BUSINESS Level 5 Higher National Diploma Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Pearson

Overview

The Business Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) is a comprehensive programme designed to provide students with a broad understanding of key business concepts and skills necessary for a successful career in the business field. This diploma course focuses on equipping students with a solid foundation in business management, finance, marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship.

This programme enables apprentices to undertake a Level 5 Higher National Diploma through the Higher Level Apprenticeship pathway and is validated by Pearson. Apprentices will be employed throughout the length of this programme. The HLA will be delivered through part time day release so apprentices will spend 1 day per week in College over 2.5 years and 4 days per week in employment. This innovative course has been developed based on industry needs and will give learners the opportunity to develop business and management knowledge and skills as well as employment experience.

A key feature of this course is the work-based learning which provides the opportunity to work in a company on a ‘live’ project. Knowledge and skills will be gained through activities and application to ‘real world’ business issues and opportunities. Practical aspects of people management, marketing, online business and finance will feature strongly in related modules.

This programme is designed to provide students with a well-rounded business education. Throughout the course, students will be supported by experienced faculty who are experts in their respective fields. They will benefit from a supportive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of business principles in real-world contexts.

Upon successful completion of the Business Level 5 Higher National Diploma, graduates will be well-prepared for entry-level to mid-level positions in various industries and organisations. They may find employment in roles such as business analysts, marketing assistants, project coordinators, human resource associates and junior managers.

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.

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.

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

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 will include:

The Contemporary Business Environment
Marketing Processes and Planning
Management of Human Resources
Leadership and Management
Accounting Principles
Managing a Successful Business Project
Recording financial transactions
Work Experience
Research Project (Pearson Set)
Organisational Behaviour Management
Statistics for Management
Business Strategy
Developing Individuals, Teams and Organisations
Brand Management
Tapping into New and International Markets

Students will be assessed on a regular basis throughout the programme, using a range of appropriate assessment methods which include:

Written assignments
Exams
Projects
Practical assignments
Case studies
Presentations
Live briefs

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 maximum exemption for the subjects taken on the Higher National Diploma. 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.