Duration: 1 Year

Start Day/Time:

This is a full time course with attendance for four days per week over a year.

Qualification: Access to Higher Education Diploma

Awarded by: Open College Network of the South West Region

Introduction:

This course is intended as an entry route into Higher Education for those without the normal entry requirements.

It sets information technology within a business context and offers many and varied employment opportunities after Higher Education studies.

Entry Requirements:

You must have a real interest in the subject area and be working towards or have achieved level 2 literacy and numeracy . There is likely to be a written assessment exercise as part of the interview process. To apply go to:

http://www.thecollege.co.uk/highereducation/appsupportnotes.php

Course Details:

The course will cover the following areas:

Business Law

This covers the nature and content of Business law, together with an awareness of the legal environment in which businesses operate. You will develop skills for analysis of legal issues and how to communicate these.

Business Management

An introduction will be given to the important aspects of organisational structure and management, which affects Business today. This will include analysis of Human Resource planning, and an in-depth study of management styles and philosophies.

ICT

This unit demonstrates the applications of technology in the Business context. You will study and gain practical computer knowledge and experience, using a range of software applications, including spreadsheets and presentation software.

Business Environment

This offers an examination of economic policy and the performance of the British economy e.g. inflation, unemployment, balance of payments, exchange rates, and interest rates. An understanding of economic principles and how they affect people, business and industry, and the government will be developed. Business structure is also examined.

Marketing

You will gain an understanding of the principles of marketing, as well as learn how to undertake a market research project and how to devise a marketing plan. Elements covered will include a comprehensive look at the marketing mix, market segmentation, business competition, and product design and advertising, and looking at markets from a cultural perspective. This will also be studied in an international context.

An understanding of the principles of marketing, the ability to undertake a market research project and to devise a marketing plan will be developed.

Finance and Accounting

An introduction will be given to the basic principles of preparing and understanding accounts for sole traders and limited companies, which will include cash flow, ratio analysis, and regulatory and ethical considerations.

Course Assessment:

You will need to satisfy the course requirements through assessments and pass final examinations. The course is subject to a progress assessment in January.

The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification and you will need to achieve a minimum 60 credits with 45 credits at level 3.

Course Progression:

This Access course is suitable if you wish to progress onto further studies in higher education. It is suitable for entrance to degree level studies in Accountancy, Law, Marketing, Information Technology, Public Administration, Business Studies and Public Relations.

Cost: Please call 01202 205205 for more information.

Associated Costs:

Additional exam fee for English/Maths where appropriate.