BTEC 3 extended diploma in Business

Foundation year

University preparation year

These are all different names for the same studie. A studie that prepares you for work in business or further education at international universities.

This foundation year also gives access to the Kronenburgh bachelor Business and Management.

BTEC from Pearson

Pearson is the largest certificate and diploma awarding authority in the UK. Pearsons BTEC education system is developed in collaboration with a wide range of students, employers, higher education providers, colleges, and subject experts to ensure that the qualifications meet their needs and expectations. BTEC developers also worked closely with the relevant professional bodies, to ensure alignment with recognised professional standards. Therefore, BTEC qualifications are widely recognised by industry and higher education as the principal vocational qualification.

Legal Residency in The Hague at Kronenburgh International Business School
Student housing in The Hague near Kronenburgh International Business School

Foundation year / University preparation year

Over 100.000 BTEC learners apply to university every year. Their Level 3 BTEC extended diplomas are accepted by UK and international universities, and higher education institutes for entry to relevant degree programmes. This means students also have access to the bachelor’s degree in Business and Management at Kronenburgh International Business School and graduate from the University of Essex.

The transferable skills that universities value include:

  • the ability to learn independently
  • the ability to research actively and methodically
  • the ability to give presentations and be active group members.

Students also develop effective writing skills, analytical skills. BTEC learners can benefit from opportunities for deep learning, where they are able to make connections across units and select areas of interest for detailed study. BTEC also is a great preparation for assessment methods used in a degree.

Transferable employability skills

The BTEC International Level 3 qualification is developed working together with many employers, higher-education providers, colleges and schools. Employers are looking for recruits who have a thorough grounding in the latest industry requirements and work-ready skills, for example teamwork. BTEC addresses these needs. BTEC International Level 3 qualifications provide a vocational context and student are stimulated in developing employability skills in the following three main categories:

  • cognitive and problem-solving skills – using critical thinking, approaching non-routine problems, applying expert and creative solutions, using systems and technology;
  • interpersonal skills – communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation;
  • intrapersonal skills – self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.

Student Corps in The Hague near Kronenburgh International Business School
Student Corps in The Hague near Kronenburgh International Business School

How Nuffic values the BTEC programmes

Nuffic is the European organisation that compares the education systems in the different European Countries, see Nuffic.nl. To do this, the European Qualification Framework EQF was developed. The BTEC system is internationally recognised by Nuffic.

Programme BTEC level EQF level Dutch education
Extended Diploma 3 4 MBO4
HNC 4 5 Associate (HBO2 / WO1)
HND 5 5 HBO3 / WO 2
Top-up 6 6 Bachelor HBO4 / WO3

See here for more information about the Nuffic comparison of diploma’s and certifications.