HNCPearson BTEC Higher National Certificate
Business
You'll study strategic leadership, financial management, marketing strategy and operations management. A Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate: Level 4, 120 credits. It is also the first year of the HND.
Full title: Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
- Level
- Level 4Higher National Certificate
- Size
- 120credits
- Units
- 6 mandatoryplus 2 optional listed
- For
- School leavers and adults
01What you'll study
Four areas of study.
-
Strategic Leadership
Develop advanced leadership skills, organisational change management, and strategic decision-making frameworks.
-
Financial Management
Master financial analysis, budgeting, investment appraisal, and corporate finance principles for business growth.
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Marketing Strategy
Design integrated marketing strategies, digital campaigns, and brand positioning for competitive advantage.
-
Operations Management
Optimise business processes, supply chains, and quality systems for operational excellence.
Where you learn
In Lisbon, or wherever you are.
The same Pearson qualification, whichever way you study.
02The units
What's on the course.
Mandatory units, plus optional units. Your final set of optional units is confirmed with your academic team.
- Mandatory
- 6
- Optional listed
- 2
- PSA units
- 1
- Unit 1 The Contemporary Business Environment 15 Credits Mandatory
- Unit 2 Marketing Processes and Planning 15 Credits Mandatory
- Unit 3 Management of Human Resources 15 Credits Mandatory
- Unit 4 Leadership and Management 15 Credits Mandatory
- Unit 5 Accounting Principles 15 Credits Mandatory
- Unit 6 Managing a Successful Business ProjectPSA 15 Credits Mandatory
- Unit 10 Recording financial transactions 15 Credits Optional
- Unit 15 Operational Planning and management 15 Credits Optional
PSA Pearson Set Assignment: a unit assessed through an assignment that Pearson sets.
03How you're assessed
Assessed through assignments.
Assignment-based, with a Pearson-set assignment unit.
Assessment at a glance
- Professional reports, strategic plans, financial analyses, and business proposals.
- PSA units use Pearson briefs with external verification standards.
- Real-world business scenarios and case study analysis.
Skills you build
- Strategic planning, financial management, and leadership capabilities
- Business analysis, project management, and operational excellence
- Marketing strategy, brand management, and digital transformation
- Legal compliance, risk management, and ethical business practice
04Where it leads
Every level opens the next.
The HNC is the first year of the HND (Level 5).
- L3 Business Level 3
- HNC Business This course
- HND Business HND (Level 5)
- Degree top-up On application
- L3 Marketing Level 3
- HNC Business This course
- HND Business HND (Level 5)
- Degree top-up On application
What is the difference between an HNC and an HND?
An HNC is a Level 4 qualification worth 120 credits. An HND is a Level 5 qualification worth 240 credits: the HNC year plus 120 credits at Level 5.
How is it assessed?
Through assignments (coursework). Higher Nationals include a Pearson-set assignment unit at each level.
Can an HND lead to a degree?
HND graduates can apply to top up to a bachelor's degree, usually entering the final year, at universities that accept HNDs. Entry is subject to each university's own requirements.
What does it cost?
Fees are set by level, with and without boarding. The HNC (Level 4) figures are on the fees page. See the fees.
How do I apply?
Send us an enquiry with the subject and level you are interested in. We'll get back to you to talk through your options and the next steps.
06Start here
Where will you start?
Tell us about yourself, what you'd like to study and whether you'd rather join us in Lisbon or online. We'll suggest a starting level and talk you through your options.