BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to provide a specialist vocational programme, linked to professional body requirements and National Occupational Standards where appropriate.

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They offer a strong, sector-related emphasis on practical skills development alongside the development of requisite knowledge and understanding.

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The qualifications provide a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required in their sector and their national recognition by employers allows direct progression to employment.

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A key progression path for BTEC HNC and HND learners is to the second or third year of a degree or honours degree programme, depending on the match of the BTEC Higher National units to the degree programme in question.

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The BTEC HNC and HND in Business (QCF) offer a progression route to the professional qualifications offered by various professional bodies in the business sector and focus on:

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• providing a general qualification which allows flexibility of study to meet local or specialist needs

• providing specialist options which meet the needs of the major functions in business and allow specialisation with career progression and professional recognition in mind

• providing opportunities for learners to focus on the development of higher-level skills in a business context

• providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life

• providing opportunities for individuals in employment to achieve a nationally recognised level 4 &5 vocationally specific qualification

• providing opportunities for learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment in business or progress to higher education vocational qualifications such as a full-time degree in business or a related area.

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This qualification aims to meet the needs of the above rationale by:

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• equipping individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in a range of administrative and management positions in business

• providing specialist routes of study which relate to individual professions within the business world in which learners are working or intend to seek employment

• enabling progression to an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in business or a related area

• supporting individuals employed or entering employment in the business field

• developing the individual’s ability in the business field through effective use and combination of the knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the programme

• developing a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enable learners to make an immediate contribution to employment

• providing flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development in business.