Leadership and Management HNC

Essential

• 32-48 UCAS points, English language and maths GCSE grade 4 or above.
• a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Business
• a GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject
• other related Level 3 qualifications
• an Access to Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution
• relevant work experience, or an international equivalent to the above qualifications

The BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Leadership and Management is an ideal course for individuals aiming to develop the practical skills, strategic thinking, and leadership confidence required to thrive in a competitive business environment. It bridges academic theory with real-world application, making it highly relevant for aspiring team leaders, supervisors, and junior managers.
Employer-Driven Curriculum.

• Designed in collaboration with industry professionals, ensuring relevance to current business needs and workplace expectations.
  Applied Learning
• Focuses on practical tasks, projects, and case studies that mirror real business challenges.
• Flexible Progression Routes :Can lead to a full degree (Level 5 HND or university top-up) or direct employment in management roles.
• Professional Development Focus: Embeds employability, digital skills, leadership behaviours, and ethical practices essential in modern workplaces.
• Recognised Qualification: Regulated by Ofqual and widely recognised by employers and universities across the UK.
• Career Advancement:  Equips learners with leadership tools to step into supervisory or managerial roles in sectors such as retail, public services, finance, or operations.
• Confidence Building:Develops decision-making, communication, problem-solving, and  project management abilities
• Foundation for Higher Study: Serves as a stepping stone to Level 5 study or business-related degree programs.
• Study While Working : Delivered flexibly (e.g. evening or part-time), allowing learners to upskill while remaining in employment.
• Personalised Learning: Smaller class sizes and tutor-led sessions allow for tailored support and close mentoring.

The units will prepare students to enter employment with the qualities and abilities necessary for roles that require personal responsibility and decision-making, and support students to aspire to future management roles including the following:

• HR Assistant
• Recruitment Coordinator
• HR Advisor
• Marketing Communications Assistant
• Accounting Clerk
• Book-Keeper.

The units also prepare students to progress to Level 6 higher education study, including higher apprenticeships and professional body qualifications.

Students will be able to develop and apply their own ideas to their studies, to deal with uncertainty and complexity, to explore solutions, demonstrate critical evaluation and use both theory and practice in a wide range of business situations.

Mandatory Core Units:

• The Contemporary Business Environment – Unit credit 15 – Level 4
• Marketing Processes and Planning – Unit credit 15 – Level 4
• Management of Human Resources – Unit credit 15 – Level 4
• Leadership and Management – Unit credit 15 – Level 4
• Accounting Principles – Unit credit 15 – Level 4
• Managing a Successful Business project – Unit credit 15 – Level 4
• Operational Planning and Management – Unit credit 15 – Level 4
• Digital Practice in Business – Unit credit 15 – Level 4

Key Skills You Will Gain:

Leadership & Management

• Team leadership and motivation
• Operational planning and resource management
• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Managing performance and change

Communication & Collaboration

• Professional business communication (verbal and written)
• Presentation and report writing skills
• Leading meetings and delivering feedback
• Working effectively with teams and stakeholders

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

• Analysing business issues and risks
• Making evidence-based decisions
• Applying solutions to real-world business challenges

Digital & Financial Awareness

• Using digital tools in business environments
• Understanding financial principles and interpreting data
• Applying technology in project and people management

Professional & Personal Development

• Self-reflection and continuous improvement
• Time management and meeting deadlines
• Developing ethical and inclusive leadership behaviours
• Preparing for progression into management roles or further study

Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals are assessed using a combination of:

• Centre developed internal assignments that are set and assessed by Centres
• and Pearson set assignments, which are set by Centres in line with our guidelines and graded by Centres. Pearson-set units are mandatory and target industry-specific skills. The number and value of these units are dependent on qualification size.

For the HNC, Centres will assess one compulsory Pearson-set unit targeted at particular skills. This is a Level 4 core unit carrying 15 credits.

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Leadership and Management for England (HTQ).

The units will prepare students to enter employment with the qualities and abilities necessary for roles that require personal responsibility and decision-making, and support students to aspire to future management roles including the following:

• Operations Manager
• Regional Manager
• Divisional Manager
• Department Manager and Specialist Managers

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid foundation in leadership and management, which students can build on if they decide to continue their studies.

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma (2^nd year after HNC) allows students to progress to degree-level study, or into employment at lower/middle management roles

Once students have achieved the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, they can develop their career in the respective sector by:

• entering employment
• continuing existing employment
• linking with the appropriate professional body
• committing to continuing professional development, or studying at university

Progression to university

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant business-related courses, for example:

• BA (Hons) Leadership and Management for Business
• BA (Hons) Business Studies with Leadership and Management
• BA (Hons) Business Management
• BA Business and Human Resource Management
• BA (Hons) Global Business Management
• BSc (Hons) Digital Business Management

• Course materials (Student handbook, revision book, student unit book) which incur an additional cost
• Access to laptop trolley available to learners to complete activities/assignments as not all Business classrooms are IT equipped

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat or email us at info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk