HNC BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Intro to the course:

Are you ready to leave school but not ready for university just yet?  Perhaps you are fed up in your current job role and want to progress up the ladder, or are you looking for a change in career?  

Then, this course is for you.  Take this next step in your learning journey.

Digital business support services are predicted growth areas for employment in Lanarkshire over the next four years. The new HNC in Business reflects the changes needed to accommodate the rapidly changing technological developments that have disrupted the internal and external business environments, and the increasing drive for businesses to use digital online models and app technology. 

You will be introduced to the various disciplines needed to provide a more holistic understanding of running and managing a business.

The HNC introduces the key functions in a business organisation:

• management
• economics
• marketing
• accounting
• communication
• managing change
• business fundamentals and emergent technologies 
• business law

The HNC also develops human cognitive and transferable skills that are key for success in the business environment.

Who is the course for?

This course is ideal for you if you want to develop a broad understanding of business, are interested in starting your own business, seeking employment, seeking progression in existing employment or if you are planning to progress your studies and want to articulate to a degree or professional qualification.

It will suit if you are a school leaver or if you are an adult returning to education.

The aims of the HNC are to:

• foster your innovation and creativity to enable you to adapt to changes in the business environment 
• develop your knowledge and skills to enable you to progress to the next level of your learner journey
• develop your knowledge and skills of the core business functions to prepare you for employment 
• provide a grounding in knowledge, skills and creative thinking required to start your own business 
• develop and apply your knowledge and skills across a range of business disciplines in an integrated manner to analyse business situations

What will I study?

You'll learn through a wide range and combination of teaching, learning and assessment methods that may include  lectures; virtual learning environments; problem based scenarios; digital resources; exploration of contemporary issues; case studies; group work; projects; investigations; study packs.  Units may include:

• business fundamentals including Big Data and emerging technologies
• cyber security
• digital skills
• economics
• marketing
• accounting
• communication
• managing people and organisations
• managing change
• business law
• human resource management
• social media

Next step course options

Direct entry to 2nd year HND Business on successful completion of the HNC with an A/B in Graded unit. 

How will I be assessed?

Ongoing assessment through a range of practical activities, observations, candidate folios, self-evaluation, presentations, planning and review using secure SQA assessment support packs. Towards the end of the HNC  you will complete a graded unit examination.

Why should I choose this course?

The HNC group award is designed to enable you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to enter and develop the world of business. It will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills across a range of disciplines to provide a sound basis for success in the business environment, both in employment, progression in employment or to higher level business degree or professional qualifications.

This will enable you to acquire skills and knowledge in key business functions such as management, marketing and finance as well as developing knowledge and skills in economics, communication, problem solving and the influence of technology on the business environment and businesses themselves. 

The group award will also give you opportunities to develop and understand the business world if you intend to, or are interested in, starting your own business. You will explore the digital business models that are currently available and those emerging to facilitate access to markets and means of production. 

You'll also complete an introductory accounting unit to equip you to manage cash flow, inventory and how to cost and price products and services. 

Where can this course lead?

The HNC and HND in Business are particularly suitable if you are interested in starting your own business.

You may also have opportunities for employment in a wide range of positions including:

• manager, assistant manager in various sectors 
• business development manager 
• project manager 
• team leader, supervisor in various sectors 
• business executive trainee 
• corporate office manager 
• business account manager 
• purchasing officer 
• business analyst, business advisor 
• business change manager, operations manager
• marketing officer 

What are the entry requirements?

Any of the following:

• One Higher 
• Relevant NPA or Foundation Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6
• Equivalent vocational qualifications from other awarding bodies
• relevant work experience with recent reference

You will also need

• good level of digital literacy
• a genuine interest in business

If your first language is not English, it is recommended that you possess English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL) at SCQF level 5 or an overall score of 5.5 in IELTS

What are the interview arrangements?

Your offer will be based on your application and you may be invited to an informal interview and group  information session.

Fees, finance and funding:

Fees and finances for full time:

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds.

Click here to find out more about fees, finance and funding options.

Other information:

Professional Recognition

The Chartered Institute of Bankers for Scotland will accept holders of HNC directly into their higher level qualifications (Chartered Banker) which leads to MCIBS (Member of Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland).

For more information see https://www.charteredbanker.com