UCBNSMGT - CertHE Business Management

Course Rationale and Distinctiveness

The CertHE in Business Management provides students with a unique opportunity to develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills in business management. It emphasises knowledge of business organisations, their environments, and the management of people within them. The course is distinctive due to its comprehensive approach, integrating theory with practical applications through business simulations and work-related modules. This ensures that students are well-prepared to tackle contemporary business challenges and excel in various management roles.

CertHE provides a clear progression pathway into Level 5 of existing undergraduate programmes, such as Business Management BA (Hons), International Business Management BA (Hons), Economics (BSC), Marketing (Hons)Creative Industries (Hons), Aviation Management (Hons) as well as proposed new pathways in Accounting and Finance and Digital Marketing.

Alignment with GSBL School/London Met University Strategy

London Met is dedicated to promoting social justice and enhancing social mobility as an institution driven by a profound social purpose. We achieve this through our values-led framework, which integrates the principles of inclusive pedagogy with a values-based vision of a curriculum that aligns with our mission: the Education for Social Justice (ESJ) Framework. We take pride in the diversity of our student body and the positive impact we have on London.

The CertHE in Business Management exemplifies the GSBL School and London Met University's strategy for learning, teaching, and assessment by adopting a modular structure that includes core and elective modules delivered over 24 weeks. It employs a blend of traditional face-to-face methods and online platforms, such as WebLearn, to facilitate a flexible and integrated learning experience. The course's emphasis on employability aligns with the University's commitment to professional development, providing students with the confidence and skills needed for their careers.

The strategy focuses on inclusive, practical, and active learning that is problem-focused and develops highly valued knowledge and skills. The course incorporates these principles by using a variety of teaching and learning strategies, including lectures, seminars, business simulations, and case studies. Additionally, the use of peer and self-assessment methods engages students as partners in learning, fostering autonomy, critical thinking, and personal accountability.

Access to Learning Resources and Student Support

Students have access to a wide range of learning resources and support services to ensure their academic success. The course utilises Web Learn for virtual lectures, seminars, and multimedia resources, enabling a blended learning approach. Additionally, students receive formative feedback through various activities, including business simulations and case studies. The flexible delivery patterns are continuously reviewed to adapt to changing circumstances, such as the current pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted access to education.

Market Demand and Employability

The CertHE in Business Management is designed to meet market demand and enhance employability in the business sector. It prepares students to address contemporary issues and challenges in business management, providing them with relevant skills and experience through work-related modules. These modules offer diverse business experiences, crucial for future careers, and underscore the course's commitment to the employability agenda. By incorporating industry expertise and real-world business problems, the course ensures that graduates are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen fields.

The main aim of the course is to deliver a contemporary and dynamic programme of study which provides students with the knowledge and skills inherent in the subject to prepare them for a career in business management by increasing their understanding of organisations, their management, the economy and the business environment.

To enable students to explore and examine key concepts, principles and techniques that make businesses successful and efficient and to link the multi-disciplinary subjects of business management coherently in the context of the business world.

To develop student’s knowledge of the decision-making process, as well as the social, cultural and ethical environment in which businesses operate. Students are provided with opportunities to engage with leading edge themes of business management including sustainability, leadership, globalisation, entrepreneurship, innovation and corporate social responsibility.

To develop students’ academic, intellectual and practical skills and promote the development of their ability to critically analyse, synthesise, and evaluate business management principles in a wide range of appropriate contexts. A central feature of this course is the development of students’ lifelong learning skills, including self-evaluation and reflection with the aim of placing students in the best position to make informed decisions about their future professional careers.

The course has been developed in conjunction with the needs of the industry and professional bodies. The core modules on the course meet the requirements for the CMI Level 4 Certificate in Management and Leadership, with the aim of helping students to develop personal management capabilities, make effective use of information in decision-making, operations and the development of skills in managing people.

The CertHE in Business Management course aims to develop a range of key skills that are essential for success in the business sector. These skills include:

1. Theoretical Understanding and Practical Application: Students gain a solid foundation in business management theories and learn how to apply them in real-world situations.
2. Analytical and Critical Thinking: The course encourages students to analyse business problems, evaluate different solutions, and make informed decisions.
3. Management and Leadership: Students develop skills in managing people, projects, and resources effectively, preparing them for leadership roles.
4. Communication: The course enhances both written and verbal communication skills, essential for presenting ideas clearly and persuasively.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration: Through group projects and business simulations, students learn to work effectively in teams, fostering collaboration and interpersonal skills.
6. Problem-Solving: Students are trained to identify business challenges, develop strategic solutions, and implement them successfully.
7. Digital Literacy: The use of online platforms like Web Learn helps students become proficient in digital tools and technologies relevant to modern business practices.
8. Adaptability and Flexibility: The course prepares students to adapt to changing business environments and to be flexible in their approach to work.
9. Professional Development: Emphasis on employability and work-related modules helps students build a professional network and gain practical experience.
10. Ethical and Social Responsibility: Students learn about corporate social responsibility and the importance of ethical decision-making in business.

These skills collectively ensure that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the business world and succeed in their chosen careers.

The learning outcomes are based on the integration of the QAA Benchmark statement for Business and Management (2019) and the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) requirements for the Level 4 Diploma in Management and Leadership.

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible professionals in their discipline. (ULO)

Take leadership decisions in challenging situations (LO1).

Possess the necessary communication skills that will help them adopt a global and multicultural perspective in their professional context (LO2).

Be cognisant of the effects of the social and environmental of their decisions (LO3).

Demonstrate application of creative thinking skills to practical problems, and possess the analytical and organizational skills to translate creative ideas to operational solutions (LO4)

Have a wide knowledge and understanding of the broad range of areas of business and management and the detailed relationships between these and their application in practice (LO5).

Consistently demonstrate a command of subject-specific skills as well as proficiency in generic skills and attributes as required of a business professional (LO6).

Have a view of business and management influenced by a wide range of learning sources, based on a proactive and independent approach to learning (LO7).

To explore alternative solutions, to demonstrate critical evaluation and to integrate theory and practice in a wide range of situations (LO8)

These undergraduate attributes will be delivered primarily through 30 and 15 credit core modules, supported by a choice of 15 credit elective modules, and independent learning.

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies 2nd edition Updated February 2024

Business and Management Subject Benchmark Statement (March 2023)

CertHE Business Management offers both formative and summative assessment that take a variety of formats including, coursework, portfolios, blogs, essays, exams, group presentations, business reports, problem-based activities, practice-based projects, group research projects, videos, computer-based tests, business simulations and a final dissertation or consultancy project.

Feedback is provided on both formative and summative in keeping with the university guidelines. Students are encouraged to engage in a dialogue through feed forward activities with staff on assessments. The aim is to encourage engagement support & constructive guidance from academic staff. This is also to facilitate and to ensure that assessment have an effective developmental impact on student learning and allow the student to reflect on their learning.

The university operates a marking and moderation process that are both rigorous and transparent to quality assure that:
• Student work is assessed on a fair basis
• Students are provided with supportive and appropriate feedback
• Academic standards in relation to student work and final awards are maintained

Where possible work will be marked anonymously. The marking process on the course involves first marker who has responsibility for giving formal feedback and making an initial assessment of the standard and a provisional mark.

N/A

Requests have been made for PSRB accreditation purposes with CMI.

In accordance with the Academic Regulations, 120 credits at level 4 must be completed to receive the Cert HE, however 30 credits may be condoned.

Part-time Structure:

Students on a part-time mode of study are required to take 60 credits per academic year to complete the CertHE programme within the maximum time length allowed (2 years).

Programme planning is therefore agreed between the student and course team, in accordance with regulations on progression and completion.

Typically, the course structure would be the Autumn modules in Year 1 and the Spring modules in Year 2

Students who complete 30 credits may receive a University Certificate.

Student must complete all core modules and the required optional modules according to the academic regulations

PDP and Reflective learning are embedded throughout the curriculum. Reflective learning and personal development planning is central to the students’ academic and career development – it is linked to assessment throughout the curriculum and is a formal element of formative feedback in several modules for the development of this key skill. Students’ experiential learning is encouraged throughout, and action learning sets, which promote reflective and Peer to Peer learning.

All modules have formative and summative assessment requiring varying degrees of critical self- evaluation and reflection in the context of business management professional practice.

N/A

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Business Management. Throughout this course, they will acquire a diverse set of in-demand and transferable business skills, equipping them to pursue various roles within today's dynamic business environment.

This qualification serves as a gateway to further academic pursuits, enabling students to progress into Level 5 of our BA (Hons) programs in GSBL at London Metropolitan University. Specifically, the CertHE in Business Management provides a solid foundation for advanced studies, facilitating your seamless transition into higher-level courses.

While the CertHE credential opens doors across multiple sectors of the business world, students may choose to continue your educational journey by enrolling in one of our BA or BSc (Hons) programmes:

Business Management
International Business Management
Business Management and HRM
Business Management and Marketing
Marketing
Events Management
Fashion Marketing and Business Management
Travel and Tourism Management
Music Managment
Economics
Airline Airport and Aviation Management
Accounting and Finance
Banking and Finance

Strong leadership skills are a key asset in any business, making a programme that develops them an excellent choice for those aspiring to succeed in business management. The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Business Management integrates leadership training within a broad business curriculum, ensuring that students can apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

As a stand-alone qualification, the CertHE provides a Level 4 certification, equipping you with valuable skills to support your job applications across various sectors. If you choose to leave after completing the one-year CertHE, you’ll still walk away with a recognised qualification that enhances your career prospects.

This programme opens doors to diverse career opportunities, including business development, marketing, human resources, management consultancy, project management, and investment. Additionally, a CertHE can serve as a stepping stone to a full degree, with the potential to progress directly into the second year of a related programme—depending on entry requirements and credit transfer policies.

Whether you continue your studies or enter the workforce, the CertHE in Business Management ensures you have the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in a dynamic business environment.

Once you have completed your CertHE you will be able to continue onto one of several of our degree courses, entering at year 2 of 3 years, allowing you to accelerate your progress towards becoming a graduate of London Metropolitan University. Courses you will be able to join include:

• Accounting and Finance
• Airline, Airport and Aviation Management
• Business Management
• Business Management and Human Resource Management
• Business Management and Marketing
• Economics
• Events Management
• Fashion Marketing and Business Management
• International Business Management
• Travel and Tourism Management

Strong leadership skills are a key asset in any business, making this programme an excellent choice for those aspiring to succeed in business management. The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Business Management integrates leadership training within a broad business curriculum, ensuring that students can apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

As a stand-alone qualification, the CertHE provides a Level 4 certification, equipping you with valuable skills to support your job applications across various sectors. If you choose to leave after completing the one-year CertHE, you’ll still walk away with a recognised qualification that enhances your career prospects.

This programme opens doors to diverse career opportunities, including business development, marketing, human resources, management consultancy, project management, and investment. Our students progress onto roles including Chartered Accountants, Project managers, Business and Creative Industry Executives, as well as further study options here at London Met. Additionally, your CertHE can serve as a stepping stone to progress directly into the second year of one of our related degree programmes.

We offer flexibility and welcome applications from students without conventional entry requirements. We take into account any alternative qualifications or other experience you may have.

All students on the course will need to complete and pass an Introduction to Higher Education which will give you a taste of the course to come, allow you to engage with our virtual learning environment and experience the timetabled hours of your programme. Once you’ve passed this introduction you will continue your studies.

Please note: these entry requirements are currently under a review and may be subject to change. Please contact us if you need any further details.