What Is the Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business?

The Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business is a 360 GLH qualification with two mandatory units and optional units totalling at least 180 GLH. Pearson describes it as a broad basis of Business study, intended to support progression when combined with other appropriate qualifications.

Mandatory and optional units

• Unit 1: Exploring Business — 90 GLH, internal assessment.
• Unit 2: Research and Plan a Marketing Campaign — 90 GLH, Pearson Set Assignment.
• Optional units totalling at least 180 GLH, from Pearson’s approved choices.

The number of optional units depends on their GLH values. Units 6, Principles of Management, and 7, Business Decision Making, also use Pearson Set Assignments if selected. Some optional combinations may result in an additional 30 GLH.

The qualification is equivalent in size to one International A Level, a size comparison rather than a university-entry guarantee. Check the structure table and assessment type before choosing options. Read the Level 3 overview, and compare the Certificate and Foundation Diploma. Explore unit criteria in the Level 3 Business reference, then confirm your programme against Pearson’s Issue 4 specification.