RISELADDER

Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business

The Level 4 HNC focuses on core areas such as business environment, marketing, management, and finance.

Intakes

October, January, June

Awarding Institution

Awaiting Pearson Accreditation

Awarding Degree

HNC in Business

Duration

1 year

Location

Online

Delivery

Weekdays

Course Overview

Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business

Awaiting approval by Pearson, our BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business is a foundational, career-oriented qualification designed to provide learners with a broad introduction to the core functions of modern business operations. Whether you’re entering the business world for the first time or seeking to enhance your employability with a UK-recognised qualification, this course builds essential knowledge and practical skills to help you succeed.

The Level 4 HNC focuses on core areas such as business environment, marketing, management, and finance. It is ideal for learners aiming to pursue roles in administration, customer service, operations, or progress to further study at Level 5 or beyond. Through a blend of real-world projects and interactive learning, you will develop strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication capabilities.

Course Highlights

Application ongoing to be Awarded by Pearson, a globally recognised qualification body

•Offers a flexible, modular pathway into higher education or employment

•Equips learners with practical, work-related skills grounded in real business contexts

•Taught by industry professionals with strong academic and business backgrounds

•Enables smooth progression to the Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:

• School leavers or mature learners aiming to start a career in business

•Professionals seeking to enhance their business knowledge and employability

•Individuals looking to progress to a Level 5 HND or complete a full degree later on

•International students seeking a UK business qualification with global recognition

Modules Offered – Level 4 HNC in Business

The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business provides a solid foundation in key business disciplines, preparing learners for further academic study or professional entry into the business world. This qualification is equivalent to the first year of a UK undergraduate degree and is delivered through applied, industry-relevant coursework.

Learners are required to complete a total of eight modules (120 credits), made up of:

Four core mandatory units
Two specialist mandatory units
Two optional units selected by the centre based on learner profiles and sector relevance
Core Mandatory Units
Business and the Business Environment
Examines the structure, functions, and operational dynamics of organisations in various contexts.
Marketing Essentials
Introduces key marketing concepts and equips learners with the skills to develop customer-focused marketing strategies.
Human Resource Management
Provides insight into workforce planning, employee relations, and performance management within modern organisations.
Management and Operations
Focuses on operational processes, quality management, and the role of managers in delivering business success.
Specialist Mandatory Units
Management Accounting
Develops skills in financial planning, cost analysis, and the use of financial data to support strategic decisions.
Managing a Successful Business Project (Pearson-set unit)
Requires learners to plan, implement, and evaluate a practical business project based on a real-world issue.
Optional Units (Centre-Selected)

Two additional units are offered from the list below to complement the core curriculum and support learners’ career and academic goals:

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Innovation and Commercialisation
Business Law
Financial Accounting
Business Data and Numerical Skills
Work Experience
Note: Optional units delivered may vary depending on cohort demand and staff expertise.

Progression Opportunities

Successful completion of the HNC allows learners to:

Advance to the Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business
Top up to a university BA/BSc degree in a business-related field
Enter employment or launch a business with a solid understanding of core business functions.

Delivery & Learning Experience

Our Level 4 HNC in Business is delivered entirely online, allowing students to learn flexibly from anywhere. The course design reflects best practices in digital learning and academic support.

How You Will Learn

• Live virtual classes with expert tutors

•Self-paced study resources including videos, quizzes, and case studies

•Interactive forums for academic discussion and peer collaboration

•Personalised support through 1:1 tutorials and progress feedback

•Digital assessments – all assignments submitted online with detailed marking rubrics

Learning Platform

Study through our Moodle-based Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) featuring:

•24/7 access to learning content

•Online assignment submission

•Progress tracking tools

•Tutor announcements and guidance

•Integrated academic skills resources

Time Commitment

Full-time: Approx. 15–20 hours per week
Part-time: Approx. 8–12 hours per week (flexible scheduling available)

Support Services

•Dedicated academic advisor for guidance and mentoring

•IT support for technical queries

•Career development workshops and CV advice

•Wellbeing support and pastoral care

Progression Pathways

Upon successful completion of the Level 4 HNC in Business, you can:

•Progress directly to the Level 5 HND in Business

•Enter employment in roles such as:

•Administrative Officer

•Sales Support Assistant

•Customer Service Executive

•Marketing Assistant

•Office Manager

•Launch your own small business

•Explore professional development through industry qualifications or short courses

Entry Requirement

To join the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

•A minimum of one A Level pass or equivalent

•A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Business or related field

•An Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved Further

Education institution

•Other relevant Level 3 qualifications or recognised equivalents

•Relevant work experience – applicants with at least two years of full-time, related professional experience may be considered

•Mature learners (aged 21 and above) with a minimum of three years’ work experience in a business, management, or administrative role may also apply

Applicants without formal academic qualifications will need to submit:

•A CV detailing work experience

•A reference letter from a current or past employer confirming scope and relevance of the experience

All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Non-native speakers should hold an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent.

Fees and Funding

Riseladder School is committed to providing high-quality, flexible, and affordable online education. Our fully online delivery model allows learners worldwide to access UK-accredited qualifications at a reduced cost—without compromising academic excellence.

Tuition Fees (Online Delivery Only)

All Students (Home & International): £2,500 per academic year

This fee covers:

•All teaching and support

•Online platform access

•Core learning resources

•Pearson registration and certification fees

Funding Options:

Self-Funded: Students may choose to pay the full tuition upfront or opt for a flexible instalment plan. Monthly or term-based options are available to ease the financial burden.
Employer Sponsorship: Learners currently in employment may be eligible for tuition support from their organizations. We can provide supporting documentation upon request.

Discounts & Offers:

•Early bird discounts

•Referral incentives

•Group enrolment offers

Additional Costs (optional):

•Recommended textbooks

•Professional body memberships