Entry requirements
This programme is suitable for students who are capable of working at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to Highers), with a strong interest in Business. You should also have a good level of written & spoken English.
Why take this course?
This programme incorporates classroom-based study with work-based learning to prepare you for entry to the workplace or full-time Further or Higher Education. It will provide you with certificated evidence of your knowledge and the skills you have developed to prepare you for future work in a business setting.
You will be well-equipped for progressing to a Modern Apprenticeship in Business, starting an HND course in Business at College, or progressing to university level study.
Find out more about this course from Skills Development Scotland
What you will experience
The variety of topics covered means that you will gain a valuable appreciation of the vast range of factors involved in modern-day business practice. This qualification sits well alongside Higher Business Management to provide a broad insight into the world of business. You will study towards a National Progression Award which will include units in:
- Understanding Business
- Management of People and Finance
- Web Apps: Word Processing
- Web Apps: Spreadsheets
- Contemporary Business Issues
You will also undertake work-based learning during which you will gain accredited experience in the following areas:
- Plan how to manage your own performance in a business environment
- Communication in a business environment
- Supporting other people to work in a business environment
- Designing and producing documents in a business environment.
Pupils completing this Foundation Apprenticeship on a Short Duration Delivery Model (1 year programme) will be expected to undertake both coursework and work-based learning elements within the same year, generally spending equivalent of a day a week in a College staff delivered class and a day a week on placement. We recommend that applicants for the one-year delivery model only study 3 additional school-based courses alongside the Foundation Apprenticeship.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
Work placement
This course involves a work based learning experience and will require the equivalent of 6 hours per week allocated to this in the second year of study, or during the first year if studying the full Foundation Apprenticeship over one year.
For the one-year pathway, pupils need two additional half days or one full day per week for completion of a work placement.
Selection process
A selection process will be applied to all applicants.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
Upon successful completion of this course, you may be able to progress to one of the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:
University
This course will prepare you to access a range of university degrees programmes. Foundation Apprenticeships are accepted by all Scottish Universities as equivalent to at least one Higher. For further information you should consult the entry criteria for individual courses at the institution of your choice.
Employment
Those who wish to progress directly to employment will find a range of entry-level jobs available in a variety of business areas including – business development, supply chain management, marketing, HR and Administration. Upon completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship, you may gain advanced entry onto an associated Modern Apprenticeship.
Student Stories
Rebekka McLaughlin
Business & Management
SVQ Management
“I’ve had such a positive experience with the College and can’t recommend the workplace learning route highly enough. I think it’s important to recognise that there are various routes to achieving qualifications and this was the right path for me.”
Read more about Rebekka's story
Katelyn Louise Share
Business & Management
HND Administration & Information Technology
“NESCol is such a supportive place to study, and the staff go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals.”
Read more about Katelyn's story
Kate Wolska
Business & Management
HND Accounting
“My daughter is so proud of me. I’m doing it for her – to show her if you want it, you can do it now for tomorrow.”
Read more about Kate's story
Drew Smith
Business & Management
Business Skills Foundation Apprenticeship
“If you’re not too sure about what you want to do, then I would definitely recommend a Foundation Apprenticeship because it gives you an insight into working while you’re still studying.”
Read more about Drew's story
Morven Garden
Business & Management
Business Administration Modern Apprenticeship
“I feel confident moving forward as the experience of a Modern Apprenticeship and the skills I have managed to develop stand as a strong base structure for the rest of my career.”
Read more about Morven's story
Abby Grant
Business & Management
HND Accounting
“For anyone considering studying Accounting at NESCol, I would say it will definitely set you up and give you the right foundation for progressing on to a career in accountancy. I feel the skills I learned at college have been very beneficial in the work I am doing today. I use my knowledge gained at college of accounting principles and taxation every day.”
Read more about Abby's story
Ami Batchelor
Business & Management
HND Advertising & PR
“This course will benefit you in more ways than one and the lecturers are some of the best people you’ll get to meet.”
Read more about Ami's story
Lewis Gordon
Business & Management
Business & Administration Apprenticeship
“This vocational route has allowed me to get a good balance between work and my social life, and have healthy finances!”
Read more about Lewis's story
Nicole Faulkner
Business & Management
HND Legal Services
“College really helped me bridge the gap between being in relatively small classes at school and being in huge lectures at university.”
Read more about Nicole's story
Kieran & Mykaela Alexander
Business & Management
HND Legal Services
“The lecturers on the course were just brilliant and had so much valuable knowledge and experience to pass on.”
READ MORE ABOUT THEIR STORY
Applications
This course is only available to pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeen City and Shire, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
Currently unavailable
This course is currently unavailable for booking. Why not join our mailing list to be the first to know when bookings re-open? Don’t worry – you can choose to only hear about part-time, full-time or distance learning courses and we’ll only be in touch when we’ve got something important to tell you. Alternatively, you can browse our distance learning courses and start learning straight away!
Please note that courses are subject to minimum viability levels. In the event of insufficient numbers of applications, courses may be withdrawn from the programme. Certain courses are arranged with schools working in a consortium arrangement – in such cases, pupils from consortium schools will be given priority in the allocation of places.
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