Business HNC

The Business HNC offers an excellent introduction to key elements of business and management – including the business environment, marketing, human resources, management and accounting. You will gain a strong understanding of everything from business law to financial accounting – developing a range of transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers.

The diverse nature of the course will ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge to start your own business, undertake a variety of business-related job roles or progress onto further studies.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level.

Level 4 mandatory modules include:

• Business and the Business Environment
• Marketing Processes and Principles
• Human Resource Management
• Leadership & Management
• Accounting Principles
• Manageing a Successful Business Project 
• Business Law
• Digital Business in Practice

There are a variety of options to allow entry onto the Business Higher National Certificate programme, these include:

• 48 UCAS Points
• BTEC Level 3 qualification in Business
• GCSE in English and Maths A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4
• GCSE level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or an adequate performance in more than one GCSE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C
• Other related level 3 qualifications.

We welcome applications from mature students without formal qualifications for these courses or from mature students whose Level 3 qualifications were gained more than 5 years ago. If this applies, there will be an interview before acceptance on the HNC course based on previously gained skills and experience. The interview will consider your prior formal qualifications, and enable you to discuss evidence of experience gained through employment or other verifiable source.

Care Leavers or Young Carers

We want students from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to go to University. If you have spent three months or more in local authority care OR are a young carer, you will be eligible for a contextual offer. This is a grade reduction of 1-A Level grade below our standard entry requirements. For example, a standard offer of CCC, would become CCD. MMM at Level 3 Extended Diploma would become MMP. To apply we advise that you tick the box on your UCAS application which identifies you have spent time in care and to help identify you as eligible for our contextual offer.

A variety of teaching, learning and assessments will be used emphasising the relationship between theory and real life issues /experience in practice. Throughout the course you’ll be assessed by:

• E-Portfolio
• Practice Focused Essays
• Practice Focused Reports
• Group presentations
• Simulations/role play
• Projects
• Peer assessment

Each module is formally assessed through, for example, group projects, essays, assignments or briefs, presentations, group presentations, portfolio building, self-assessments and peer assessments. This formal assessment will count towards your module mark and feedback is usually given within 3 weeks following the submission of your formal submission of work.

It should be noted that feedback is part of the ongoing learning cycle which is not limited to written feedback. Other forms of feedback include one-to-one meetings with a personal tutor, dissertation and project supervision meetings, a lecturer responding to learner questions or responses during topic or situation discussions.

Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

Teaching and Learning

The learning environment and facilities could include lecture theatres, classrooms, technology suites, laboratories and workshops, library and skills labs, art and photography studios, small group and quiet zones. Learning methods will vary according to the programme of study but will include lectures and group tutorials. In addition, seminars, field trips, work placements, role play or scenario activities, laboratory and workshop practical, demonstrations, guest lectures, discussions and debates all contribute to the learning experience to support the acquisition of subject specific skills and knowledge and the development of transferable and employment related skills.

You should typically expect to have around 18 contact hours per week if you are studying full time.

In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor. 

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course.  The team could include senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, demonstrators and technical officers.  You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Timetables

On this course, students generally spend up to 3 days a week in College, if you choose to study the course full-time. As all course timetables are subject to change you should not make definite plans based on this information; this information is intended as a guide only. Please remember that you will be expected to carry out work in your own time in addition to the time you spend in College.

Overall Workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, around 18 hours of independent learning and assessment activity and any field trips which may take place.

Academic Support

We have a dedicated Student Engagement Team who will be able to provide support in the following areas:

• Study Skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
• Written English
• Academic Writing (including referencing)
• Research Skills

Students who successfully complete this qualification may progress onto further study or pursue a graduate role.

Typical employers

Industries as diverse as chemicals, utilities, fashion, health, grocery and construction all require functional managers with a clear understanding of systems, efficiency and operational issues. Opportunities exist in management and analysis roles with employers in the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Graduate training schemes offered by large employers frequently focus on commercial roles. Many give experience in several departments but others encourage specialisation from the outset.

Going to University is not as expensive as you think. There are no upfront fees to pay if you take out a Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance England. Don't forget to apply as early as possible to secure your fees before you start your course.