Where will this course lead?

The Higher National Certificate is a nationally and internationally recognised qualification throughout the business world. It provides a basic grounding in the core areas of business and management. This is a level 4 qualification, equivalent to the first year of university and is worth 120 credits under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). The course is comprised of 8 units each worth 15 credits.

You are now able to study individual units. The College has developed a delivery model that allows you to study each unit separately. This approach means that you can study units most suitable for your own requirements without the need to commit to a full 12-month Higher National Certificate. At the same time, you will accumulate 15 credits for each unit completed.

Studying individual units has a huge advantage in that it provides you with several different opportunities:

• Develop further skills for your current role Continue.
• The completion of individual units provides you the opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing Professional Development.
• May give you an advantage when applying for jobs.
• Allow you to study further qualifications and ultimately chartered membership with Professional bodies such as CIPD (Human Resources), ILM (Leadership and Management, CIMA (Accounting) CIM (Marketing).
• Enter employment into specialist areas such as Accounting, Marketing, HR, Law or Project Management.
• If you complete all 8 units, you can choose to study for 1 more year and complete the Higher National Diploma in Business. Holders of the Higher Diploma in Business can study for one additional year at various UK universities and gain a business degree (e.g. BA Honours in Business

What will I study?

Units avaialble:

Digital Business Practice: In this unit, learners will explore the role of digital technologies in modern business operations, including e-commerce, digital marketing, data analysis, and the integration of IT systems into business strategies. Topics will include using digital tools to enhance customer engagement, improve operational efficiency, and innovate business models. Learners will also focus on the implications of cybersecurity, data privacy, and the legal aspects of digital business. This unit provides learners with the skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape, making them valuable assets in roles related to digital transformation, online business strategy, and technology management in today's increasingly digital economy.

Operational Planning and Management: This unit explores the strategies and practices involved in managing business operations, focusing on improving efficiency and optimizing resource use. Learners will examine operational management concepts such as process design, supply chain management, inventory control, and quality assurance. They will learn how to align operational goals with overall business objectives and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Understanding operational planning is essential for roles in operations management, logistics, and production, helping learners contribute to improving business performance, cutting costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction in various industries.

Managing a Successful Business Project: This unit focuses on the core principles of project management, such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and completion. Learners will study the importance of setting clear objectives, managing risks, allocating resources efficiently, and using project management tools and techniques. By gaining experience in managing projects of various sizes, learners will develop skills essential for overseeing projects successfully, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This expertise is valuable for careers in project management, consultancy, or leadership roles, where effective project delivery is critical to organizational success.

Accounting Principles: This unit introduces learners to the basic principles of accounting, including financial reporting, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow analysis. Learners will gain practical skills in interpreting financial data to support decision-making and understand the financial health of a business. This unit also covers the key concepts of budgeting, cost accounting, and financial forecasting. Proficiency in accounting principles is essential for those looking to progress in finance, management, or entrepreneurial roles, as it helps learners make informed financial decisions, ensure financial stability, and contribute to business growth.

Leadership and Management: This unit focuses on the principles of leadership and management, including different leadership styles, decision-making, communication, and motivation techniques. Learners will also explore how to manage teams, foster innovation, and lead change. By developing these leadership skills, learners will be prepared to assume managerial roles, enhance organizational effectiveness, and motivate teams, essential for career advancement in leadership positions across various sectors.

Management of Human Resources: Learners will examine key human resource management principles such as recruitment, training, performance management, and employee relations. This unit emphasizes the importance of aligning HR strategies with business goals and the role HR plays in fostering a motivated, productive workforce. Understanding HR practices will empower learners to support organizations in managing talent, enhancing employee satisfaction, and driving business performance, making them valuable assets in any business environment.

Marketing Process and Planning: This unit covers the fundamentals of marketing, focusing on developing marketing strategies, market research, segmentation, and the application of the marketing mix (4Ps). Learners will gain an understanding of how to plan and implement marketing activities effectively to meet customer needs and achieve business objectives. By mastering the marketing process, learners will develop skills in identifying market opportunities and creating customer-driven strategies, enhancing their ability to contribute to the success of businesses in a competitive environment.

The Contemporary Business Environment: This unit explores the external and internal factors influencing businesses today, including economic, political, social, and technological factors. Learners will study market structures, globalization, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations affecting businesses. By understanding the broader business environment, learners will be equipped to analyse opportunities and threats, make informed strategic decisions, and adapt to changing market conditions, all of which are critical for succeeding in a dynamic business world.

Each unit is worth 15 credits.

How will this course be delivered?

The course is delivered through a combination of classroom teaching, practical workshops and independent learning/self- study.

You will attend College for 8 weeks, two evenings per week.

What qualifications will I get?

15 Credits at Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business.

How will I be assessed?

You'll complete written assignments for each module that you study, letting you demonstrate the new knowledge you've gained and the skills you've mastered.

How do I get a place on the course?

Learners can receive advice and support from the Careers Advice and Guidance team at Solihull College & University Centre. The apply, click 'Apply Now' below and follow the instructions.

What are the entry requirements?

Be over the age of 18 and have a GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4-5 (C) or above) or equivalent at level 2.

Have a qualification worth 80 UCAS tariff points (e.g. be in possession of a OCR/BTEC National Diploma in Business, T-Level in Business or two A-Levels) or other equivalent qualifications (you may be assessed at interview).

Mature students with no formal qualifications may be considered if they have good communication skills and relevant work experience. This will be subject to a written assessment and interview to assess suitability for the course. Some candidates are required to attend a personal interview. Candidates are required to provide a suitable reference.