Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business

Course Structure

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a Level 4 qualification made up of 120 credits. This is made up of eight units, each with a value of 15 credits.

Entry Requirements for BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business

1 – Age restriction

Minimum: 18

2 – Open Entry

At least one GCE A level pass, with supporting passes at GCSE at Grades A, B, or C in an appropriate subject

3 – Mature entry

Appropriate work experience

4 – APEL / APL

Students already in employment or with relevant previous experience

5 – English Language Competency

Minimum: CEFR B2

PTE Academic = 51 (in all 4 skills) or IELTS = 5.5 (in all 4 skills)

6 – General Entry Requirements

The City of London College seeks to recruit students of outstanding achievement and potential from all educational backgrounds, so good examination results are the main factor in the admission of students to our courses with at least a Grade C in English and Mathematics at GCSE O Level or equivalent. In addition to this, we can also use other information supplied to us to ensure we admit students with the most outstanding potential. This information might include: prior and predicted grades, evidence of knowledge and commitment in your personal statement, employer and teacher references, performance at the interview, and any exceptional circumstances or personal barriers to learning that you have faced. This allows us to build up a full and rounded view of all our applicants.

Entry requirements and admissions

Although Pearson does not specify formal entry requirements, as a centre we take responsibility to ensure that our prospective students have a reasonable expectation of success in the programme.

For students who have recently been in education, the entry profile, therefore, is likely to include one of the following:

• A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Business
• A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent)
• Other related Level 3 qualifications
• An Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution
  Related work experience
• An international equivalent of the above.

We consider applicants’ prior learning when considering their acceptance on a BTEC Higher Nationals, through Recognition of Prior Learning.

English Language requirements

In order for students to be successful on Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications which are both taught and assessed in English, it is critical that they have an appropriate level of English language skills.

• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
• PTE 51
• IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5
• or equivalent.

Modes of delivery

• Full-time
• Part-time
• Blended learning

Who is this qualification for?

The BTEC Higher National qualifications in Business are aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning. Higher Nationals provide a wide-ranging study of the business sector and are designed for students who wish to pursue or advance their career in business. In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the study of the business sector, Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Business give students experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare them for further study or training.

Aims of the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business offers students a broad introduction to the subject area via a mandatory core of learning, while allowing for the acquisition of skills and experience through the selection of optional units across a range of occupational sectors at Level 4. This effectively builds          underpinning core skills while preparing the student for subject specialisation at Level 5. Students will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios.

At Level 4 students develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the business sector through six core units, which include one unit assessed by a Pearson-set assignment.

Graduates successfully completing the Higher National Certificate will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of business. They will be able to communicate accurately and appropriately and they will have the qualities needed for employment that requires some degree of personal responsibility. They will have developed a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent initiatives, organisational competence and problem-solving strategies. They will be adaptable and flexible in their approach to business, show resilience under pressure, and meet challenging targets within a given resource.

What could these qualifications lead to? 

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in business, which students can build on should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. The Level 5 Higher National Diploma allows students to specialise by committing to specific career paths and progression routes to degree-level  study.

On successful completion of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, students can develop their careers in the business sector through:

• Entering employment
• Continuing existing employment
• Linking with the appropriate Professional Body
• Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Progressing to university.

Students should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes at specific Higher Education providers. After completing a BTEC Higher National Certificate or Diploma, students can also progress directly into employment.

The Student Voice

Students are at the heart of our delivery.  Pearson consulted with students in the development of these qualifications.  Students were involved in writing groups, their feedback was sought, and their voices added together with the views of other stakeholders.  The result, are qualifications that will meet the needs and expectations of students worldwide

The skills offered as part of the Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma can provide graduates with the opportunity to work in many different areas of the business sector. Below are some examples of job roles each qualification could lead to:

These job roles are based on descriptions from The National Occupational Standards for Business and Management – industry standards for skills, developed in collaboration with employers, professional bodies and others which make it easier for employers to describe job roles, externally and internally.

How Higher Nationals in Business provide both transferable employability skills and academic study skills?

Students need both relevant qualifications and employability skills to enhance their career prospects and contribute to their personal development. Pearson Higher National business qualifications embed throughout the programme the development of key skills, attributes and strengths required by 21st century employers.

Where employability skills are referred to in this specification, this generally refers to skills in three main categories:

• Cognitive and problem-solving skills: critical thinking, approaching non- routine problems by applying expert and creative solutions, use of systems and digital technology, generating and communicating ideas creatively.
• Intra-personal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self- monitoring and self-development, self-analysis and reflection, planning and prioritising.
• Interpersonal skills: effective communication and articulation of information, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation.

Students can also benefit from opportunities for deeper learning, where they are able to make connections between units and select areas of interest for detailed study. In this way BTEC Higher Nationals provide a vocational context in which students can develop the knowledge and academic study skills required for progression to university degree courses, including:

• Active research skills
• Effective writing skills
• Analytical skills
• Critical thinking
• Creative problem-solving
• Decision-making
• Team building
• Exam preparation skills
• Digital literacy
• Competence in assessment methods used in higher education