Business (Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management)

Want to start your own business or step into a leadership role in an existing one? If you’re curious about how businesses run — and how to make them better — this course is for you.

You’ll build real-world knowledge in key areas like entrepreneurship, leadership, management, and finance. We’ll help you grow the confidence and skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-moving business world.

We don’t just teach theory — we focus on practical learning, industry insight, and career-ready skills.

WHAT CAN I PROGRESS ONTO?

After completing this course, you can progress to the:

• BA (Hons) Business Management (Top-up) – awarded by University of Lancashire and taught at the University Centre Wigan & Leigh College

You can also apply to top-up degrees at universities such as Liverpool John Moores or University of Lancashire, in areas including:

• Marketing

• Leadership and Management

• Human Resources

• Finance

If you graduate with a merit or distinction, you’ll open doors to top universities across the UK — and this qualification also supports progression towards professional recognition.

OTHER INFORMATION

You’ll learn from tutors who’ve been there and done it — working with major retailers like Tesco and bringing experience from HR, marketing, retail, and more.

You’ll also:

• Hear from inspiring guest speakers — previous students have heard from professionals at the Bank of England, the Department for Work and Pensions, and successful local entrepreneurs

• Get hands-on with work placements in your chosen business area

• Graduate with the skills employers are really looking for

When you finish, you’ll leave not just with a qualification — but with the confidence and experience to succeed.

HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?

You’ll study full-time, two days a week for two academic year — giving you time to balance work, life, and learning.

HNC (Year 1)

•            The Contemporary Business Environment (Unit 1)

Develop an understanding of how modern businesses operate in a fast-changing world. You’ll explore different types of organisations, how teams and departments work together and the external factors that can influence business success and decision-making.

•            Marketing Processes and Planning (Unit 2)

Learn how marketing helps businesses attract customers, build their brand and achieve their goals. You’ll explore marketing strategies, campaign planning and media promotion while developing practical skills to create effective marketing plans.

•            Management of Human Resources (Unit 3)

Explore how effective people management supports business success and helps organisations build strong teams. You’ll develop an understanding of recruitment, talent development and workplace practices that improve performance and support long-term growth.

•            Leadership and Management (Unit 4)

Develop the knowledge and confidence needed to lead and manage people effectively in the workplace. You’ll explore different leadership styles, motivation strategies and management approaches that help teams perform and businesses succeed.

•            Accounting Principles (Unit 5)

Build a strong understanding of the financial skills businesses use every day to plan and make decisions. You’ll learn how to prepare and interpret financial information, manage budgets and use accounting tools to support business performance.

•            Managing a Successful Business Project (Pearson Set) (Unit 6)

Develop the skills to plan, manage and deliver a business project from start to finish. You’ll carry out research, present your findings and build practical project management skills that can be applied in a wide range of careers and industries.

HND (Year 2)

•            Research Project (Pearson Set) (Unit 19)

Build valuable research and analytical skills by investigating a topic linked to your course or career interests. You’ll learn how to plan and carry out research, analyse findings and present evidence-based conclusions in a professional way.

•            Organisational Behaviour Management (Unit 20)

Explore how people, teams and workplace culture influence business performance and success. You’ll develop leadership, communication and teamworking skills while gaining an understanding of motivation, behaviour and management within organisations.

•            Identifying Entrepreneurial Opportunities (Unit 27)

Explore how new business ideas are developed and turned into real opportunities. You’ll investigate gaps in the market, analyse customer and competitor information and develop the confidence to pitch your own entrepreneurial ideas.

•            Launching a New Venture (Unit 28)

Learn what it takes to successfully launch a new business or social enterprise. You’ll explore planning, budgeting, promotion and the skills needed to turn an idea into a viable venture.

•            Managing and Running a Small Business </b> (Unit 29)

Develop the practical knowledge needed to manage and grow a small business or social enterprise. You’ll explore business planning, customer relationships, finance and the legal responsibilities involved in running a successful organisation.

•            Global Business Environment * (Unit 25)

Explore how businesses operate and compete in an increasingly global marketplace. You’ll examine the impact of globalisation, international business challenges and the strategies organisations use to succeed across different markets and cultures.

Throughout the course, you’ll also develop in-demand skills like problem-solving, research, communication, teamwork, and commercial awareness — all of which employers value.

The modules listed in bold are core (mandatory) modules. Additional optional modules * are also included to make up the total credits required for your qualification — these are chosen by course leaders and maybe subject to change.

We’ll assess your skills through practical projects, not just essays. Think webinars, podcasts, business plans, and business pitches — just like the real world.

You’ll also complete presentations, reports, case studies, and live business projects, giving you experience that mirrors what you’ll face in your future career.