Contents
Higher Qualifications Centre
Rationale
Foundation and Vocational Courses
Pre-university Foundation Courses such as shown here and the British Foundation degrees are considered a part of vocation education which has been defined as follows:
Vocational Education (or Vocational Education and Training (VET) - now called Career and Technical Education (CTE)) prepares learners for careers or professions that are traditionally non-academic and directly related to a specific trade, occupation or vocation, hence the term, in which the learner participates. It is sometimes referred to as technical education, as the learner directly specialises in a particular narrow technique of using technology.
Vocational education might be contrasted with education in a usually broader scientific field, which might concentrate on theory and abstract conceptual knowledge, characteristic of tertiary education .Vocational education is in most cases a form of secondary or post-secondary education. In some cases, vocational education can contribute towards a tertiary education at a university as academic credit however, it is rarely considered in its own form to fall under the traditional definition of a higher education. Up until the end of the twentieth century, vocational education focused on specific trades such as for example, an automobile mechanic or welder, and was therefore associated with the activities of lower social classes. As a consequence, it attracted a level of stigma. Vocational education is related to the age-old apprenticeship system of learning. |
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However, as the labour market becomes more specialised and economies are demanding more skills, governments and businesses are increasingly investing in the future of vocational education through publicly funded training organisations and subsidised apprenticeship or traineeship initiatives for businesses. At the post-secondary level vocational education is typically provided by an institute of technology, or by a local community college.
Vocational education has diversified over the 20th century and now exists in industries such as retail, tourism, information technology, funeral services and cosmetics, as well as in the traditional crafts and cottage industries.
The Foundation Degree is a vocational qualification introduced by the government of the United Kingdom in September 2001, which is available in England. It is similar in level to the American associate's degree, and in the United Kingdom sits between the Higher National Diploma & Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts level of education. Courses are typically two years long and are offered both by universities and colleges of higher education.
Foundation degrees are intended to give a foundation in a subject, thus the name, that enables the holder to go on to employment in that field. They have been designed in partnership with employers and Further education colleges (FEC's). The latter were seen to be more 'in touch' with vocationally oriented students, and the needs of industry, while Higher Education Institutions (HEI's) offered the rigour of quality control to the partnership. One of a number of important differences between the Foundation Degree and the Higher National Diploma (HND) is that it stands as a degree, and as such has a common value of 240 Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points in the UK Higher Education System. By contrast, the HND could be recognised for entry to a degree course at as little as no credits, and as much as 240 credits, depending on the receiving institution. A further important difference is that Foundation Degrees, as originally conceived, were to give students with substantial industry experience the opportunity to frame what they knew against appropriate academic perspectives, and were to be accessible by students 'in work'. This reflects a strategic shift towards lifelong learning, in support of the Blair governments commitment to expand the number of Degree award holders in the UK. The Foundation degree has also been suggested to serve other agendas, including bringing HEI's and particularly Universities into contact with the communities and industries which they serve, and redressing the so called 'academic drift' of the former polytechnics. Foundation Degrees have been 'locally grown' by HEI/FEC/industry partnerships following guidelines laid down by Foundation Degree Forward. The partnerships have been able to offer a range of formats, including full-time, part-time, distance learning etc. One of the conditions attached to the recognition/validation of a Foundation Degree is that it must lead, in turn to a full Degree Award, sometimes called a 'Top Up degree'. |
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Also see
Programmes, Learning Contents
Edexcel registration required for all HNC/HND awards
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BTEC Higher Nationals in Business
A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a higher education qualification in the United Kingdom.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the HNC is a BTEC qualification awarded by Edexcel, and in Scotland, an HNC is a Higher National awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.[1] The attainment level is roughly equivalent to first year of university and a Certificate of Higher Education but being below that of a Higher National Diploma (HND) and two below that of a bachelor's degree. Studied full-time, the qualification normally takes one year, or part time over two years.[2] Many HNC's cover the same areas as an HND and it is often possible to complete an HND with one year full-time study after successfully completing the HNC.[3]
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a HNC (previously a level 4 qualification) is now Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework.[4]
In Scotland, an HNC is Level 7 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.[5]
References
- ^ http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/sqa_nu_display_section.jsp?pContentID=411&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&
- ^ http://www.aimhigher.ac.uk/courses/choosing_courses/levels_of_course.cfm
- ^ http://www.aimhigher.ac.uk/sites/aimhigher/student_info/hnc.cfm
- ^ http://www.qca.org.uk/493_15772.html
- ^ http://www.scqf.org.uk/table.htm
External links
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a higher education qualification in the UK
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the HND is a BTEC qualification awarded by Edexcel and in Scotland is a Higher National awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.[1][2] The attainment level is roughly equivalent to second year of university, a Diploma of Higher Education and a foundation degree but being below that of a bachelor's degree. An HND takes two years of full-time study, or one year full-time following successful completion of a a Higher National Certificate; part-time study takes longer.[3]
In Scotland an HND is Level 8 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework and in England, Wales and Northern Ireland it is Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework.[4][5] It is quite common for those who have achieved a HND to add to their qualification by progressing to other levels such as professional qualifications, or a degree. It's graded similar to GNVQ - Pass, Merit and Distinction with Distinction the highest grade and Pass the lowest grade.
References
- ^ http://www.edexcel.org.uk/quals/hn/
- ^ http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/sqa_nu_display_section.jsp?pContentID=411&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&
- ^ http://www.aimhigher.ac.uk/courses/choosing_courses/levels_of_course.cfm
- ^ http://www.scqf.org.uk/table.htm
- ^ http://www.qca.org.uk/493_15772.html
External links
The 10-unit BTEC Higher National Certificate provides a specialist work-related vocational programme of study that covers the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the sector and also offers particular specialist emphasis through the choice of specialist units.
BTEC Higher National Certificates provide a nationally recognised qualification that offers career progression for those already in employment. The qualification offers an engaging programme for higher education learners who are clear about the area of employment that they wish to enter. Their access to suitable work situations may allow learners to achieve NVQ qualifications where applicable.
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HNC/HND in Business
Edexcel registration required for all HNC/HND awards
The BTEC Higher Nationals in Business have been developed to focus on:
1. providing education and training for a range of careers in business such as administration, personnel, marketing, finance, law, purchasing and management
2. providing a general qualification which allows flexibility of study to meet local or specialist needs
3. providing specialist options which meet the needs of the major functions in business and allow specialisation with career progression and professional recognition in mind
4. providing opportunities which underpin some of the knowledge and understanding required for the relevant NVQ level 4 units in Accounting, Management, Personnel, Administration and Procurement
5. providing opportunities for learners to focus on the development of higher-level skills in a business context
6. providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life
7. providing opportunities for individuals in employment to achieve a nationally recognised level 4 vocationally specific qualification
8. providing opportunities for learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment in business or progress to higher education
BTEC HND - Your Pathway to University and Employment
The
16-unit BTEC Higher National Diploma provides greater depth and
specialisation than BTEC Higher National Certificate qualification.
These qualifications are mode free but are predominately followed
by full-time learners and allow progression into or within employment
in the appropriate sector, either directly on the achievement of
the
award or following further study to degree level.
The BTEC Higher National Diploma also provides for suitable work-experience in order for learners to apply their knowledge and practical skills in the workplace during their study.
The qualification prepares learners for employment in a particular vocational sector and is available for learners who are aged 16+, who have already decided that they wish to enter the sector, and have relevant academic ability and motivation to achieve. Some adult learners may wish to make the commitment required by this qualification in order to enter a specialist area of employment or progress into higher education. Other learners may want to extend the specialism that they followed on the BTEC Higher National Certificate programme. Progression from this qualification may well be into or within employment in the sector where learners may work towards membership of professional bodies if applicable.
BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to provide a specialist vocational programme, linked to professional body requirements and National Occupational Standards where appropriate, with a strong work related emphasis. The qualifications provide a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required in their sector and their national recognition by employers allows progression direct into employment. BTEC Higher Nationals offer a strong emphasis on practical skills development alongside the development of requisite knowledge and understanding in their sector. Learners are attracted to this strong vocational programme of study that meets their individual progression needs whether this is into employment or to further study on degree or professional courses.
A key progression path for BTEC Higher National Certificate and Diploma learners is to the second or third year of a degree or honours degree programme, depending on the match of the BTEC Higher National units to the degree programme in question.
The BTEC Higher Nationals in Business have been developed to focus on:
1. providing education and training for a range of careers in business such as administration, personnel, marketing, finance, law, purchasing and management
2. providing a general qualification which allows flexibility of study to meet local or specialist needs
3. providing specialist options which meet the needs of the major functions in business and allow specialisation with career progression and professional recognition in mind
4. providing opportunities which underpin some of the knowledge and understanding required for the relevant NVQ level 4 units in Accounting, Management, Personnel, Administration and Procurement
5. providing opportunities for learners to focus on the development of higher-level skills in a business context
6. providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life
7. providing opportunities for individuals in employment to achieve a nationally recognised level 4 vocationally specific qualification
8. providing opportunities for learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment in business or progress to higher education
Aims of the Qualification
This qualification meets the needs of the above rationale by:
1. equipping individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in a range of administrative and management positions in business
2. providing specialist routes of study which relate to individual professions within the business world in which learners are working or intend to seek employment
3. enabling progression to an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in business or a related area
4. supporting individuals employed or entering employment in the business field
5. developing the individual’s ability in the business field through effective use and combination of the knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the programme
6. developing a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enable learners to make an immediate contribution to employment
7. providing flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development in business.
Progression
A key progression path for BTEC Higher National Certificate and Diploma learners is to the second or third year of a degree or honours degree programme, depending on the match of the BTEC Higher National units to the degree programme in question. Alternatively, successful candidates can enter employment or undertake further more specialist study.
- Professional body recognition for the BTEC HNC in Business and the BTEC HND in Business
- UK Universities Giving Advanced Standing
- US Universities Giving Advanced Standing
Indicative Programmes and Courseware
HNC Structure
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Finance)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Management)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Marketing)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Human Resource Management)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Law)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (E-Business Strategies)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Information Technology
HND Structure
- BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Finance)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Human Resource Management)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Marketing)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Law)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (E-Business Strategies)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Information Technology)
Learner Support
- Student Guide - Higher National Certificate
- Student Guide - Higher National Diploma
- Strategios - Business, Management and Research Courseware Library
- Online Libraries
Staff Development
Each unit is internally assessed and graded by lecturers. Grades awarded are Pass, Merit or Distinction. There is no overall grade awarded for this qualification.
Entry Requirements
You will normally need to have at least one of the following:
1. BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate area
2. AVCE/GNVQ in an appropriate vocational area
3. GCE A Level profile which demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or an adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at level A-C or another related Level 3 qualifications
4. Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution
5. related work experience.
More mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.
Quality Assurance and Research
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Corporate Leadership and Management Development
The concept of the Learning Organization is that the successful organization must — and does — continually adapt and learn in order to respond to changes in environment and to grow. This raises a range of scholarly and theoretical questions relating to what it means for an organization to learn, and practical questions around what organizations need to do in order to learn and adapt.
The idea of a learning organization suggests that there is some learning in organizations that takes place over and above the learning undertaken by different individuals as part of their work and experience in organizations. This has been contested by different authors, but has proven an interesting idea. Is it possible, for example, for certain aspects of learning to remain in an organization, even if the participants responsible for it leave? It has been proposed that certain organisational artefacts, such as stories, records, system of doing work, tools, recipes, et cetera, function in a way that detaches the learning from individuals and makes it a property of organizations themselves.
BTEC Advanced Professional Award in Management Studies
- Final Specification
- Level 7 BTEC Advanced Professional Award in Management Studies (2005)
- Level 7 BTEC Advanced Professional Certificate in Management Studies (2005)
- Level 7 BTEC Advanced Professional Diploma in Management Studies (2005)
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Resources
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