BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship (Awaiting UU Approval)

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Ulster University

Overview

Are you ready to transform your passion for business into a thriving career? Our Business & Enterprise Level 5 Foundation Degree offers a launchpad to success in the dynamic world of commerce and innovation. This comprehensive programme is designed to equip learners with the cutting-edge skills and industry-relevant knowledge needed to excel in today's fast-paced business environment.

This programme offers a comprehensive exploration of key business concepts, entrepreneurial practices, and strategic management techniques, preparing participants for a successful career in various sectors. Throughout the course, students will engage with a variety of topics, including business planning, market analysis, financial management, and the principles of entrepreneurship. Emphasis will be placed on practical application through case studies, group projects, and real-world simulations, allowing learners to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

This Level 5 course is ideal for individuals wishing to advance their careers in business or entrepreneurship, as well as those seeking to start their own ventures. By the end of the programme, students will be well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the business world and contribute meaningfully to their organisations or entrepreneurial endeavours.

This course will run as a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) for 1 full day in College per week during term time. The remaining 4 days will be spent with an employer.

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants should normally have obtained a minimum of 64 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A-Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language.
For those entering a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), employers may further enhance the entry criteria at their discretion. All applicants for HLAs will be interviewed by prospective employers to decide their suitability prior to being employed by a company. Each applicant must be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, with a Northern Ireland based company. All apprentices must work a minimum contract of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training) and have achieved all necessary entry qualifications determined by the relevant sector. Applicants need to meet other eligibility considerations, for example you may not be eligible if you are a non-EU national, a public sector worker or based on the qualifications you have previously been awarded. Further details can be found at NI Direct.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

To find out more about the application process for Higher Level Apprenticeships please see Information on Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Please note that for Ulster University qualifications, the general entry requirements for Ulster University must also be met in addition to those listed above.

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places. In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Modules

Principles of Marketing
Principles of Economics
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Principles of Management
Foundations of Entrepreneurship
Professional Skills
Marketing Management
Work-Based Learning
Academic and Career Enhancement Skills
High Performance Work Enterprises
Accounts and Ethics for Business Manager

Students will be assessed using a variety of methods which may include

Coursework
Class test
Group work
A practical or a written exam

This Higher Level Apprenticeship is FREE, fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

On successful completion of this course, students may go on to enrol on a relevant degree course and gain exemptions for the subjects taken on the Foundation Degree. Students who wish to progress to the BSc (Hons) in Business Studies can do so at SRC on a part-time basis.

Graduates may also choose to pursue other related higher education degrees or professional certifications to advance their career prospects within their chosen business specialisation.