HND In Business (IT)

This two-year full time Higher National Diploma programme aims to develop the student's ability in the business field, together with a solid foundation in IT. It is ideal if you wish to integrate your business and computing skills in a stimulating academic environment.

Year 1:

You will study modules designed to provide a foundation in business areas and an awareness of the major themes of Information Technology. By the end of this year you will have a broad understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of marketing, the ways in which finance is managed within a business organisation and the internal nature of organisations from both a theoretical and practical viewpoint. You will learn the techniques for the effective use of information in Business decision making. You will develop the preliminary skills necessary to install and manage networks, and also to evaluate the capacity of an information system to satisfy the needs of the user.

Core units
Marketing
Managing Financial Resources and Decisions
Organisations and Behaviour
Business Environment
Common Law 1

Compulsory Specialist Units
Networking Concepts
Multimedia Design and Authoring
Website Design

Year 2:

In year two, you will further develop the major themes of Business and IT. By the end of this year you will carry out a research project into a specified area of business. You will be able to evaluate and select strategies appropriate to business organisations, investigate the operation of organisations in relation to the local, national and global environment and demonstrate the essential elements of common law. You will be encouraged to design and evaluate a prototype multimedia system and also construct and manage an effective e-business website interface. You will have an understanding of how EU membership impacts on the UK and organisations located in the UK, and how an organisation's commercial activities will impact on the environment.

Core units
Business Strategy
Business Decision Making
Information Systems
Research Project

Compulsory Specialist Units
Network Technology
System Analysis
Project Management
E-Business Operations

Assessment

Assessment is undertaken in a variety of ways that include assignments, practical projects, presentations, critiques and in some cases examinations depending on the type of module. All assessment is designed to both assess performance and as a learning vehicle. Industrially relevant topics are used in assessments wherever possible.

Career opportunities

As a recognised vocational qualification, the HND will open doors into a range of business and IT-related positions in City firms, multinational companies, specialist consultancies and small and medium-sized enterprises across a broad range of industry sectors.

Opportunities for further study

Graduates from this course are ideally suited to continue with their studies to degree level and dependent on their level of achievement may enter either year 2 or year 3 of the degree course.

Requirements

at least 18 years of age plus
at least one GCE A Level pass in a relevant subject with appropriate supporting passes at GCSE
or Certificate/Diploma in Business or in a related subject (e.g.Tourism, Hospitality and Catering)
or appropriate work experience