Higher National Diploma in Business

Introduction

This course can lead to achieving an Honours Degree in Business within 3 years. Application is outside the CAO system and is made directly to Senior College Dun Laoghaire (SCD).

The internationally recognised two year BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND), with a one year progression to an Honours Degree, is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and understanding required in business and management environments. It also provides graduates with key business skills and knowledge for direct entry to employment. Graduates are prepared for the challenges posed by the dynamic nature of the workplace.

Students wishing to complete their studies at the end of Year 1 are eligible for the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business.
 

Career Opportunities

Business subjects, coupled with expertise in Information Technology, prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities at middle and senior management levels in:

 

• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• General Administration and Management
• Insurance
• Banking
• Self-employment
• Marketing
• Public Sector
   

Course Structure

Learners study 16 key business subjects over two years. The first year provides broad coverage of all business disciplines. The second year is designed to allow learners to study specific business areas indepth namely Finance, Marketing, Management, and Human Resource Management.

Core elements

 

Year 1: Higher National Certificate in Business

• Marketing Principles
• Organisations and Behaviour
• Management Financial Resources & Decisions
• Human Resource Management
• Business Environment
• Advertising and Promotion in Business
• Personal & Professional Development
• Aspects of Contract & Negligence for Business

Year 2: Higher National Diploma in Business

• Business Strategy
• Business Decision Making
• European Business
• The Internet & E-Business
• Financial Reporting
• Sales Planning and Operations
• Employee Relations
• Research Project

Support Elements

• Applied Information Technology – Year 1:Spreadsheets, Word Processing, Presentation Software (MS Office 2010)

• Study Skills

• Career Advice and CV Preparation

• Enterprise Workshop
   

Assessment and Certification

• This course is certified by BTEC/EDEXCEL. Learners must pass all 16 subjects to be awarded the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business.
• Learners who pass all Year 1 subjects are eligible for the BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business.
• The Higher National Certificate/Diploma Qualification will be awarded at a Pass/Merit or Distinction Level.
• This course is examined through continuous assessment incorporating assignments and exams.

Progression
 

Education/Training

Learners may progress to the:

• Final year of the 3 year BA (Hons) Business Degree at Swansea Metropolitan University.
• Third year of the Bachelor of Business in Enterprise (Ordinary Degree) at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire (IADT). Learners have the option of completing a second year at IADT (provided certain grades are achieved) to obtain a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Enterprise.
• Second year of the 3 year BA (Hons) in Business or the BA (Hons) in Human Resource Management at the National College of Ireland.
• Third year of the 4 year part-time Bachelor of Business Studies (Hons) in Marketing or Bachelor of Business Studies (Hons) in Human Resource Management at the Institute of Public Administration.

• Second year of the 3 year BA (Hons) Business or the final year of the Bachelor of Business (Ord) at Dublin Business School (DBS).

Entry Requirements

Year 1

• Leaving Certificate

Applicants should have achieved five passes at ordinary level (grade D or better), which must include English. Foundation Maths is acceptable.

• Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

Applicants should submit details of achievements.

• Mature Students (including VTOS and BTEA)

Applicants without these entry requirements will be considered on the basis of age, experience and overall demonstrable ability.

• Other Applicants

Other equivalent qualifications will be considered. Learners wishing to transfer from similar courses should contact the College to determine suitability.

• FETAC Awards

Applications will be accepted from learners who have achieved a FETAC Level 5 Business Award.

• Other Requirements 

All applicants will have an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Applicants will also be advised on course costs and registration details. 
 

Year 2

• Applicants must have successfully completed Year 1 or equivalent.

Fees

There are no tuition fees for EU students. At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, €200 PLC Government Levy (unless exempt), a Student Services fee and where applicable professional body registration fees.