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Business Studies
Higher Certificate in Business
Course Details
Course Code | SG_BBISO_C06 |
---|---|
Level | 6 |
Duration | 2 years |
Credits | 120 |
Method of Delivery | Online |
Campus Locations | Sligo |
Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
The Higher Certificate in Business is a two year flexible, part-time programme which offers the candidate a qualification in general business culminating in a widely recognised and highly regarded award. Once the graduate completes the qualification, he or she will have a general understanding of how business organisations work in the public and private sector. This will position the graduate ideally to enter the workforce or continue with further studies. This is a two year, four semester part time, online programme. Learners on this programme are part time and often in day time employment.
Students currently study a set range of subjects with no electives. The student will be introduced to the core functions of business management such as accounting, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, human resource management, information technology and SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) development.
Important: Please note that this programme is designed to allow new students to enter every year. This means that modules are delivered every second year. Most students complete the programme within the 2-year timeframe. However, if you need to defer part of the course, you will not be able to take the module(s) again until it is running in the designated year. For example, modules running in 2023/24 will not run again until 2025/26.
– In 2021/22 the modules in Semesters 1 & 2 ran.
– In 2022/23 the modules in Semesters 3 & 4 ran.
– In 2023/24 the modules in Semesters 1 & 2 are running.
– In 2024/25 the modules in Semesters 3 & 4 will run.
Please refer to the Course format tab for a list of the modules in each semester.Modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on student demand and course updates.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Business MathematicsThis subject aims to provide learners with the necessary skills to gather, organise, analyse and present data. It also aims to enable students to gain experience with interpreting and assessing quantitative information presented to them. Learning Outcomes 1. Gain an awareness of basic mathematical principles 2. Perform calculations in financial mathematics 3. Organise and represent data visually 7. Carry out a sample survey and be aware of a number of different sampling strategies |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Personal Effectiveness and EmployabilityThis module is designed to introduce students to the Higher Education environment and to develop learning, study and employability skills. The module will motivate students to develop a more independent, reflective and self‑managed approach to study, learning, and time management. It will also outline the skills needed for effective engagement in the workplace. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop an independent, selfmanaged, reflective approach to work and lifelong learning. 2. Have confidence in learning, study, academic writing and approaches to 3. Be familiar with the Workplace cultures and professional workplace behaviour. 4. Evaluate the communication behaviour of individuals and groups. 5. Examine effective team/group processes. 6. Demonstrate decision making, critical thinking and creativity tools. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
MarketingThis module aims to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts, theories and practices of marketing and the role of marketing in all business functions. It looks at the importance of marketing research in evaluating past performance and for future decision-making. Students will also appreciate the importance of the customer experience and what influences consumer buyer behaviour. Learning Outcomes 1. Describethe five main marketingorientations, including the significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR),equality, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and sustainability. 2. Discuss the forces in themarketing environment and how organisations can respond to these forces in decision-making. 3. Assess the benefits of market segmentation and understand how to position an offer for maximum competitive advantage. 4. Explain the components and processes involved in the framing of a marketing mix, including the development of a marketing plan. 5. Explain the key characteristics underlying the management of services and the additional 3 P’s, including the importance of the customer experience. 6. Describe the market research process and understand how to design and conducta piece of systematic market research. 7. Discuss the factors which influenceconsumer buyer behaviour and the purchase decision. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Introduction to EconomicsThis module introduces the learner to Micro and Macro Economics and aims to instil an understanding and appreciation of how the economy operates. The module will provide the learner with the skills and vocabulary necessary to analyse and research the economic issues which arise in an ever-changing economic environment. The learner will be given the basic tools needed to understand the issues and the confidence to develop his own thoughts independently. Learning Outcomes 1. Introduce students to the world of economics, its main economic systems and the role of the government. 2. Investigate the forces of demand and supply and their ability to set market equilibrium and dis equilibrium. 3. Examine how national income, money, inflation and elasticity effect the effect the economy. 4. Review Ireland’s economic situation and evaluate the Irish economic policies past and present, |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Business ManagementThis module aims to develop an awareness and understanding of the core functions of management in a dynamic global business environment. Learners will also develop an understanding of each of the main functional areas of management (marketing, human resources, finance and operations) and the importance of coordination across these. Contemporary business management issues relating to these aspects and the wider business environment will be explored using practical examples, case studies and lectures. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the evolution of management theory 2. Describe the core functions of management and relationship between planning, organising, leading & motivation and controlling. 3. Evaluate the importance of the business environment in the planning process 4. Define and describe the key functional areas within an organisation 5. Identify the skills required to co-ordinate the key functional areas and their role in effective business management |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Customer ServiceThis module allows the student to develop effective customer care skills, empowering them to create positive customer experiences for both acquisition and retention of customers, build customer loyalty and cultivate a customer-centric attitude for the benefit of customers and the organisation. Core to this is the learning of key communication and interpersonal skills relevant to organisations. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the principles of excellent customer service in the context of the customer’s overall experience with an organisation. 2. Consider the contribution of customer service to business performance. 3. Develop and demonstrate key customer service and interpersonal communication skills. 4. Apply concepts of consumer and business buyer behaviour to real world situations. |
10 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Introduction to Financial AccountingThe aim of this module is to introduce students to underlying principles and concepts of financial accounting, accounting techniques and the preparation of basic financial statements. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the context and purpose of financial reporting 2. Define the qualitative characteristics of financial information 3. Describe the different types of software and technology available to support the accounting information system 4. Demonstrate the use of double-entry and accounting systems 5. Record transactions and events 6. Prepare a trial balance 7. Prepare Income Statements and Statements of Financial Position for sole traders 8. Calculate and record adjustments necessary to complete the preparation of financial statements |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Law for BusinessThe purpose of this course is to give the student an introduction to the Irish and European legal systems. The student will be introduced to the basic principles in law, which are essential in the commercial environment. It is intended that this module will create an awareness of where legal expertise may need to be sought. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the system of administration of justice in Ireland; |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Computer Applications 1The aim of this module is to provide the learner with the skills to create word documents & spreadsheets and to manipulate data and information effectively. They will also consider fundamental elements of computer systems and platforms such as hardware & software, security, privacy and the digitisation of business. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an ability to effectively use an email, contacts and calendar management system. 2. Safely manage files using folders on a variety of storage devices and platforms. 3. Prepare professional documents using contemporaryWord Processing software. 4. Capture andmanipulate data using contemporarySpreadsheet Software to produce meaningful outputs. 5. Discuss considerations relevant to the purchase and use of computer hardware, software and peripheral devices. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Management AccountingThe aim of the module is to introduce students to the principles and techniques of management accounting including their application in business situations. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the nature of cost and management accounting and differentiate from financial accounting 2. Identify and quantify material and labour resources consumed in production. 3. Calculate the cost of producing aproduct or providing a service using absorption costing principles 4. Compare and contrast product unit costs from traditional absorption costing versus Activity Based Costing (ABC) 5. Identify the procedures involved in the preparation of budgets and prepare functional and cash budgets 6. Apply appropriate techniques of cost and management accounting to short-term decision making situations. 7. Communicate information individually or in teams using written, visual and numerical forms |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Organisational BehaviourThe subject aims to introduce students to the key theories, concepts and ideas underpinning individual behaviour and group and organisational processes in organisations. In addition, it aims to introduce students to how to apply this knowledge to organisational settings. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe various personality dimensions that are responsible for individual differences in the workplace. 2. Explain perceptionand perceptual factors and the role perception plays in organisational settings. 3. Examine motivation theory and explore the application of motivation theory in the workplace. 4. Describe different leadership styles in organisations. 5. Explain the dynamics of groups and teams in an organisational setting. 6. Discuss conflict in business organisations. 7. Discuss best practice in managing a healthy workforce. 8. Explain the processes of organisational change. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Computer Application 2In this module learner will encounter some theoretical concepts behind the use of computing technology in business and personal contexts, will create a model of a real world problem using spreadsheets and will construct an information website for an organisation. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify a range of spreadsheet functions relevantto solvingbusiness problems. 2. Design and implement spreadsheet models based on real a world scenario 3. Describe the relevant considerations when creating and maintaining web sites 4. Design and construct a brochure web site 5. Summarise concepts relevant to Information Systems – Types and uses, Cyber Security, Business Ethics and Legal Issues. |
10 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
Examination and Assessment
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Progression
Some past graduates, after attaining a higher certificate proceed to pass degree and then to honours degree level. There is a clear pathway once you complete this qualification to move to the Level 7 Bachelor of Business in Management Applications (Online) and then the Level 8 Bachelor of Business Hons (one year full time or two years part time).
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Applicants under 23 require five Leaving Certificate subjects (or equivalent) at grade D including Mathematics and English or Irish. Applicants over 23 will be considered on prior relevant experience and/or motivation for taking the programme.
Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which is our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Careers
Learners will acquire the broad business skills that will enable them to obtain employment across a wide range of business environments at administrative or junior entry level or improve their work skills. This very well established part time programme has been a stepping stone for many students entering the business world. Some are now working in the manufacturing, retail and in public service. Some past graduates set up highly successful businesses.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
Those looking to acquire the broad business skills that will enable them to obtain employment across a wide range of business environments at administrative or junior entry level or improve their work skills. This very well established part-time programme has been a stepping stone for many students entering the business world.
Business