HNC Business (Pearson)

This qualification is ideal for those who need a flexible online learning course which can be moulded around their busy working/personal life, allowing them to build their career in business. It covers all the critical knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to work, progress, and succeed in business, such as leadership & management, project management, management of human resources, marketing processes and planning, accounting principles and the key functions of an organisation and of the wider business environments in which organisations operate.

After the Pearson BTEC HNC, which is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, the most cost effective route forward would be to top up to an HND (equivalent to second year) and then move onto the final year of a degree elsewhere, or you can move directly from the HNC onto the second year of an undergraduate degree elsewhere, although this route is much more expensive.

Basic Information

Awarding Body - Pearson (OFQUAL)
Study Pace - 1,2, or 3 year registration period
Assessment Type - 100% online assignment based
Enrolment Dates - Apply any day. Enrolment dates first working day of each month
Progression - See Progression tab for full details on top up HND + guaranteed top up to final year of degree programmes

The HNC offers a specialist work-related programme covering all the critical knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to work, progress, and succeed in business management. It enables learners to build up knowledge through core modules while developing specialist skills through optional units. The course is developed in collaboration with businesses and institutions such as The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, The Digital Marketing Institute, The BBC, Tesco, and the University of Essex.

We offer the following specialist HND pathways for learners who wish to concentrate on a particular aspect of business:

• Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business (Marketing)
• Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business (Management)

Registration Period

You can choose either a 1,2 or 3 year HNC registration period.

Which registration period is best for me?

Here are the recommended registration periods based on how long you would spend on each unit:
6 weeks per unit = 1 year registration period
3 months per unit = 2 year registration period
4.5 months per unit = 3 year registration period

You could save up to £900 by opting for the 1 year registration period.

Enrolment

You may apply, enrol and then make payment for your course on any day of the year. Once you do, you will be set up onto our online learning environment Totara and given your induction materials. Your registration period timer will not officially begin until the following first working day of the month (or one in the future upon request).

Learning Resources

All resources can be accessed at any time online through our online learning portal, allowing you to go through your modules as and when you like. You will benefit from comprehensive workbooks and detailed pre-recorded videos that you can access and replay whenever.

Fees

To view our course fees please click on the 'Finance and Fees' tab. If you are on a mobile, click on 'Overview' and change the page view to 'Finance and Fees on the dropdown menu.

Tutor Support

You will have access to quality tutor support from one of our tutors. You will be given their contact details, and you may email them whenever you want, or you may book in a support call, video or audio.

Assessment

There are no exams, all assessments will be based on coursework assignments that you submit to us, in your own time.

Enhanced Learning Credits

If you have served or currently serve in the British Armed Forces, you may be eligible to use Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs) to fund your studies. To read more about eligibility and how to kick-start the process, please click here.

ELCAS Learning Provider ID - 11150

Step 1

Request an information pack or submit an application form, with the option to have one of our course advisors telephone you to discuss your interest or application further

Step 2

Once you have applied, you will receive an email with our decision within one working day, and we will telephone you to discuss your application if requested

Step 3

Once you have submitted your enrolment form, necessary documentation, and payment, you will receive your login credentials and welcome email

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Module Details - How Will It Work?

For the HNC, you will need to complete eight units in total. This includes six core units with two additional optional units, offering learners a broad introduction into the subject area. To view in-depth information on each unit, click on the unit titles below, or click the sample buttons for previews of our workbooks.

Unit 1 - The Contemporary Business Environment

The aim of this unit is to give learners background knowledge and understanding of business, of the functions of an organisation and of the wider business environments in which organisations operate. Students will examine the different types of organisations (including for profit and not for profit), their size and scope (for instance micro, SME, transnational and global) and how they operate. Students will explore the relationships that organisations have with their various stakeholders and how the wider external environments influence and shape business decision making.

The knowledge, understanding and skill sets that learners gain in this unit will help them to have an insight into different business functions, which will support them with further study, support the development of analytical thinking and the application of key analytical tools used throughout business planning, and enable them to choose their preferred areas of specialism in future studies and in their professional career.

Sample 1

Sample 2

Unit 2 - Marketing Processes and Planning

This unit is designed to introduce learners to the dynamic world of the marketing sector and the wealth of exciting career opportunities available to support their decision making in their career choices. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the competencies and behaviours required by employers to work in the marketing sector. They will be introduced to the key principles of marketing, enabling them to develop a marketing plan and to employ elements of the marketing mix to achieve results. They will study the underpinning theories and frameworks of marketing while relating them to real-world examples, including products/services that they encounter in their daily lives.

The knowledge, understanding and skill sets that learners will gain on successfully completing this unit will enhance their career opportunities; whether this is setting up their own business or employment in an organisation.

Sample 1

Sample 2

Unit 3 - Management of Human Resources

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand and be able to apply principles of effective HRM in order to enhance sustainable organisational performance and contribute to organisational success, holding business outcomes and people outcomes in equal balance. Students will apply HR practices in a work-related context, utilising their knowledge and practising skills and behaviours in relevant professional areas, including resourcing, talent planning and recruitment, learning and development and employee engagement.

On completion of the unit, learners will understand the purpose and scope of HRM activities. They will be able to apply a range of people management skills to enhance the performance of an organisation by finding solutions to people-related problems.

Sample 1

Sample 2

Sample 3

Unit 4 - Leadership and Management

The aim of this unit is to help learners to understand the difference between the function of a manager and the role of a leader. Students will consider the characteristics, behaviour and traits that support effective management and leadership. Students will learn about the theories that have shaped the understanding of leadership and management and how these have provided a guide to action for managers and leaders who want to secure success for their businesses. Students will look at leadership styles, how and why they are used and the extent to which they are effective.

This unit also gives learners an understanding of motivational strategies. They will develop motivational strategies covering intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of motivation. Finally, learners will evaluate the importance of managing performance in achieving continuous improvement.

Sample 1

Sample 2

Unit 5 - Accounting Principles

The overall aim of this unit is to introduce fundamental accounting principles that underpin financial operations and support good and sustainable decision making in any organisation. Students will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of a range of financial and management accounting techniques.

On successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to assist senior colleagues in producing and analysing budgets, drawing up simple financial statements and using financial ratios to interpret performance. Students will also explore wider aspects of accountancy, especially ethics, transparency and sustainability, and gain fundamental knowledge and skills that will enable them to progress to a higher level of study.

Sample 1

Unit 6 - Managing a Successful Business Project

The aim of this unit is to offer learners an opportunity to demonstrate the skills required for managing and implementing a small-scale business project. They will undertake independent research and investigation for carrying out and executing a business project that meets appropriate business aims and objectives.

On successful completion of this unit, learners will have the confidence to engage in decision making, problem solving and research activities using project-management skills. They will have the fundamental knowledge and skills to enable them to investigate and examine relevant business concepts in a work-related context, determine appropriate outcomes, decisions or solutions and present evidence to various stakeholders in an acceptable and understandable format.

Sample 1

Sample 2

Unit 7 - Business Law

The aim of this unit is to enhance learners' understanding of how business law is applied to the running of a business organisation. Students will gain knowledge of business law and examine the impact of the law on business operations and decision making.

The unit will enable learners to illustrate the impact of the law on normal business operations and when registering a company and inviting shareholders to invest in it. They will gain an understanding of the law in relation to market abuse and director responsibilities. Students will be able to recognise the application of employment law while gaining a practical understanding of the skills and experiences undertaken by those practising in a business law context.

Sample Workbook 1

Unit 8 - Innovation and Commercialisation

This unit aims to give learners a comprehensive understanding of innovation and commercialisation. In today's competitive landscape it is critical that organisations continually innovate both their product offering and processes to ensure that they remain competitive in the market. Adopting a more commercially driven approach is vital to maximise the Return on Investment (ROI).

By the end of the unit, learners will have gained an understanding of how innovation is fostered, harnessed and managed in organisations. They will learn the value of innovation and its importance to supporting commercial growth. They will also acquire knowledge that will enable them to develop a creative and innovative approach that will benefit them throughout their career.

Sample Workbook 1

Sample Workbook 2

Unit 9 - Entrepreneurial Ventures

The unit aims to illustrate the concept of entrepreneurship and how having an entrepreneurial mindset can make a contribution to all businesses, be that a new business start-up or existing public and corporate organisations. Students will explore the skills, traits and characteristics of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. Students will understand the importance of different size businesses on the economy and the contribution they can all make to society. Students will also learn about the need for intrapreneurs and the impact of disruptive entrepreneurship.

By the end of the unit, learners will have gained research skills and the knowledge that they can develop an entrepreneurial mindset that will benefit them throughout their career. They will understand the contribution that businesses make to the economy and the importance of entrepreneurial activity for all businesses in all sectors.

Sample Workbook 1

Unit 14 - Digital Business in Practice

In this unit, learners will explore the impact of a range of digital technologies in the workplace. They will examine how these technologies can support businesses aims and services, allow interaction with customers, for example to promote their business, to encourage people to visit their e-commerce site, to buy goods or services, to drive and increase sales and to provide high levels of customer service. The skills generated through an understanding of the practical and necessary use and application of relevant technologies will enable learners to present themselves as being digitally literate to employers and give them the confidence to succeed in applying modern, digital methods.

Sample Workbook 1

Entry Requirements - How Do I Apply?

To gain entry onto the HNC/D Business course, you must:

  • • Have experience working in a business environment OR have a related level 3 qualification
  • • Be at least 18 years old
  • • Have a UK address
  • • IELTS 5.5 (reading and writing must be at 5.5), CEFR level B2 or PTE Academic 51 (if applicable). If you need an English test and do not have one, you can book a Pearson PTE Academic test via their website.

Apply Now

Can I be accepted with experience?

Yes. If you do not possess the relevant qualifications but have experience working within the business sector – you can be accepted onto the course. Each application is considered on an individual basis.

Level Of Education

All learners must have GCSE’s at grade A* to C or 9 to 4, in subjects such as Maths and English, or a Level 2 equivalent.

A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject, such as Business, or adequate performance in more than one GCE/A-Level subject, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject.

Experience working in business if you don’t have a level 3 qualification in business.

For individual guidance on how your work experience will impact your course application, email us at admissions@unicourse.org.

Payment Plans

At UniCourse you can pay upfront or via monthly instalments.

If you would like to take advantage of the cheaper upfront payment option but it isn’t viable to pay this all in one go, you have the option to make a 30% downpayment, and then set up a monthly payment plan to pay the remaining balance (up to 12 months), interest free.

Please note: you are required to enrol before purchasing your course.

Step 1: Submit your application form. You will receive an email with our decision within one working day.

Step 2: Once your application is approved (subject to eligibility) you will receive confirmation of this via email, along with instruction to submit an enrolment form.

Step 3: Once you have completed both forms, you can then purchase your course.

Upfront Payments

1 Year Registration - 120 Credits- £1800

2 Year Registration - 120 Credits- £2100

3 Year Registration - 120 Credits- £2400

2 Year Registration - HNC/D - 240 Credits- £3200

3 Year Registration - HNC/D - 240 Credits- £3800

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Progression - What Can I Do After My Course?

After completing the HNC, learners have two options in terms of academic progression:

  • Top up to the Pearson BTEC HND, and later go onto the third and final year of a BA/BSc (Hons) degree
  • Go straight onto the second year of a BA/BSc (Hons) degree

The first option would offer greater flexibility because you can control how long the HND takes. The faster you submit your assignments, the faster your course finishes, whilst the second year of a degree would be a rigid duration with submission dates.

Also, going from the HNC onto the second year of a university degree course would, naturally, be much more expensive due to the nature of their fees (usually £9k per year), whilst the top up HND starts at £1,800.

The best option for those looking to progress onto a full BA/BSc (Hons) degree, ultimately, is to register for the HNC/D combined course, which can be purchased from £3,200 (equivalent of 2/3s of your degree). Going down this route gives you a significant cost saving when you compare it to purchasing the HNC and HND separately.

Visit the Pearson Degree Finder to view a full list of degree programmes/universities who will guarantee you access to their second or third year by after obtaining our HNC or HNC/D.

There are also many UK universities who have confirmed they recognise HN qualification, and will assess applicants on a case by case basis. They can be viewed here.

Opportunities After Unicourse

What could these qualifications lead to?

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in business, which learners can build on if they decide to continue their studies.

Once learners have achieved the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, they can develop their careers in the business sector by:

- entering employment
- continuing existing employment
- linking with the appropriate professional body
- committing to continuing professional development, or
- going to university

Progression to University

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant business-related courses, for example:

- BSc (Hons) in Business and Management
- BA and BSc (Hons) in Business Studies
- BSc (Hons) in International Management

University recognition and articulations

Pearson BTEC work with a range of higher education institutions around the world that accept Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals as a qualification for entry onto their undergraduate degree courses. Many universities allow advanced entry to the second or third year of the course. Agreements can include transferring learning credits from one course or qualification to the other, articulation and case-by-case admission.

Students should be aware that each university sets its own admission criteria and that those criteria can change. Before applying, learners should understand the course entry requirements for the subject and year in which they want to study. For more information on entry requirements, including 2+1 articulations, please visit https://www.highernationals.com/degree-finder.

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