HNC Business

In a nutshell

The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals Certificate in Business is to develop students as independent thinking professionals who can meet the demands of business employers and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and improve the career prospects of those who take them.

The level qualification in Business sets the scene for the foundations in all businesses, all sectors, and every industry, meaning that this programme will be helping many individuals move into this industry for the first time, or gain the skills and certificates required for an internal promotion. To help our students have the best chances of success, we will cover a range of content to give a broad understanding of the business environment.

This course is also available as part of a Personal Learning Account (PLA). PLA is an initiative from the Welsh Government which offers people the chance to access free, part-time courses with flexible and convenient learning that fits around their existing lifestyle (subject to eligibility).

This course is for...

... those aged 19 +, living in Wales, employed, and earning less than £29,534 per year

... those who want to gain a higher level qualification via part time and flexible study that allows you to study whilst working

... those wishing to develop their business skills, knowledge and understanding as well as the ability and confidence to work across different business functions and a range of complex business situations

... developing core skills required for a range of careers in business, including management, human resources, marketing, entrepreneurship, accounting and finance

... developing an understanding of the major impact that new digital technologies have on the business environment

... gaining an insight into international business operations and the opportunities and challenges presented by a global marketplace

... equipping learners with knowledge and understanding of culturally diverse organisations, cross-cultural issues, diversity and values

Course content

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business

Core Units:

• Business and the Business Environment
• Marketing Processes and Planning
• Human Resources Management
• Leadership and Management
• Accounting Principles
• Managing a Successful Business Project

Plus two units from the following optional units:

• Business Law
• Innovation and Commercialisation
• Entrepreuneurial Ventures
• Recording Financial Transactions
• Business Data & Numerical Skills
• Executive Recruitment Solutions
• Human Capital Management
• Digital Business in Practice
• Operations Management
• Managing the Customer Experience
• Professional Identity & Practice
• Work Experience

The Level 4 units lay the foundations of learning by providing a broad introduction to business and different business functions. This develops and strengthens core skills while preparing the student for specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility.

Students will gain a wide range of business knowledge tied to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop vocational behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace.

By the end of Level 4, students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of business. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of business.

Entry Requirements

Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.

For learners who have recently been in education, the entry profile includes one of the following:

• BTEC Level 3 qualification in business
• GCE Advanced level profile which demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or an adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C
• Other related level 3 qualifications
• Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution
• Related work experience

Additional information

This is an HE course offered on a part time basis and can be achieved as follows:

Part time Year 1 60 credits (at Level 4)

Part time Year 2 60 credits (at Level 4)