HNC in Leadership & Management (Full-time)

Course Specification

This HNC, Level 4 programme is designed for individuals seeking a comprehensive introduction to business and its various functions. This programme is ideal for those looking to develop and strengthen core skills, preparing them for further study at Level 5 or employment in roles requiring personal responsibility.

Students who enrol will gain extensive business knowledge and practical skills through research, independent study, directed study, and workplace scenarios. This course is suited for those interested in vocational activities that foster vocational behaviours and transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research, and analysis. By the end of Level 4, students will have a solid understanding of leadership and management concepts and be competent in both subject-specific and general skills relevant to key business areas.

This recognised and valued higher education qualification offers opportunities for advancement in the workplace as well as options to continue academic study to an HND in Business and then a BA (Hons) degree.

There are several options for entry to this course:

• 48 UCAS points
• One A Level or BTEC National Diploma / Certificate
• Relevant work experience in a business department role

This programme is delivered over one year, two days per week, on a four-semester basis from September to June. The HNC is a broad-based business qualification and consists of the following modules:

The Contemporary Business Environment

Business activity is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, with organisations transforming inputs into outputs across various industries globally. Despite their differences, all business organisations operate within dynamic, complex, and volatile external environments that influence their activities. This unit aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business functions and the broader environments in which organisations operate.

Students will explore different types of organisations, including for-profit and not-for-profit, and their varying sizes and scopes, from micro-enterprises to global corporations. They will examine the relationships between organisations and their stakeholders, and how external environments shape business decision-making. The knowledge and skills gained from this unit will enhance students' insights into business functions, support their analytical thinking, and help them apply key analytical tools in business planning, ultimately guiding their future studies and professional careers.

Marketing Processes and Planning

Businesses of all sizes, whether operating globally, internationally, or locally, use marketing to influence engagement with their products and services. This can involve encouraging customers to buy products, use services, or donate to charities. Organisations employ various marketing techniques and tools to inform and persuade us. This unit introduces students to the dynamic marketing sector and the numerous career opportunities it offers, helping them make informed career choices.

Students will learn about the competencies and behaviours required by employers in the marketing sector. They will be introduced to key marketing principles, enabling them to develop marketing plans and use elements of the marketing mix to achieve results. The unit covers marketing theories and frameworks, relating them to real-world examples, including everyday products and services. The knowledge and skills gained will enhance students' career prospects, whether they choose to start their own business or seek employment in an organisation.

Management of Human Resources

People are the lifeblood of any organisation, and attracting, recruiting, and retaining talented staff is crucial for success across business, voluntary organisations, and government. Human resource management (HRM) equips organisations with the principles, knowledge, and behaviours needed to focus people-management activities on enhancing organisational performance and success. This unit provides students with the knowledge and skills for HR roles, whether generalist positions like HR assistant, adviser, or business partner, or specialist roles in recruitment, talent acquisition, and performance and reward management.

Students will explore the nature and scope of HRM, including recruitment and retention, training and development, reward systems, employment relations, and legislative frameworks. The unit aims to enable students to apply effective HRM principles to enhance sustainable organisational performance, balancing business and people outcomes. By applying HR practices in a work-related context, students will develop skills in areas such as resourcing, talent planning, recruitment, learning and development, and employee engagement. Upon completion, students will understand the purpose and scope of HRM activities and be able to apply people-management skills to improve organisational performance by solving people-related problems.

Leadership and Management

Effective leadership and management are highly valued by industry, as employers seek managers who can motivate, inspire, and build respect within their workforce. The hard and soft skills required for these roles are often identified as gaps in recruitment. Developing these skills is crucial for students aiming to achieve career aspirations in leadership and management.

This unit helps students understand the difference between the function of a manager and the role of a leader. It covers the characteristics, behaviours, and traits that support effective management and leadership, along with the theories that guide managers and leaders towards business success. Students will explore various leadership styles, their applications, and effectiveness. Additionally, the unit provides insights into motivational strategies, both intrinsic and extrinsic, and emphasises the importance of managing performance for continuous improvement.

Accounting Principles

Management accounting is a profession that supports decision-making, planning, and performance management systems within organisations. Management accountants provide expertise in financial reporting and control, assisting in the formulation and implementation of strategies by supplying relevant financial information and managing related accounts administration. This unit aims to introduce fundamental accounting principles that underpin financial operations and support sustainable decision-making.

Students will develop both theoretical and practical understanding of various financial and management accounting techniques. Upon successful completion, they will be able to assist senior colleagues in producing and analysing budgets, creating simple financial statements, and using financial ratios to interpret performance. Additionally, students will explore broader aspects of accountancy, including ethics, transparency, and sustainability, gaining essential knowledge and skills to progress to higher levels of study.

Managing a Successful Business Project

This unit is a Pearson-set unit, with the project brief determined by the centre based on an annually changing theme provided by Pearson. The chosen project within this theme allows students to explore and examine a relevant and current business topic in the context of the business environment. Project management skills are highly valued by employers across all business sectors, as efficiently planning, procuring, and executing a business project requires leadership, time management, problem-solving, budgeting, and communication skills.

The aim of this unit is to give students the opportunity to demonstrate the skills needed to manage and implement a small-scale business project. They will conduct independent research and investigation to carry out and execute a project that meets specific business aims and objectives. Upon successful completion, students will be confident in decision-making, problem-solving, and research activities using project management skills. They will have the fundamental knowledge and skills to investigate and examine relevant business concepts in a work-related context, determine appropriate outcomes, decisions, or solutions, and present evidence to various stakeholders in a clear and understandable format.

Operational Planning and Management

Operations management is integral to every organisation, service, and product, focusing on the administration of business practices to achieve maximum efficiency. It involves converting materials and labour into goods and services as efficiently as possible to maximise profits. This unit aims to help students understand how operations management oversees all business activities to efficiently create and deliver products and services, including the transformation of inputs into outputs and activities throughout the supply chain.

Students will explore quality management and continuous improvement in the production process, reviewing both internal processes and external factors such as supplier performance and customer interactions throughout the supply chain. By the end of the unit, students will gain insight into the complex nature of operations, processes, and supply chain management, which is essential for understanding the holistic work environment in any industry and organisation.

Digital Business in Practice

As businesses digitise their operations and processes, digital skills are increasingly valued by employers. Developing skills in areas such as data analysis, digital design, digital marketing, and customer relationship management is crucial for progression in higher education and enhances employability across various roles in the business environment. New technologies play a significant role in the economy and society, requiring businesses to continually update and upskill their workforce. Individuals also need to stay current with the evolving digital landscape.

In this unit, students will explore the impact of various digital technologies on the workplace. They will examine how these technologies support business aims and services, facilitate customer interaction, promote businesses, drive sales, and provide high levels of customer service. By understanding the practical application of relevant technologies, students will develop digital literacy, presenting themselves as competent to employers and gaining the confidence to succeed using modern digital methods.

Your work will be continually assessed internally throughout the course. The assessment will depend upon the particular module being studied. Typical assessment methods include assignments, developing portfolios and presentations.

Information for employers

For employers, investment in this programme can directly impact your business. By developing your future managers, they are better placed to contribute to productivity and performance whilst positively impacting the functioning of your business and delivering your KPIs.

Students will receive ongoing one-to-one guidance and support. Learning resources are provided and available from home via the college's Moodle system. Our dedicated Student Support Tutor for Higher Education also provides support with assignment planning, organisation and time management, presentation skills, reading and notetaking.

To join this course you will first have to register with UCAS at www.ucas.com and then apply through UCAS. (Choose: Sign In-Students-Undergraduate-Apply-Register and follow the instructions.) You will then receive a confirmation email from UCAS and the College will be in contact with an interview date. Current Shrewsbury Colleges Group students should seek support from their tutor before applying.

If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the programme most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, or ring Admissions on 01743 653111 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.