HNC Business

Key Information

Course Overview

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business is designed to develop you into a professional, self-reflective individual who can meet the demands of today’s dynamic business world. This qualification equips you with the essential knowledge, skills, and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace.

Key objectives of the HNC in Business:

To provide a balanced foundation of practical employability skills and academic knowledge, supporting your entrepreneurial, professional, or academic ambitions.
To help you gain a broad understanding of the business sector, linked to hands-on experience through research, self-directed learning, and real-world workplace scenarios.
To develop your insight into international business operations, exploring both the opportunities and challenges of globalisation.
To open pathways for career progression in your chosen field.
To prepare you for a variety of business careers, including roles in management, administration, human resources, and entrepreneurship.
To build your understanding of culturally diverse organisations, including cross-cultural dynamics, diversity, and workplace values.
To provide clear routes for employment or progression to higher-level qualifications such as the Higher National Diploma (HND) or a related business degree.

Teaching

Our teaching approach is interactive, engaging, and professionally focused. You’ll participate in a mix of on-campus and live online lectures, tutorials, and academic support sessions, supported by comprehensive online learning materials including lecture notes, recordings, presentations, and handouts. You’ll also have access to both our on-campus and digital libraries.

Independent learning is an important part of your experience. You’ll conduct research, explore academic sources, and complete projects, reports, and presentations to deepen your understanding and practical skills.

Assessment

Assessment is primarily through coursework and practical assignments designed to reflect real-world business tasks. You’ll work both independently and collaboratively on a variety of projects, such as essays, reports, group and individual projects, research or consultancy work, presentations, and digital design tasks.

This practical, applied approach ensures you graduate with both the knowledge and the confidence to succeed in your chosen business career or continue your academic journey.

Modules

Careers

Pearson BTEC qualifications are nationally and internationally recognised by employers and professional organisations. The skills and knowledge you gain on this course are highly relevant to a wide range of industries, particularly in business management, finance, banking, and retail.

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business provides an excellent foundation for career development and professional recognition. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue roles in their chosen fields and may also benefit from membership and exemptions offered by leading professional bodies such as ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), and CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply). Additional exemptions may be available from professional organisations in accounting, management, law, and marketing.

Graduates can also choose to progress to the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business or Business Management, awarded by Pearson Education, further expanding their academic and career opportunities.

Entry and Visa Requirements

Entry Requirements

You should hold at least one of the following:

BTEC Level 3 qualification
A-Level(s) with strong results in a relevant subject
Access to Higher Education Diploma from a recognised institution
Foundation Diploma
UK or International equivalent of any of the above.

Additional Requirements

You should also hold at least one of the following:

Five GCSEs at grade C / 4 or above, including Maths and English Language or equivalent
Functional Skills Level 2 (Maths and English)
IELTS 5.5 or CEFR B2 (or equivalent).

If You Don’t Meet the Entry Requirements

You may still be considered for entry if you can demonstrate strong communication and learning skills, relevant knowledge, work experience, and motivation to succeed – supported by a minimum of one year UK work experience relevant to the course applied for.

Immigration / Visa Requirements

You must hold one of the following:

UK or Irish citizenship
EU Settled or Pre-Settled Status
Non-EU passport with ILR, LLR, or DLR
Valid work visa (additional residency and immigration requirements apply)
Refugee status, or be the child or spouse of someone with refugee status
Humanitarian Protection.

Other exceptional circumstances may apply. Please contact us for further details.