HND Business

This two-year Higher National Diploma (HND) develops your ability to understand business issues from a range of perspectives, to analyse management problems and specify workable solutions. In the first year, you will study the general global business environment and be introduced to the fundamentals of business. In the second year, you will develop analytical skills and suggest recommendations to business issues. You will further your knowledge of financial management, operations and project management and international business and culture, and make specific plans for employment.

A minimum of 32 UCAS points, including one 6-unit award or equivalent, plus a minimum grade C/4 in GCSE Mathematics and English Language. Applications from mature students are welcome. You will apply directly to Kingston University.

The HND prepares you not only for the world of work, but also for 'top up' conversion Degree programmes. There is a very significant focus on developing business and employability skills that will provide successful students with career enhancing opportunities and the opportunity to proceed to a full Honours Degree. After completion of their HND, students can further their studies by taking the third year of the BA (Hons) Business (Top up), also offered at Kingston College.

Overall Workload Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning, and assessment activity. Assessment comprises a variety of methods including coursework, group work, practical activities, presentations, written reports, essays and examinations.

Assessment The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Assessment methods include written assignments and a range of coursework assessments such as assignment reports, online tests, presentations and written tests. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. All assessments are spread across the year to make the workload manageable.

Academic Support: Our Academic Support Team provides help in the following areas:

• Study Skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
• Written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
• Academic Writing (including how to reference)
• Research Skills (in conjunction with the library)
• Critical thinking and understanding arguments
• Revision, Assessment and Examination Skills (including time management)

Our Student Support Services help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Suitable applicants requiring a Tier 4 Visa will be contacted by our International and Compliance Officer, who will guide you through the process. These are the courses available for Tier 4 students.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, demonstrators and technical officers.

Teaching You are taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor. You will have access to computer labs and library facilities throughout your course.

Independent Learning When not attending lectures, seminars and other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for any examinations.

The course will comprise of the following modules:

Year 1 (Level 4)

• Business and Study Fundamentals - core 30 credits
• Business Organisations and the Wider Environment - core 30 credits
• Career and Employability Development - core 30 credits
• Essentials of Marketing - core 30 credits

Year 2 (Level 5)

• Finance for Management - core 30 credits
• Introduction to Projects and Operations Management - core 30 credits
• International Business and Culture - core 30 credits
• People and Organisations - core 30 credits