HNC BUSINESS WITH HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Intro to the course:

Are you considering a career in Human Resource Management (HRM)?  Perhaps you are already carrying out HR functions in your current role. 

Embedded in the HNC in Business with HR is the Professional Development Award (PDA) in Human Resource Management.  You will be introduced to the various disciplines needed to provide a more holistic understanding of running and managing a business, including the HR function. 

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 marketing and 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

With the enhancement of the PDA you will also be introduced to human resource management, interviewing skills and recruitment. 

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 issues relevant to an HR discipline. The business course with the PDA embedded is designed to develop your knowledge of the role of human resources management as a key function within organisations. 

If you want to develop a broad understanding of business, or if you are interested in starting your own business, seeking employment, seeking progression in existing employment or if you are planning to progress your studies and want to articulate to a degree or professional qualification.

It will suit adult returners to education, those who wish to change career, or if you are a school leaver. 

The aims of the HNC are to:

• enable you to develop knowledge and understanding of the operational areas of HRM
• develop your skills, knowledge and understanding of practical and administrative areas of HRM as preparation for employment at an appropriate level
• develop a range of core and transferable skills essential within HRM
• prepare you for progression to further studies in HRM or related disciplines
• foster your innovation and creativity to enable you to adapt to changes in the business environment 
• 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 will 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 and study packs. Units may include:

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

Next step course options

Direct entry to any of our 2nd year 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. 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, both in employment, progression in employment or to higher level business degree or professional qualifications.

This 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. 

The group award will also 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. 

The course is also suitable for those learners who may wish to gain a holistic view of how human resource management can add value to an organisation as well as develop an understanding of the factors of change that have shaped and continue to influence the discipline of human resource management. Successful completion of the award will provide a foundation for further human resource management units at more advanced SCQF levels.

Where can this course lead?

The HNC and HND in Business are particularly suitable if you are interested in progressing to higher education at university. 

You may also have opportunities for employment in an HR role in a range of industries.  The HN Business may also provide opportunities for employment as: 

• business development manager 
• manager or assistant manager in various sectors  
• project manager 
• team leader or supervisor in various sectors 
• business executive trainee 
• corporate office manager 
• business account manager 
• business analyst or business advisor 
• business change manager or operations manager

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