Foundation Studies in Business is designed to help candidates in developing their understanding and knowledge of the pathway they wish to pursue at Higher Education Level. Candidates for this Foundation Studies will include those who:
Objective
- are new to the work environment;
- have a limited experience of work and want to increase their knowledge;
- do not have a formal qualification to access higher education in UK or Australia.
Entry Requirements
Candidates should have:
- At least 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (may need to be in specific subjects),
- Level 2/First Diploma (in a relevant subject with merit or distinction),
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent Level 2 qualification, or relevant experience (for mature applicants).
Candidates should also have a speaking, listening, reading and writing ability, which is commensurate to CEFR Level B1 (or equivalent). This is to ensure they meet the Communication requirements for this qualification.
Selection Criteria
ICA uses selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Mode of Delivery
This qualification has been constructed to be delivered within institute. Institute may offer through blended learning if so desired.
Progression
Foundation Studies in Business has been designed to reflect the wide variation in candidates’ origins, levels of education and career aims. Progression opportunities may, therefore, take a variety of paths. Depending on the level of qualification achieved, it may be appropriate for the candidate to progress to:
- A Level 4 qualification in their chosen subject area,
- A higher level of any qualification – e.g. Degree,
- Vocational qualifications,
- Employment at a supervisory management level.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Please refer to ICA’s policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning to determine whether previously achieved qualifications meet ICA’s policy on possible exemptions.
Language of Assessment
ICA aims to use English that is plain, clear, free from bias and appropriate to all candidates. ICA will ensure the assessment materials, stimuli and the assessment itself is carried out in English.
Qualification Overview
Foundation Studies in Business is a 120 credit qualification. Candidates must complete all the six mandatory units.
| Unit Title | Level | Credit | GLH | Exam/Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Units | ||||
| Foundation Mathematics | 3 | 20 | 200 | |
| Foundation Computing | 3 | 20 | 200 | |
| Study Skills | 3 | 20 | 200 | |
| Foundation Business & Management | 3 | 20 | 200 | Externally Set Assessments Marked by Awarding Body |
| Foundation Mathematics | 3 | 20 | 200 | |
| Foundation Accounting | 3 | 20 | 200 | |
| Foundation Economics | 3 | 20 | 200 |
Assessment
The assessment consists of written assessments externally set by awarding body. The marking of assessments will be carried out in accordance with the assessment criteria listed in the assessments. To ensure a rigorous quality assurance model is applied, each of the marked assessments will be moderated.
Total Qualification Time (TQT)
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 1200 hours | |
| Self-Study (SS) | 300 hours | Total Assessment Time (TAT) |
| Formative Assessment | 25 hours | 75 hours |
| Summative Assessment | 50 hours | |
| Total Qualification Time | 1575 hours (GLH + SS + TAT) |
|---|
Please note: the timescales above are indicative and should not be considered representative for the duration each candidate will take to achieve the qualification
Grading
Results are reported as Distinction/Merit/Pass or Fail grades.
Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria describe the requirements a candidate is expected to meet in order to demonstrate that the learning outcome has been achieved. Command verbs reflect the level of the qualification.
Key Features
| Course length | 6 – 9 Months |
|---|---|
| Start dates | February, June & September |
| Registration fee | £250.00 | Tuition fee | £6500.00 |
