Summary

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Marketing is equivalent in size to One A-Level. This qualification is aimed at: • Learners who have an interest in Business, have been successful in their GCSEs but need to re-sit GCSE Maths • Learners who have an interest in Marketing and feel they would benefit from this qualification as an introduction to marketing principles before progressing onto the BTEC Foundation Diploma in Business • Learners who are looking to progress into employment in the marketing sector • Learners who have an interest in business/marketing and are looking to gain additional UCAS points to allow them to progress onto Higher Education This course is based at our Filton campus, located in South Gloucestershire which is easily accessible from the city of Bristol by train (Bristol Parkway / Bristol Abbey Wood) and bus.

How will I know how I am doing?

During the course learners study three mandatory units; the mandatory content allows learners to develop academic skills and knowledge of marketing principles and ability to relate these to the marketing industry. The three mandatory units are: Unit 1: Careers in Marketing The marketing industry is constantly changing and growing, there are many different opportunities for employment. This unit is an internally assessed unit which aims to develop learners understanding of the industry and the types of behaviour, values, skills and techniques required to participate in it. Ultimately this units will support learners in developing the skills and knowledge to apply for a role in the marketing industry. This units investigates how the marketing industry is organised in the UK. Learners will be given the opportunity to research the different careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors, and examine the qualifications, skills and experiences required to pursue each career. Learners will undertake an application and interview process for a selected career pathway, drawing on knowledge and skills from across the qualification to identify their strengths and areas for development. On completion learners will evaluate their performance to help them understand the employability and technical knowledge and skills required to progress in a career in the industry. This unit will give you the skills and knowledge you need to apply for a role in the marketing industry. Unit 2: Marketing Principles Marketing is a dynamic field central to the success of all types of organisation. In this unit, learners will study a range of marketing activities, including investigating how market research is used and how important it is to check that it is valid and reliable. Learners will explore how and why organisations segment the market and how and why marketing activities are adapted according to the different segments identified. Learners will develop an understanding of consumer behaviour in a marketing context and the importance of creating an appropriate extended marketing mix; marketing strategies and campaigns to support the ethos of an organisation as well as appropriate to the stage of the product in the product life cycle. This unit is an externally assessed unit, where the exam paper is set and marked by Pearson. Unit 3: Customer Communications Customer communications is a key component in the overall marketing strategy of an organisation. Different types of organisations use different forms of communication to reach their customers. Increasingly, they are implementing a range of communication techniques to achieve their end goal of boosting awareness or revenue. In this internally assessed unit, learners will explore the processes involved in creating a successful customer communications plan. Learners will develop an understanding of the different types of customer and how these customers make buying decisions, this will include analysing the purpose of marketing communications and the range of tools available. As part of the internal assessment learners will prepare a customer communications plan and measure the plan’s effectiveness. The assessment also requires learners to draw on their learning from across the programme, this is an important skill for future employment or progressing onto higher education.

Entry Requirements

Learners should possess a genuine interest in business, in particular the area of Marketing. Learners must have 4 GCSE’s at Grade 4 or above to include English. GCSE Maths is also required at a minimum of grade 3; students with GCSE Maths at a grade 3 will be required to re-sit this alongside the Marketing qualification.

Work Experience

A key component of all Programmes is that learners will undertake a Work Placement. This is crucial as it allows learners to parctice new knowledge, skills and behaviours in an employment setting. Learners will receive help in securing their Work Placement through our Work Placement Team here at SGS, who will work with employers to ensure that all relevant Health & Safety, relevant insurances and safeguarding measures are in place.

What can I do next?

On successful completion of the BTEC Extended Certificate learners may progress onto: • The BTEC Foundation Diploma in Business • Employment/Apprenticeship in a marketing related sector • Higher education if the qualification is taken as a top up to additional level 3 achievement