Cert of Higher Education

Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Business

Build your future with a recognised higher education qualification. Develop essential business knowledge and skills for career progression or further study.

Qualification

FHEQ Level 4

Duration

1 year full-time
Up to 2 years part-time

Assessment

100% Coursework
No exams

Progression

BSc (Hons) Business
Level 5 entry

Programme Overview

The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Business is designed to provide students with a strong introduction to higher education study in business. The programme develops foundational business knowledge alongside academic, personal and professional skills, enabling students to understand how organisations operate in contemporary business environments.

The CertHE (Level 4) offers a recognised higher education qualification that supports progression to further undergraduate study or entry into junior business and administrative roles.

Awarded by Plymouth Marjon University

This programme is delivered in partnership with Plymouth Marjon University, ensuring you receive a high-quality, nationally recognised qualification.

Programme Aims

  • Develop foundational understanding of business organisations
  • Build academic and professional skills
  • Understand key business functions
  • Develop communication and teamwork skills
  • Prepare for undergraduate progression

Who Is This Programme For?

New to Higher Education

Students beginning their higher education journey

Shorter Qualification

Learners seeking a focused qualification

Career Progression

Planning to progress to a full degree

Mature Learners

Returning to education after a break

Learning Outcomes

By completing the CertHE in Business, you will develop a comprehensive range of knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge and Understanding

  • Understand core business and management concepts and terminology
  • Identify different types of organisations and their roles in society
  • Recognise the impact of business activity on economic, social and environmental contexts
  • Understand the basic functions required to operate a business

Intellectual Skills

  • Review and summarise introductory business materials
  • Interpret straightforward business information and data
  • Identify basic business problems and suggest appropriate responses
  • Apply business concepts to familiar organisational contexts

Practical Skills

  • Apply basic business knowledge to practical tasks and scenarios
  • Communicate effectively in academic and professional environments
  • Use basic numeracy and data skills to support simple business decisions
  • Demonstrate awareness of ethical behaviour and social responsibility

Transferable and Key Skills

  • Present business information using appropriate written and verbal formats
  • Work effectively in small groups and contribute to team activities
  • Manage independent learning and time effectively
  • Reflect on personal skills development and employability

Programme Structure

The CertHE consists of 120 credits across six core modules delivered over two semesters.

Module Code Module Title Credits Assessment Semester
BSNC51 Business Environment 20 Coursework Semester A
BSNC52 Academic, Personal and Professional Development 20 Coursework Semester A
BSNC53 Marketing 20 Coursework Semester A
BSNC54 Accounting and Finance 20 Coursework Semester B
BSNC55 People Management 20 Coursework Semester B
BSNC56 Enterprise Creation 20 Coursework Semester B

Total Credits: 120 (Level 4)

Module Descriptions

Business Environment

Introduces how organisations operate within political, economic, social and global contexts.

Academic, Personal and Professional Development

Develops academic study skills, employability awareness, reflective practice and professional behaviours.

Marketing

Introduces core marketing principles, customer behaviour and promotion.

Accounting and Finance

Builds financial awareness, budgeting skills and understanding of basic financial information.

People Management

Explores teamwork, motivation, leadership and organisational behaviour.

Enterprise Creation

Introduces entrepreneurship and the process of developing and evaluating business ideas.

Learning and Teaching

The CertHE programme uses a supportive and structured teaching model designed to help you succeed.

  • Interactive lectures and seminars
  • Guided workshops and group activities
  • Academic support and formative feedback
  • Independent study supported by digital learning resources
  • Practice-based learning tasks

Assessment Methods

All CertHE modules are assessed through 100% coursework, with no formal examinations. This approach supports skill development and reduces exam pressure.

  • Written coursework and short reports
  • Presentations and group work
  • Case study analysis
  • Practical and applied business tasks

Progression Opportunities

On successful completion of the Certificate of Higher Education, you'll have excellent opportunities for further study and career development.

Academic Progression

Progress directly to Level 5 of the BSc (Hons) Business degree programme, continuing your higher education journey.

Career Opportunities

Gain transferable skills relevant for entry-level roles in business, administration and customer service environments.