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Higher Certificate in Business

Programme Overview

CAO Code: NC103

This course is an ideal starting point to your studies in business and can be a platform for further studies. The course will give a good grounding in all areas of business and will appeal to those wishing to pursue a career in business, enterprise or related fields.

As a graduate of this course you will:

  • Develop a range of higher level thinking and applied skills.
  • Have a specialised knowledge of the key theories and principles relevant to business.
  • Build up personal skills like communication, problem solving and teamwork.
  • Understand the latest thinking in areas like HRM, marketing, finance and management.
  • Have an ability to apply knowledge and skills to problem solve within the business world.

Course Structure and Award

This course is a two year higher certificate. The course is run over 4 semesters with continuous assessment held throughout the course and examinations at the end of each semester. On completion you will receive a HETAC Higher Certificate in Business at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Career Prospects

The course is an excellent basis for starting work in a variety of roles within business, commercial or public sector bodies. This programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to build a successful career in the business world.

Further Study Options

Upon successful completion of the Higher Certificate in Business, graduates can gain entry into year 2 of any BA (Honours) Degree programme in the School of Business (subject to places).

Who is the Programme for?

The course is for school leavers, mature students and graduates of FETAC level 5/6 programmes.

Entry Requirements

Minimum entry requirements are a grade D3 or above (Higher or Ordinary level) in five subjects. A minimum of grade D3 (Higher or Ordinary level) must be obtained in English. A minimum of grade D3 (Higher or Ordinary level) or a B2 or above in Foundation level must be obtained in Mathematics. Please check details of points awarded for foundation level subjects.

Mature applicants, applicants with a disability or those applying from Docklands or Area Based Partnership areas should consult further information for applicants.

Programme Fee

All courses qualify under the Free Fees Initiative, Higher Education Grants Scheme and the VEC Scholarship Scheme.

Student Profile

Sheena Conway
EdelI love the College. You get to know your class very well because of the smaller classes and the community environment. The lecturers know you by name and are very approachable. There’s great support to further your education and I can’t wait to go on. I would highly recommend NCI and doing the Higher Cert gives you plenty of options.


Fact File

Location Duration NFQ Level Assessment
IFSC, Dublin 1 Two years,
full-time
Level 6 End of semester exams
Continuous Assessments

* Please Note
A review of this programme, which is required under our quality assurance procedures every five years, is due to complete in December 2009 and is subject to HETAC approval. This may result in some changes to the programme as published.

Programme Modules

Year 1
Accounting 1 Accounting 2
Business Communications 1 Business Communications 2
Business Law 1 Computer Skills 1
Introduction to Business Management 1
Organisational Behaviour 1 Organisational Behaviour 2
Personal & Professional Development 1 Personal & Professional Development 2
Year 2
Business Information Systems Business Law 2
e-Business Strategy Economics 1
Economics 2 European Studies
Human Resource Management Management 2
Marketing Project Management
Qualitative & Quantitative Methods 1 Qualitative & Quantitative Methods 2

Start Date

Monday 7th September 2009

Programme Location

IFSC Campus

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