HEFC Business Studies (I) Wed 12-3

HEFC Business Studies (I) Wed 12-3 AAA0325

Is it for me?
At some stage (past, present or future) we all work in a business organisation of some sort, so why not study how they operate and why they do what they do? The module is designed to provide students with an insight into the key functions of business, in particular, finance, marketing, people management and the wider operating environment are considered. For example, the Business Studies module aims to enable students to:

• understand the legal structures available to business, including reasons for choosing to be a sole trader, partnership, private limited company, etc. Also franchises and functions within organisations
• know the different objectives of Public and Private Sector businesses and why they differ
• have a knowledge of the staffing issues relevant to managing any business
• calculate and analyse financial calculations that are relevant to a business and measure its success
• have an understanding of the financial concepts and application of relevant data to a business
• understand how to measure and compare efficiency and the importance of efficient production processes and their link to financial control
• understand the importance of market research to business and of different techniques of primary and secondary research
• different aspects of marketing, such as target markets, niche markets, the marketing mix, etc
• understand the importance of change in business and factors leading to change, including TQM, JIT and team-working

What do I need?
HEFC Diplomas attract students from a wide variety of backgrounds and subject areas who want to go on to study for a higher education degree. The Diploma consists of 3 different HEFC units and the Toolbox. Passing the Diploma will give the candidate enough UCAS points to apply to higher education and guidance on applying to university will be given during the tutorial element of the Diploma.

What do I need to know?
The Diploma is a level 3 course and contains a high level of independent learning. You will carry out research, write reports and essays, deliver presentations and sit exams. Therefore you will need to have an interview and an initial assessment.
Depending on the results of your initial assessment you will either be offered a place on the Diploma or offered a place on other courses that will enable you to progress onto the Diploma. You will need to attain, in your initial assessment, level 2 in literacy and/or numeracy to enrol on the Diploma.
There is no age limit on for students wishing to study a HEFC Diploma but you need to be returning to education, having had at least a one year gap and wishing to progress into higher education. Please note that acceptance on to some courses may be subject to a satisfactory police clearance. Further guidance will be given by the course team at interview or induction. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to studying on this course, a number of factors will be taken in to consideration.
Students for whom English is not their first language must have gained an English Language assessment of at least 5.0. Experienced college staff will help you choose the most appropriate subjects to fulfil your aspirations.

What will I study?
You will study 2 units.
Unit 1

• Legal structure
• Types of business including public, private and not for profit
• Functions of business
• Organisational structure
• Management and leadership styles
• Management competences
• Models of management: scientific management and human relations theory
• The HR function: people management techniques
• The importance of recruitment, selection, training, motivation and reward

Unit 2

• Macro and Micro environmental analysis
• Stakeholders within business
• The marketing function
• Financial accounting techniques
• Construction of trading profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and cash flow analysis
• Interpretation of accounts and ratio analysis

Some of the content is also mentioned above, under 'Is it for me?' More detailed information and/or an explanation of any part of the units is available on request.

Where will I study?
Baltic Campus
You'll be based at our fantastic £39million Baltic campus on the quayside. The campus has a prime location on Gateshead quayside, and state-of-the-art facilities including a Jacuzzi, gym and sauna, a 200 seat theatre, state-of-the-art classrooms, training kitchen and restaurant, refectory, bistro and vending areas.

How will I be assessed?
Assessment includes formative (on-going) assessment and summative assessment (test or exam) as below: an assignment (1,500 word report which accounts for 60% of the final mark) and phase test in Unit 1 and
an assignment (1,500 word report which accounts for 60% of the final mark) and examination in Unit 2.

How will I be taught?
Teaching (and students) will be active and hopefully enjoyable. Learning is not a spectator sport, so students will be encouraged to get involved in their own learning in order to achieve their full potential and progress successfully onto the next stage in their education/career.

What qualification will I get?
Three modules and the Toolbox are required to gain the nationally recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma. Business Studies is one of the three modules you can study and you will also gain a separate certificate for this module.

Can I go onto further study?
Yes. You can study at Higher Education level at either Gateshead College or at other HE institutions.

What are the career opportunities?
A variety of job/career options are available to successful students and whatever students do after this module they will have a better understanding of the organisation where they are based. Or perhaps you would like to start your own business, and this module will help.

Financial information
We aim to make studying at college as easy and stress free as possible. We can offer you information, advice on guidance on the different loans, grants and financial assistance available. Visit our financial information pages for more information.

Does it include key skills?
You will have access to the ICT facilities of Gateshead College and will naturally develop/improve skills in ICT, teamwork, numeracy and literacy - but these are not formally assessed as part of the course.

How do I apply?
You can drop in to our Baltic Campus to complete an application form.
An interview is required for this course.