5 Business courses for a future manager
To be an effective manager, you need to know how to motivate, train and organise people, both as individuals and groups. There is no denying the importance of experience in helping you to achieve these goals, as it is essential in the management career path. So does that mean education is less helpful? Not quite. By educating yourself, you can build a head start and gain new insights to apply to your experience, as well as expanding your C.V
Here, we have chosen 5 Business courses for a future manager – courses that will help any new or aspiring manager should consider to advance and develop your career.
1. BTEC HND in Business Studies
What is it?
The Business and Technology Education Council offer a range of courses, from level 2-5. A HND, or Higher National Diploma is the flagship of vocational qualifications and is equivalent to a foundation degree.
Who is the course for?
The course requires students to have studied a level 3 qualification previously (Either a diploma or A level) and be aged 17 or over. It is therefore recommended that the students have completed A levels, but it can also be suitable for an individual who has started a career.
What do I learn?
A HND will require students to study a great deal of theoretical concepts and learn how and when to apply them to practical situations. By ensuring that students have an in depth understanding of theory, it allows more nuanced decisions to be made ‘on the ground’.
Where can I progress to?
For students planning on progressing to University, a BTEC HND can be an excellent choice, allowing students to complete a ‘Top Up’ degree in 2 years or less.
2.A level Business Studies
What is it?
A levels are British qualifications, usually completed between the ages of 16-18 and follow on from (I)GCSE’s. Our A level is certificated by Edexcel, a well renowned awarding body that works directly with the British Government
Who is the course for?
As we mentioned earlier, A levels are usually completed by students aged 16-18, but there are no age restrictions and more people are returning to study A levels to allow demonstration of their competency. A levels are a great option for individuals that left school early, or who want to demonstrate a commitment to learning.
What do I learn?
The course is split into 4 units, each covering a separate topic. Unit 1 focuses on how to go about Planning and Financing a Business – starting from scratch, the student will learn how businesses get started. Unit 2, Managing a Business, then expands into the everyday running of a Business, helping student to understand the critical, if unglamorous, essentials.
Unit 3 covers a variety of strategies for success, delving into Human Resources, financial strategies as well as Marketing. The final unit covers the reasons and causes of change and how to manage change.
Where can I progress to?
A levels are often used to progress directly to University and are one of the most widely accepted qualifications internationally. They can also be used to enter onto a BTEC HND course, or as standalone qualifications.
3. Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies
What is it?
A level 3 Diploma course is a flexible course, designed to be completed in one year or less and is written specifically for distance learning students. Equivalent to an A level, the diploma course has no set enrolment or examination dates.
Who is the course for?
As a result of its flexibility, the course will allow a wide range of students to enrol. Perhaps best suited to students already in employment, the course has no specific entry requirements beyond a level of education equivalent to GCSE’s.
What do I learn?
A full list of the course contents can be found here:
- Module One – Starting a Business
- Module Two – Financial Planning
- Module Three – Finance
- Module Four – People in Business
- Module Five – Operations Management
- Module Six – Marketing and the Competitive Market
- Module Seven – Marketing Strategies and Operations Management
- Module Eight – Human Strategies, Financial Strategies and Accounts
- Module Nine – The Business Environment
- Module Ten – Managing Change
Where can I progress to?
With the Level 3 Diploma, the next logical step is to continue to study via distance learning. Completing a Diploma with a Pass or higher grade will grant entry onto a BTEC HND programme.
4. BTEC HND in Psychology
What is it?
We have already covered the BTED HND programme earlier in this article, so we won’t go over it again. The Psychology course has the same format as the Business studies BTEC HND, but with a different focus.
Who is the course for?
For students looking to gain an insight into Business and learn how people operate, or those who are looking for a useful and flexible course with wider applications.
What do I learn?
The course covers 16 units, including Organisational psychology, Specialist psychology applications: Neurolinguistic programming and Coaching, all of which are applicable to Business.
Where can I progress to?
For students planning on progressing to University, a BTEC HND can be an excellent choice, allowing students to complete a ‘Top Up’ degree in 2 years or less
5.Level 3 Diploma in Human Resources
What is it?
As we mentioned earlier, our level 3 Diploma courses are written to be flexible, with tutor support and no set dates for completion of units. Written specifically for distance learning students, the course is equivalent to an A level.
Who is the course for?
For students looking to progress onto the HR side of business, this course will give a full overview of the key roles and requirements of HR personnel, who are essential to any business running efficiently.
What do I learn?
This course offers a full overview of the process of HR, from contracts to industrial disputes and motivational techniques.
Where can I progress to?
With the Level 3 Diploma, the next logical step is to continue to study via distance learning. Completing a Diploma with a Pass or higher grade will grant entry onto a BTEC HND programme.
Image courtesy of John