Higher Certificate in Business

Course details

An in-depth understanding of business and business psychology are key skills required by organisations whether small, medium or large in either a national or international context. This programme brings together these two elements by allowing the learner to examine how the skills required in a real business environment can be affected by psychological elements. Building from the foundations of business the programme provides a structured approach for those who want to develop both technical and practical skills in these areas. Programme delivery is highly interactive utilising small class sizes and blended learning approaches for part-time allowing for maximum flexibility.

FULL TIME PROGRAMMES:

Leaving Certificate/Under 23 Years of Age:

Applicants must have a minimum of 250 points. A minimum of grade D in at least five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination, including Mathematics and a language, is also required.

FETAC Award: Candidates holding a relevant FETAC Major Award at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications may be eligible for entry to the programme. Such candidates must apply through the CAO system.

Mature Applicants: Candidates over the age of 23 will be considered as mature applicants. Such candidates should complete the application form above and return it to the the Office of Student Services and Academic Administration. Eligible applicants will be invited to attend for interview and may be required to provide additional information e.g. personal reference.

PART-TIME PROGRAMMES

All applicants for part-time programmes should complete the application form above and return it directly to the Office of Academic Administration and Student Services. Eligible applicants will be invited to attend for interview and may be required to provide additional information to enable the college to assess eligibility e.g. work history, personal reference, etc.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• All applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of commencing the programme.
• Offers of places will be made subject to completion of a satisfactory garda vetting procedure.
• This programme requires learners to participate in practice placements that will bring them into contact with Individuals who have potential vulnerability and in which they will be required to assume a position of trust. In the interest of public trust and confidence, procedures are in place to ensure that only applicants who can demonstrate suitable motivation and characteristics are eligible for selection or progression.
• Part Time applicants must have access to suitable equipment and broadband technology, as specified on the Blended Learning information page.
• All applicants are expected to be fluent and competent in both written and spoken English. In the case of overseas applications students will have to provide certification of competency in English indicating a minimum score of 6.0 IELTS.

Higher Certificate in Business Studies Programme Content

YEAR 1

• Introduction to Third Level Studies
• Introduction to IT Applications
• Financial Accounting 1
• Contemporary Business Management
• Financial Accounting 2
• Principles of Marketing
• Business Mathematics & Statistics
• Communications and Personal Development in a Business Environment

YEAR 2

• Organisational Behaviour
• Microeconomics
• Management Accounting 1
• Business Applications Technology
• Business Law
• Total Customer Care
• Macro Economics
• Management Accounting 2

Assessment

Programme assessment methods across the Higher Certificate in Business Studies have been designed to afford learners the opportunity to demonstrate their learning using a variety of approaches. Therefore, the programme requires learners to engage with a range of assessment strategies including practical assignments, essays, learning journals, examinations, reflective exercises and projects.

Careers

The design of the Higher Certificate in Business Studies has taken direct account of new and emerging career opportunities in associated areas of business and management. Whether at multi-national level or in the small business arena the skill and knowledge imparted across the programme are those which industry have indicated they require in any new post-recession business degree programme.