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HND in Business

An HND in Business will provide a breadth of competences. The HND will extend the range of competences covered in the HNC. The specific aims of HND Business are to:
1. Enable candidates to consider and revisit core business issues and develop a depth of understanding from a managerial perspective.
2. Further develop organisational and investigative skills
3. Promote the development of transferable skills in planning, organisational and evaluation and enable the candidate to investigate business issues and problems in depth.
4. Provide an advanced entry point to an organisation.
5. Facilitate speed of progression within an organisation
6. Promote advanced level of entry to further academic or professional qualification.
7. Develop the underpinning knowledge which supports SVQs.

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  • Tuition fees: £1,205 - £8,100
  • Programme level: SCQF level 8
  • UCAS code: ALM2
  • Start date: January, September
  • Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
  • Duration: 2 years

What will I study?

The HND is the second year of a 2-year course in Business focussing on the managerial skills needed to succeed within the business sector. The HND can prepare you for a career (or further studies) in a number of specialist areas, for example, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Financial Services.

You will gain insight into the different factors that influence modern-day businesses as well as the structures and strategies adopted by organisations to develop, grow and succeed.

With business roles being in high demand, particularly within the UK, studying the HND in Business will provide a pathway into the industry for ambitious and committed students.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, have interest in management, looking to refresh your skills and knowledge or are simply seeking a change in career, our Business course is for you.

All teaching for this programme will be delivered in person, on campus. Classes will not be delivered online. 

 

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What will I learn?

  • Develop knowledge and skills required for employment in a business environment
  • Acquire skills and knowledge in key business functions such as Management, Marketing, and Accounting as well as developing knowledge and skills in Economics, Communication, Problem Solving and the influence of technology on the business environment and businesses themselves
  • Provide a grounding for students looking to start up their own business by integrating a Business Fundamentals unit while exploring emerging digital business models and getting an introduction to accounting
  • Develop study and research skills
  • Develop transferable skills including Core Skills to the levels demanded by employers

Programme information

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

After completing the HND in Business you are currently eligible for the Associate Grade of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) with the designatory letters ACMI. HND Business graduates who also have three years management experience are currently eligible for the Member Grade with the designatory letters MCMI. For more information click here

The Chartered Institute of Bankers for Scotland currently accept holders of the HNC and HND directly into their higher level qualification leading to MCIBS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland). Click here for more information.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

As of the 1st October 2020 CIMA accredited programmes will be given exemptions in line with the new global CIMA accreditation policy. Please click here for the list of qualification exceptions

Entry requirements for year 2 entry

See HNC in Business for year 1 entry

  • Successful completion of the HNC in Business PLUS
  • 2 Highers or equivalent and National 5 Maths or equivalent
  • Relevant National Qualifications or National Qualification Group Awards at SCQF level 5 or 6

English Language requirements 

Teaching takes place solely in English and you must demonstrate that their English language proficiency is at a level that will allow you to follow your intended programme successfully.

If English is not your first language you must hold a qualification as evidence of your English language skills. Full details of the qualifications we accept, can be found here.

Student Visa requirements for study in the UK

The UK Government approves certain English language qualifications as being Secure English Language Tests (SELT). These meet the government’s requirements for visa applications.

Al-Maktoum College will accept the following:

  • IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills
  • LanguageCert – B2 or equivalent
  • Pearson – PTE Home or PTE Academic
  • PSI Skills for English – PSI Services

SELT’s can only be sat at approved test centres. A list of all the approved test centres is available on GOV.UK

The list of approved English language tests has been assessed as meeting Home Office requirements under the secure English language testing arrangements. Only those tests and test levels specified are approved. If you intend to use an English language test in your immigration or nationality application you must take one of the tests on the list.

You should make sure the test that you book is the one approved for the SELT.

 

Full entry requirement information can be found here

Successful completion of the HND in Business may allow you to progress to year 3 of a related degree programme or alternatively into employment.

The HNC and HND in Business prepare learners for entry to a wide range of positions in employment. Below are a small selection of those where progression is possible directly or with further study or experience:

  • Business development manager
  • Business change manager
  • Project manager
  • Business analyst
  • Operations analyst
  • Marketing officer

Teaching

  • You will have at least 16 hours of class time per week with an additional 12-16 hours of independent study expected
  • Classes will be in the form of lectures and small group tutorials
  • All teaching for this programme will be delivered in person, on campus. Classes will not be delivered online.

Assessment

Assessment will be through reports, essays, and case studies as well as presentations, group assessments, exams and projects.

The HND includes a Graded Unit, which is a project in the form of a practical assignment. It is designed to assess your ability to retain and integrate the knowledge and skills gained in the award and to also grade your achievement.

There are three grades:

A — if you achieve 70% or over

B — if you achieve between 60% and 69%

C — if you achieve between 50% and 59%.

Applications to the HNC/D in Business or the HNC/Diploma in Management & Leadership may apply directly using the College online application system or may also be submitted through UCAS.

UCAS decisions will be made directly through the Track function, however we my contact you to provide further information or to invite you to a short informal interview.

For the direct application, please make sure you have the following information:

  • Academic transcripts and qualification certificates
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
  • Passport details
  • Referee details

We consider all aspects of the application: academic qualifications, personal statement and references.

If you have any questions, please contact admissions@almcollege.ac.uk

Project Management: Strategy, Decision-making and Risk

This unit is designed to develop learners’ understanding of the process of project management in the workplace. It aims to develop a theoretical understanding with a practical underpinning. Learners will be required to consider the importance of information to make strategic decisions while assessing risks and their relevant impact. Learners will interpret data, apply project management theories, and demonstrate a level of competency with project management software. Learners are also required to create their own project plan.

Outcomes:

On completion of the unit the learner will be able to:
1. Evaluate the role of business information in decision-making.
2. Assess the potential strategic risks posed to an organisation in a specific context.
3. Develop a plan to manage identified risk.
4. Plan a project using project management software.

Manage Operational Resources

This unit is designed to develop the skills required for learners to analyse the management of operational resources in an organisation. It enables learners to recognise the key role of the transformation process and how all aspects of operational management are built around it. The unit focuses on key areas of operations management within service and product organisations like: quality; ethics and environmental considerations; the impact of technology; health and safety; and budgetary control. It is aimed at learners who have current experience of working in a position with management responsibilities or who are returning to management after a break. It is also suitable for those who do not presently have current management experience but have aspirations of taking up a management role in the future. Successful completion of this unit will provide a foundation for further management units at more advanced SCQF levels.

Outcomes:

On successful completion of the unit the learner will be able to:
1. Analyse the management of operations.
2. Utilise financial data in operations management.

Preparing Financial Forecasts

This unit is designed to enable learners to develop an understanding of the use of
management accounting information within a business organisation. It provides learners with
the skills required to prepare basic management accounting reports. In addition, the unit will
also enable learners to learn the financial techniques used for making decisions in relation to
budgeting, control and investment decision making.

Outcomes:

On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1. Prepare and analyse budget statements for decision-making and cash management.
2. Analyse the impact of price and costs on break-even analysis for decision-making.
3. Assess the viability of a project using investment and project appraisal techniques.

Human Resource Management: An Introduction

This introductory unit is intended for learners who plan to pursue an extended course of study in Human Resource Management (HRM), or who are considering a career in this discipline. It is also suitable for those learners who may wish to gain a holistic overview of how human resource management can add value to an organisation. It is designed to develop knowledge of the role of human resource management as a key function within organisations and to develop an understanding of the factors of change that have shaped and continue to influence the discipline of human resource management.

It introduces learners to the activities that make up human resource management and how these activities contribute to the success of individuals, teams and organisations. It also allows learners to focus on a contemporary human resource management issue of particular interest to themselves. The research and presentation methods demanded of this unit should develop skills which are transferrable into the workplace. These elements alongside the research aspect of Outcome 1 should help prepare learners who plan to continue to further levels of study.

Outcomes:

On successful completion of the unit the learner will be able to:

1. Contextualise and explain the factors that are currently shaping human resource management policy and practice.
2. Explain the main activities of an effective human resource function.
3. Analyse the benefits of, and barriers to, achieving an effective human resource management function.

Economics: Micro and Macro Theory and Application

This unit is designed to build on learners’ knowledge of the microeconomic and
macroeconomic environment. The unit exposes them to microeconomic and macroeconomic
applications of theory. The unit allows the introduction of current issues in economics.
including mainstream and non-mainstream theories, and their application. The unit provides.
an opportunity for learners to assess and evaluate macroeconomic issues and related policy.

Outcomes:

On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1. Explain the costs of the firm and the market structures within which firms operate.
2. Assess the impact of macroeconomic issues and evaluate related government macroeconomic policy.

Managing Business Culture & Strategy

This Unit is designed to enhance candidates’ understanding of business strategy and how it can be developed and managed within the culture of an organisation. It highlights the dynamic nature of the business environment and the role that business strategy and organisational culture can play in improving the long-term performance of an organisation.

Outcomes:

On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1. Assess the relationship between organisational culture and organisational behaviour.
2. Explain the influence of business strategy on organisational behaviour.
3. Explain how to manage a changing business strategy effectively.
4. Analyse the behavioural skills and techniques required to manage a business strategy.

Management: Leadership at Work

The purpose of this Unit is to enable candidates to analyse approaches to leadership and apply them to leading a team within a functional area or department of an organisation. It emphasises the need to ensure that the leadership approach can motivate, support and direct people to achieve the vision and objectives for a team in each work area. The Unit is aimed at candidates who have current experience of working in a position with management responsibilities or who are returning to management after a break. It is also suitable for those who do not presently have current management experience but have realistic aspirations of taking up a management role in the future. Successful completion of this Unit will provide a foundation for further management Units at more advanced SCQF levels.

Outcomes:

On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1. Analyse approaches to leadership.
2. Analyse team leadership.

Individual Employment Relations: Law

This Unit is designed to provide candidates with knowledge and understanding of the main principles of employment law. It is intended to provide underpinning legal knowledge which can be applied in the workplace. This Unit would be relevant to those working or intending to work in a range of contexts such as HR, in-house and specialist legal teams, and voluntary organisations such as Citizens Advice.

Outcomes:

On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1. Apply common law and statutory rules relating to the contract of employment.
2. Apply common law and statutory rules in relation to equality.
3. Apply common law and statutory rules in relation to employment protection.
4. Apply common law and statutory rules in relation to dismissal.

Economics: The World Economy

This unit is designed to build further on learners’ knowledge of the microeconomic and
macroeconomic environment by introducing them to the world economy. The unit introduces.
learners to key features of the global economic environment, including consideration of the
basic elements of international trade theory, international payments, institutions of the world
economy, economies undergoing change and multinational enterprises. The unit provides an
opportunity for learners to analyse and evaluate these issues and concepts while utilising.
their research skills.

Outcomes:

On completion of this Unit, the candidate should be able to:

1. Explain international trade and the role of trade organisations.
2. Analyse the operations of the international monetary system.
3. Analyse issues facing developing countries.
4. Assess the importance of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the world economy.

Human Resource Management Practice

This introductory unit is intended for learners who plan to pursue an extended course of study in Human Resource Management (HRM), or who are considering a career in this discipline. It is also suitable for those learners who may wish to gain a holistic overview of how human resource management can add value to an organisation. It is designed to develop knowledge of the role of human resource management as a key function within organisations and to develop an understanding of the factors of change that have shaped and continue to influence the discipline of human resource management.

It introduces learners to the activities that make up human resource management and how these activities contribute to the success of individuals, teams and organisations. It also allows learners to focus on a contemporary human resource management issue of particular interest to themselves. The research and presentation methods demanded of this unit should develop skills which are transferrable into the workplace. These elements alongside the research aspect of Outcome 1 should help prepare learners who plan to continue to further levels of study.

Outcomes:

On successful completion of the unit the learner will be able to:

1. Contextualise and explain the factors that are currently shaping human resource management policy and practice.
2. Explain the main activities of an effective human resource function.
3. Analyse the benefits of, and barriers to, achieving an effective human resource management function.

Statistics for Business

Statistics for Business
This unit introduces learners to statistical concepts including descriptive and inferential statistics used in business. The unit will provide learners with the underpinning knowledge and skills required to apply statistical techniques to address business problems using appropriate IT software.

Outcomes:

On successful completion of the unit the learner will be able to:
1. Explain statistical techniques for collecting data.
2. Use statistical techniques to analyse data, interpret data and produce forecasts.
3. Perform hypothesis testing.

Business Graded Unit 2

This Graded Unit is designed to provide evidence that the learner has achieved the following principal aims of the HND Business (GT05 16):

1. Develop greater range and depth of knowledge of core and specialist business functions from a managerial and strategic perspective.
2. Further develop research, critical thinking, management, and organisational skills.
3. Develop skills in analysis and evaluation of business issues and the ability to interpret and express them in an integrated and holistic manner.
4. Develop knowledge and application of business law at an introductory level.
5. Enable progression to intermediate/advanced level commercial, supervisory, or managerial positions in business organisations.
6. Develop knowledge of business and economic issues in an international context.

Individual Employment Relations: Law

This Unit is designed to provide candidates with knowledge and understanding of the main principles of employment law. It is intended to provide underpinning legal knowledge which can be applied in the workplace. This Unit would be relevant to those working or intending to work in a range of contexts such as HR, in-house and specialist legal teams, and voluntary organisations such as Citizens Advice.

Outcomes:

On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1. Apply common law and statutory rules relating to the contract of employment.
2. Apply common law and statutory rules in relation to equality.
3. Apply common law and statutory rules in relation to employment protection.
4. Apply common law and statutory rules in relation to dismissal.

Presentation Skills

This unit is designed to develop the skills required for the advanced use of presentation software, including a range of multi-media, and to apply these skills to deliver effective presentations. It would be suitable for learners involved in preparing and delivering presentations for business, vocational or social purposes.

Outcomes:

On successful complete of the unit the learner will be able to:

1. Plan and explain the key components of making a successful presentation.
2. Prepare a screen-based presentation on an agreed topic.
3. Deliver and evaluate a screen-based presentation.

What our students say

To anyone who is considering studying at Al-Maktoum College, I would encourage you to go for it. You will be glad you did. Not only will you receive a high level of teaching but you will be supported and valued along the way. Alm College is very accommodating and strives to ensure the students have the best experience and receive the best education possible.

Jaber Business Student

There are no limits at the Al-Maktoum College. If you are looking for a bespoke and outstanding learning experience, and a College that values your time, your commitment and supports you to achieve the very best of yourself, then, think or look no further.

Amina Business Student
Pictured: Hamza

My overall student experience with the College has been really educative and exciting. I can boldly say that joining Alm College has been the best decision I have made for my education so far. Alm College has become a second family to me.

Hamza Business Student
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