International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies – Business Pathway

Compulsory education leavers (16+) and learners who want to gain an accessible route into Higher Education with the opportunity to progress on to undergraduate courses that require a higher level of study skills.

‍Target Audience:

• 16+

Academic English and Study Skills (10 ECTS Credits)

This module is designed to help students develop academic competence and awareness of academic English and study skills in preparation for higher education studies.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit, you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

• Demonstrate organization of ideas and arguments in a clear and logical manner
• Ability to write English clearly and appropriately using an appropriate range of sentence structures and vocabulary
• Use citation and referencing appropriately
• Use the work of others in academic writing – summarising, paraphrasing, and quoting

Foundation Mathematics (10 ECTS Credits)

This module is designed to consolidate learners’ knowledge and competence in mathematics through topics in the areas of statistical methods and linear algebra. The mathematical techniques taught in this module will be necessary to build a wider set of mathematical skills across a broad range of disciplines.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit, you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

• Demonstrate an ability to carry out basic algebraic manipulation
• Plot graphs and apply general rules and principles of graphical construction
• Apply the concept of probability to find solutions to a range of problems

The Business and Financial Environment (20 ECTS Credits)

Every organization cannot operate on its own in an isolated environment – this is affected directly or indirectly by other factors. This module exposes the students to these factors creating the necessary awareness of the type of product, competition available, customers, type of ownership, and financial documents to be prepared and interpreted – in actual fact, it gives the student a macro view of all the elements that may influence the performance and operation of each business operation.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit, you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

• Understand the range of different businesses: local, national, international, global, private, public, not-for-profit/voluntary; sectors of business activity: primary, secondary, tertiary
• Evaluate the purposes and functions of different organizations, the influence of stakeholders, and how the business organizes itself through strategic planning and organizational structuring
• Show the function and role of key stakeholders, owners, employees, suppliers, and customers
• Demonstrate the purpose of accounting and the grouping of business income and expenditure
• Demonstrate the role of recording transactions, activity monitoring, and the management of business

Impact of Communication Technology and Digital Marketing on Business (20 ECTS Credits)

Nowadays more than years ago communication technology has a vital and crucial role in business operations. Emails, networking, social networks, media, and ways of marketing have become a necessary requirement for the efficient performance of a business. This module addresses these issues so the student is conscious of the impact that communication technology may have on the business and how digital marketing has changed the way businesses use technology for marketing.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit, you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

• Understand the types of information: verbal, written, onscreen, multi-media, and web-based
• Describe examples of how the internet is used by selected, contrasting businesses
• Understand the key features of planning for the increased use of e-business at different levels
• Demonstrate the role of Internet marketing within a modern marketing context
• Show different aspects of Marketing: business to business, business to consumer, consumer or consumer, mainly based on modern information and communication systems

‍Assessment

Assessments will be designed according to the guidelines of each module specification. In general, the assessments will enable learners to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes across the individual elements of the program. The range of assessments utilized will normally include essays, reports, presentations, and other structured assignments and examinations.

Assessments are drafted in conjunction with the curriculum development department and tutor concerned. The final version is confirmed by the curriculum development department.

Assessments are moderated by the tutor concerned, and then also verified by the Internal Verifier.

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Procedures

This program offers both variety and flexibility, ensuring that the learning and assessment activities are relevant and of value for future progression. Throughout this program learners are continuously and actively involved in all teaching methods including;

• Lectures
• Hands-on activities
• Seminar
• Workshops
• Enquiry-based learning

Lectures and other teaching methods are delivered interactively, with discussion sessions and tutorials in the form of hands-on and problem-solving activities building on the relevant academic study skills including concepts and practices.

These activities help learners to use different research and online tools. Learners are asked to reflect on the tools and activities, inviting discussions with regard to their own knowledge and skill and adapting these tools to their current situations and contexts. Feedback is given where appropriate throughout the course.

Learners are also introduced to appropriate websites and other related material for further development of their knowledge and skills.

Grading System

Grading will be based on – Pass – Merit – and Distinction.

Resits will be permitted for each respective assignment and module. No more than two resits are permitted to the student and the grading will be only a Pass.