Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business (RQF)

Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business (RQF)

The new Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Business is work-related qualifications and has been accredited onto the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and the aim is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals with a sound business education, who are able to meet the demands of employers in a wide range of careers in industry, commerce, and public administration. It is a well-regarded qualification for entry to Higher Education and advanced professional studies and most Universities will accept it as the entry to their third-year degree programmes.

Pearson BTEC HND's are internationally recognized qualifications and are validated, administered and verified by BTEC which is part of Pearson, the UK's largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications.

The Higher Diploma offered by the college is based on the principals of student centered learning and this learning method utilized, enables students to take an active part in their own learning. Course tutors help to generate motivation and self-reliance, which stimulates interest among students as they develop into independent learners using their skills to complete assignments to the standard required.

Students will be assessed on their submitted work during the course. Grades are awarded by the college and approved by the BTEC External Examiner.

A BTEC course leader will be available to guide students through the course and to help them understand the principles of BTEC.

It is, above all, a work-related qualification, designed to develop the skills of students to be able to solve problems which are likely to arise in any future employment. In addition, it enables students to continue their studies since it gives entry, and in some cases exemption, to a whole range of recognized diploma and degree courses. It is also possible to obtain subject for subject exemptions in other diploma and professional qualifications such as the ACCA - the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Entry Qualifications

Students must normally be aged 18 years or over.

They must possess at least four GCSE's or their equivalent qualification including English and Maths at grade C or above, or a BTEC First Diploma, plus at least one GCE A level and a level of English language equivalent to B2 of the CEFR - 5.5 IELTS with a minimum of 5.0 in all sections. Mature students (over 21 years of age) may be exempt from some of the above requirements on grounds of experience but where English is not the first language students must provide recent certification of having reached at least IELTS 5.5 as stated above.

Duration of Course

Each Course lasts two academic years consisting of two 15 week semesters per year, a total of 60 weeks tuition in 4 semesters.

The main intake of students is in September but we adopt a rolling programme so students can start at any time of the year.

The opportunity exists for those students who progress well through the course to finish in June thereby completing only three semesters. This assumes they will complete the full 16 unit programme so saving the cost of one semester. This is known as the fast track programme.

For those starting in September:

The first academic year commences in late September and ends in June the following year. This is the same for the second academic year.

The course is structured around unit deliveries via skype at mutually convenient times arranged between student and tutor. In addition, students will be expected to undertake the private study. Students will have to prepare at least two assignments per subject per term.

Syllabus

The Pearson BTEC HND is equivalent to the first two years of an Honours Degree programme at a UK University. These qualifications are designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills required for success in current and future management roles.

The qualification enables students to apply for the third year of a related business degree at university.

Duration of course: Two years full-time study.

The Higher National Diploma in Business comprises 8 core units plus 8 option units:

The Higher National Certificate in Business comprises 6 core units plus 4 option units:

CORE Modules

• Unit 1: Business Environment
• Unit 2: Managing Financial Resources
• Unit 3: Organisations and Behaviour
• Unit 4: Marketing Principles
• Unit 5: Aspects of Contract and Negligence for Business
• Unit 6: Business decision making
• Unit 7: Business Strategy
• Unit 8: Research Project