Foundation Year and Certificate of Higher Education Business Management

Entry onto the programme is normally at the beginning of level 0.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)  *Level 4 Only

The rationale for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is constant with the objectives of the NCG to provide a learner-centred environment which is flexibly responsive to the academic requirements of individuals of all ages and backgrounds and where they can be empowered to reach their full potential. This avoids cumbersome and costly duplication of study and enhances efficiency and flexibility in student learning. The institution recognises that many prospective students may have acquired prior knowledge and skills for success on a programme of study through previous educational achievement, work, or other life experiences, but have not achieved commensurate academic qualifications. This learning can be used either as entry to programmes or to exempt students from modules of learning. A student will not be admitted with credit to a level that amounts to more than 50% of the final level of the target award for which the student wishes to register. For all College awards of 120 credits or less, up to one half of the award may be accredited.  Up to fifty per cent of the final level of the target award for which the students registered may be accredited.  In the case of specialised Programmes which are governed by the standards and competences of a professional body, the above RPL limits may be superseded by specific entry requirements set out in the validation document for the programme. 

RPL may be of two distinct types: Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning, or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning. Collectively they are referred to as RPL.  Each has its own procedures, the details of which are set out in the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.  The aim of both is to allow students to progress to appropriate and challenging programmes of study and achieve their specified learning objectives without repetition, duplication, or unnecessary expense. In the case of experiential learning, the objective of the assessment process is to encourage the identification, articulation, and contextualisation of learning through reflection, self-evaluation, and review.  All RPL claims are submitted online via NCGs web-based platform http://www.ncl-coll.ac.uk/higher-education/recognise-me

A student wishing to make a claim for RPL should discuss their requirements upon admission, or if later, with the programme leader. All decisions will be based on the current NCG regulations governing claims for RPL.  All staff associated with the support, guidance, and assessment of claims on ‘Recognise Me’ will be given appropriate training and development and meet the requirements of the awarding body and where appropriate, the UK QAA Quality Code.

Normally an applicant will not be admitted with credit to a point more than halfway through the level of the proposed programme of study. Credits will normally be limited to a maximum of 50% of the total credit points for the final level of a programme. RPL requests need to be submitted within the first 8 weeks the beginning of a programme.

Additional Requirements

Students are normally required to have at least grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English Language or to have demonstrated ability in Maths and English in further studies (or key/functional skills).  In exceptional cases, NCG  may admit students who do not satisfy the above requirements, providing they are able to demonstrate that, by virtue of other studies and/or experience, they are capable of managing their studies and benefiting from the route.  Students need to be made aware failure to achieve the Maths or English qualification at grade 4 or above may lead to potential barriers to gaining graduate level employment.

Mature Students

Non-traditional or mature students (aged at least 21 by 31st December of the year of admission) who do not meet these criteria will be considered on an individual basis as an ‘admissions decision’. The decision on admission will be based on assessment of the candidate’s ability to successfully complete the route. Applicants will be judged using the following criteria:

• Evidence of ability for self-organisation
• Evidence of ability to work independently
• The motivation to learn
• Interest in the subject area
• Evidence of ability to work with others
• Evidence that they will benefit from the programme of study

This is normally evidenced by a UCAS application form incorporating supporting references and an interview. Background knowledge and skills in relevant industry setting is also considered as evidence of non-certified learning. This is normally demonstrated by at least two years full time work in a relevant organisation.

For applicants whose first language is not English, each course will publish a minimum score for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and this forms part of the selection criteria.  The minimum requirement for admission onto a Higher Education programme is an overall score of 6.0 with no individual language learning component less than 5.5.