Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business (Business Management) (RQF)

Course ID: ECLHNBM04-RQF

Awarding Body: Pearson – Awarding body course specification can be found here

Duration: 24 Months

Intakes: September and February

RQF Level: 5

Credit Value: 240 Credits

Study Mode: Full-time

Tuition Fee: £6000 per year

Entry Requirements: Applicants must be aged 18 and above. The awarding body has not set any defined entry requirements. The College makes admission decisions based on students’ potential to complete the programme. Applicants will benefit most from this programme if they hold one or more of the following:

  • A BTEC Level 3 qualification or another related level 3 equivalent qualification
  • An Access to Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution
  • An international equivalent to the above qualifications
  • Relevant work experience

Mature students may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector. Prospective Students will be interviewed to discuss their relevant experience and intention for the course they have applied.

English Language Requirements:

  • International students must fulfil the UKVI requirements by providing a valid SELT (Secure English Language Test)
  • All students will need to demonstrate that their English Language level is equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B2

Additionally, applicants need to have a good level of Numeracy and ICT skills

Course Structure and Information: The Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Business Management) is a Level 4 and Level 5 qualification made up of 240 credits. It is studied full-time for over a period of two years. An HND student is expected to have achieved at least 90 credits at Level 4 before progressing to Level 5 units. During the course, students will develop the knowledge and academic study skills required for further study or employment. These skills include active research and writing skills, analytical skills, critical skills, problem-solving and team-building.

Students will learn to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems and will be able to perform effectively in the chosen field. They will also learn the qualities necessary for employment in situations requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making. The aim of the qualification is to prepare students to thrive in the changing world of work.

The units below will be studied for this programme:

Core Units (Level 4)Unit CreditLevel
Unit 1 – Business and the Business Environment154
Unit 2 – Marketing Processes and Planning154
Unit 3 – Human Resource Management154
Unit 4 – Leadership & Management154
Unit 5 – Accounting Principles154
Unit 6 – Managing a Successful Business Project (Pearson-set)154
Optional Units (Level 4)  
Unit 7 – Business Law154
Unit 16 – Managing the Customer Experience154
Core Units (Level 5)  
Unit 19 – Research Project (Pearson-set)305
Unit 20 – Organisational Behaviour155
Specialist Units (Mandatory)Unit CreditLevel
Unit 24 – Understanding and Leading Change155
Unit 25 – Global Business Environment155
Unit 26 – Principles of Operations Management155
Specialist Units (Optional)Unit CreditLevel
Unit 31 – Employee Relations155
Optional Units (Level 5)  
Unit 43 – Business Strategy155

* Modules may be subject to change.

Teaching, Learning & Assessment: This course will be delivered on a full-time basis, and days of study will vary for different cohorts, and students will be informed at the initial stage of the application process. The mode of delivery will be traditional face to face teaching. However, under unavoidable circumstances, the course may be delivered via blended learning or online delivery.  Group and individual tutorials support will be provided throughout the course. Students will participate in sessions related to developing their academic skills, professional skills and overall development. Sessions for the course are delivered and designed with specific activities to assist students in developing knowledge based on their individual learning style and goals. Employment engagement is embedded within the teaching and learning structure.

Teaching, learning and assessment strategy will reflect an appropriate balance between broadening and deepening academic knowledge and developing practical employability skills.

Students will undertake a variety of assessments, both formative and summative, throughout the course. A variety of assessments methods may include presentations, debates, discussions, research on case studies and practical tasks. These assessments will enable progression and the identification of any support needs. This course does not contain any formal examinations.

Module assignments are set by the College. All assignments are mandatory and are targeted for industry-specific skills. Students will receive individual grades of a Pass, Merit or Distinction for each module. In order to gain the full qualification, all fifteen modules must be passed. Assessment grades are subject to internal and external verification.

The Higher National in Business curriculum provides a clear line of sight to employment, depending on which specialist areas students complete.

Student Support: An extensive induction programme will be provided as a first step to the introduction of the various support mechanisms available to students. Support will continue throughout the course, including the allocation of personal tutors for additional advice and guidance to facilitate students’ progression and successful completion of the course. Employability and enrichment activities are embedded within the course to enhance students overall personal, social and transferable skills.

Further information on student support and welfare can be found here:

Student Support and Welfare Webpage

Next Steps:  The skills gained as part of the Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Business Management) can provide students with the opportunity to work in many different areas within the business sector. Alternatively, on successful completion of the course, students can progress for entry to an undergraduate degree programme at selected Universities. The College is able to support student progression to universities.