

£42,451.96

Average Earnings

£27,174.45

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Administration and Office Work

People in these occupations administrate facilities and personnel, keep records, and provide administrative assistance and secretarial work.

Business Management

People in these occupations manage organisations and operations, formulate business strategies, and consult on policy.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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