Course Description

This two-year full time Higher National Diploma programme aims to develop the student's ability in the business field, together with providing 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 the 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 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 how 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 assessments are designed to both assess performance and as learning vehicles. Industry 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

UCAS Code / Course Code: 604-L71