HNC Business and Management

We consider a variety of qualifications and relevant experience, and each application is assessed on its own merit.
To enrol on this course, you will require a minimum of 48 UCAS points, from at least one of the following: A Levels, BTEC Nationals, Access to Higher Education Diploma, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualifications.

Candidates are encouraged to apply if they feel they can benefit from the programme.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading , Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you take a combination of compulsory (and if available optional modules) enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests. For full time students a total of 120 credits will be studied in each academic year. In the majority of cases this will consist of six modules. For part time students it will depend on the intensity of your studies.

Year 1 Modules

• Developing Research and Practice
• Organisational Behaviour
• Business Finance and Economics
• Marketing and Innovation
• Human Resource Management
• Principles of Management

Timetables are normally available one month before the commencement of your studies. As a guide, last year this programme was timetabled on: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday.

When studied part-time, the duration of the course depends on the speed at
which you wish to progress through it. This is called the ‘intensity of study’. For example, studying half-time would be equivalent to 50 per cent intensity of study and would typically double the length of the course from one to two years.  As part-time study will mean attendance of some modules that are on the full-time timetable, it may mean that you will be required to attend modules timetabled over three days of the week. You may be able to change the intensity of study during your course. Not all intensities of study are available for all programmes.

This programme has been designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge base required to work in your chosen specialism or other graduate opportunities.

An integral element of the course is working with local employers on projects and assessments, and building relevant industry experience. You will be working with businesses and community groups on live marketing and business strategy projects, where you will apply the theoretical knowledge you develop during your studies.

There are two formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods can include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

Year 1 – 90% coursework 10% Practical

We recognise feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. We adopt a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development as an effective practitioner. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies. This support has been crucial to the success of many past students who may not come from a traditional education pathway, and helps ensure your success.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the UCSD Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

Your overall workload at Level 4 consists of class contact hours, of approximately 15 hours’ per week, plus independent learning, and assessment activity. Together, this equates to approximately 36 hours per week. While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Level 4: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Students who successfully complete the HNC Business programme will be able to progress to stage 2 of FdA Business and Management at University Centre South Devon.

Following study you could pursue a career in the following roles; Business advisor, Project manager, Marketing and communications

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

Equipment to support practical sessions related to your programme of learning
Compulsory visits related to your programme of learning
Annual £10 printing allowance
Access to e-books and e-journals relating to your programme of study

Additional printing over the initial allowance
Optional overseas and UK based field trips
The cost of books you may wish to purchase
An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to UCSD