HNC BUSINESS FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Intro to the course:

Are you interested in starting your own business?  Do you see yourself as a budding entrepreneur?   Perhaps you are ready to leave school but not quite ready for University just yet?  

This course is for you.  Take this next step in your learning journey.

There is a greater emphasis on self-employment and entrepreneurism within this new qualification. You will be introduced to the various disciplines needed to provide a more holistic understanding of running and managing a business.

Digital business support services are predicted growth areas for employment in Lanarkshire over the next four years. The new HNC in Business reflects the changes needed to accommodate the rapidly changing technological developments that have disrupted the internal and external business environments, and the increasing drive for businesses to use digital online models and app technology. 

The HNC introduces the key functions in a business organisation:

• management
• economics
• marketing
• accounting
• communication
• managing change
• business fundamentals and emergent technologies 
• business law

The HNC also develops human cognitive and transferable skills that are key for success in the business environment.

Who is the course for?

This course is ideal for you if you are interested in starting your own business or if you are planning to progress your studies and want to articulate to a degree or professional qualification.

It will suit if you are a school leaver or if you are an adult returning to education.

The aims of the HNC are to:

• foster your innovation and creativity to enable you to adapt to changes in the business environment 
• develop your knowledge and skills to enable you to progress to the next level of your learner journey
• develop your knowledge and skills of the core business functions to prepare you for employment 
• provide a grounding in knowledge, skills and creative thinking required to start your own business 
• develop and apply your knowledge and skills across a range of business disciplines in an integrated manner to analyse business situations

What will I study?

You'll learn through a wide range and combination of teaching, learning and assessment methods that may include lectures, virtual learning environments, problem-based scenarios, digital resources, exploration of contemporary issues, case studies, group work. projects, investigations, study packs. Units may include

• managing people and organisations
• business law
• digital skills
• social media
• economics
• business fundamentals including Big Data and emerging technologies and cyber security
• marketing
• accounting
• communication
• managing change
• human resource management

Next step course options

Direct entry to 2nd year any of our HND Business courses.

How will I be assessed?

Ongoing assessment through a range of practical activities, observations, candidate folios, self-evaluation, presentations, planning and review using secure SQA assessment support packs. Towards the end of the HNC, or HND year 1 you'll complete a graded unit examination.

Why should I choose this course?

The HNC group award is designed to enable you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to enter and develop the world of business. You will be introduced to the various disciplines needed to provide a more holistic understanding of running and managing a business, essential skills to start or run your own business.  It will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills across a range of disciplines to provide a sound basis for success in the business environment.

The group award will give you opportunities to develop and understand the business world if you intend to, or are interested in, starting your own business. You will explore the digital business models that are currently available and those emerging to facilitate access to markets and means of production. 

You will also complete an introductory accounting unit to equip you to manage cash flow, inventory and how to cost and price products and services. 

This course will enable you to acquire skills and knowledge in key business functions such as management, marketing, and finance as well as developing knowledge and skills in economics, communication, problem solving and the influence of technology on the business environment and businesses themselves. 

Where can this course lead?

The HNC and HND in Business are particularly suitable if you are interested in starting your own business.

You may also have opportunities for employment in a wide range of positions at entry level managerial roles. 

What are the entry requirements?

Any of the following:

• one relevant Higher
• relevant NQ or NPA at SCQF Level 6
• equivalent vocational qualifications from other awarding bodies
• relevant work experience 
• good level of digital literacy

If your first language is not English, it is recommended that you possess English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL) at SCQF level 5 or an overall score of 5.5 in IELTS.

What are the interview arrangements?

Your offer will be based on your application

Fees, finance and funding:

Fees and finances for full time:

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds.

Click here to find out more about fees, finance and funding options.

Other information:

Professional recognition:

Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) 

The Chartered Institute of Bankers for Scotland currently accept holders of HNC directly into their higher-level qualification leading to MCIBS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland). For more information see https://www.charteredbanker.com