This Diploma is an internationally recognised qualification and is validated, administered and verified by BTEC which has now merged with University of London Examinations to form Edexcel.

The aim of the BTEC National Diploma is to provide students with a sound, basic business education, suitable for those seeking a range of careers in industry, commerce and public administration and thus enabling them to be more successful when seeking employment. It is a well regarded qualification for entry to Higher Education and advanced professional studies.

The Diploma offered by the college is unique since it is based on an international context and this, together with the learning methods utilised, enable students to take an active part in their own learning. Course tutors help to generate motivation and self-reliance, which stimulates interest among students as they develop into an active group using their skills to work as a team.

Students will be assessed on their work during the course and will also have examinations. Equal importance will be attached to the grades obtained in both. Grades are awarded by the college and approved by the BTEC External Verifier.

A BTEC Programmes Manager will be available to guide students through the course and to help them understand the principles of BTEC.

It is, above all, a practical course, designed to develop the skills of students to be able to solve problems, which are likely to arise in daily work. In addition, it enables students to continue their studies since it gives entry, and in some cases exemption, to a whole range of recognised diploma and degree courses. It is also possible to obtain subject for subject exemptions in other diploma and professional qualifications.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS

Students should normally be aged 16 years or over.
They must possess four GCSE's or an equivalent qualification, or a BTEC first Diploma, plus a reasonable knowledge of the English language. Mature students (over 21 years of age) may be exempt from this requirement on grounds of experience.
Where students lack the necessary qualifications but have taken and passed the Certificate in International Trade. , they will be eligible for entry.

DURATION OF COURSE

Each Course lasts two academic years, a total of approximately 64 weeks.
There are two intakes of students per year, one in February and one in September.
For those starting in February:
The first academic year commences in February and ends in early December. The second academic year commences in late September and ends in June the following year.

For those starting in September:
The first academic year commences in late September and ends in June the following year. This is the same for the second academic year.

The course is structured around formal classes, seminars, tutorials and individual tuition. In addition, students will be expected to undertake private study. Students will have to prepare at least two assignments per subject per term, plus two integrated assignments.

See the full list of fees & start dates

SYLLABUS

The course consists of a core of eight modules spread over two years and eight option modules, four of which are taken in each year. There is also a Common Skills element.

The eight core modules are as follows:

1. Business Structures and Goals.
2. Business Environment.
3. Marketing Process.
4. Physical Resources.
5. Financial Resources.
6. Human Resources.
7. Administrative Systems.
8. Innovation and Change.

Options to be taken by all students are as follows:

1. Information Systems.
2. International Marketing Systems.
3. Accounting Procedures.
4. Quantitative Methods.
5. Behaviour at Work.

AND

Small Business Computer Systems.

OR

Advertising. International Trade. Personnel Policies and Practice or Business Law.

The Common Skills which will be developed throughout the course are as follows:

1. Managing and developing self.
2. Working with and relating to others.
3. Communicating.
4. Managing tasks and solving problems.
5. Applying numeracy.
6. Applying technology.
7. Applying design and creativity.

These common skills will be developed through the core modules, and in particular, through a programme of core assignments .

On successful completion to the course, students will be awarded the BTEC National Diploma.