Course Overview
The level 1 programme of study comprises of different elements which combine Business and Information Technology (BIT). The course will help you develop the necessary IT and business skills and techniques that are required in the workplace, whilst also making you aware of the personal qualities and attitudes needed to succeed in working life. It provides the opportunity for progression to continue to develop your Business and IT skills at further study levels.
Entry Requirements
This is a challenging Level 1 programme of study as there are a lot of units studied in total and it also incorporates an exam-based element.
The minimum entry requirement for this course is:
- 4 GCSE’s at Grade 2 : needs to include English and Maths
OR
- Entry Level 3 Qualification and E3 English and E3 Maths.
What the course covers
On this BTEC Level 1 course, you will develop foundational skills in:
- Presentation Skills : Learning how to effectively present ideas and information to others.
- Creating and Publishing Web Pages : Understanding the basics of web development and how to create and publish websites.
- Introduction to Programming : Getting to grips with basic programming concepts and languages.
- Digital Content Creation : Text and Image : Developing skills in creating digital content using text and images.
- Spreadsheets : Learning how to use spreadsheets to manage and analyse data.
- Creating Business Documents : Understanding how to create professional business documents, such as reports and presentations.
- Data Handling for Business : Exploring ways to handle and analyse data in a business context.
- Marketing : Gaining insights into the principles of marketing and how businesses promote their products.
- Understanding Business and Enterprise : Learning about the fundamentals of business operations and entrepreneurship.
Throughout the course, you will also build essential communication, literacy, and numeracy skills, which are vital for success in business and IT.
Teaching and Industry Experience
At NESCOT, our tutors have extensive industry experience, ensuring that your learning is practical, relevant, and up-to-date. Guest lecturers from the business and IT sectors will provide valuable insights into real-world career opportunities.
Trips will happen throughout the year to exhibitions as well as having guest speakers come into the college.
Student Success and Progression
We encourage students to participate in competitions and work experience opportunities to enhance their skills and confidence. Many students progress to further study, including the Level 2 BTEC in Computing or Business here at NESCOT. You must achieve at least a Merit in your Level 1 to progress.
Assessment
Your work is graded through a mixture of coursework and exams, with 2 exams based projects that must be passed to achieve Level 1.
Work Experience
Work experience is an important part of this course. You will have the opportunity to gain up to two weeks of work placement, working with a client through simulated projects within the college. Support will be provided throughout the experience.
Fees and funding
Visits may be arranged as part of the course delivery and may cost approximately £30 in total for the year.
Please note:
- Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 who have a valid EHCP, and are studying Further Education courses are not normally charged course fees
- Adults may need to pay a fee depending on their personal circumstances. This will be assessed against the relevant Funding Body eligibility criteria at point of enrolment
If you don’t qualify for fee remission, the fees for 2026/27 will be:
£993.50 (plus registration fee to be advised at enrolment)
Fees are for 2026/27 entry and apply to students eligible for home fee status enrolling to funded programmes. The fees quoted are subject to personal circumstances and will be confirmed at the time of your enrolment, depending on eligibility criteria. For more information about financial support for students, please click here or email studentfinance@nescot.ac.uk
Progression
This qualification should act as a stepping stone, enabling you to move into employment or on to further study at Level 2 (upon achievement of both the main programme and Functional Skills at level 1).
Duration
1 Year