Why study Level 3 marketing?
The Pearson Level 3 extended certificate in marketing is a vocational qualification designed to develop students’ understanding of modern marketing, customer behaviour and business strategy. The course combines academic theory with practical application, enabling students to explore how organisations identify customer needs, develop products and services, create successful marketing campaigns and build strong brands.
Students develop transferable skills including research, analysis, communication, problem-solving, creativity and project management. Through a combination of examined and coursework units, students investigate real business scenarios and apply professional marketing techniques used across a range of industries.
The qualification is equivalent to one A level and is widely recognised by universities and employers. It provides an excellent foundation for progression into higher education, apprenticeships and careers in marketing, business, digital media and management.
Exam Board – Pearson
Qualification – BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate
Entry requirements – Grade 4 in business studies, maths and English; and P2 in the GCSE enterprise and marketing.
How will Level 3 marketing be delivered?
| Year | Unit | Content |
| Year 12 | Unit one: careers in marketing | Exploring the structure and organisation of the marketing industry; investigating marketing career pathways and progression opportunities; and developing the skills, behaviours and qualities required for success in marketing roles. |
| Year 12 | Unit two: marketing principles | Market research; strategy; and business to consumer (B2C) and business to business (B2B). |
| Year 13 | Unit three: consumer communications | Communication methods; communications planning; customer profiling; and buyer behaviour. |
Assessment
The course combines academic study with practical application, allowing students to develop industry-relevant skills through both examinations and project-based work. Assessment is through a combination of external assessment and coursework:
| Assessment method | Details |
| Unit one: careers in marketing | Externally assessed through a task set and marked by Pearson, completed under supervised conditions. |
| Unit two: marketing principles | Externally assessed through a written examination (1 hour 30 minutes). |
| Unit three: customer communications | Internally assessed through coursework assignments based on realistic business and marketing scenarios. |
Future pathways and careers
- University courses in marketing, business management, digital marketing, advertising, public relations, international business and events management;
- Higher or degree apprenticeships in marketing, business, sales, digital media and management;
- Careers in marketing, advertising, public relations, social media, events management, market research and business development; or
- Development of transferable skills in research, communication, creativity, project management, data analysis and problem solving.
This qualification is equivalent to one A level and is widely recognised by universities and employers. It provides an excellent foundation for progression into higher education, apprenticeships and careers in marketing, business, digital media and management. Students gain practical experience of planning campaigns, analysing customer behaviour and developing real-world marketing solutions, helping them stand out to both universities and employers.
