International Diploma in Business Studies

Course description

• By the end of the course, you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of business principles and concepts.
  • Demonstrate a solid foundation and a breath of knowledge in business management, economics, and e-Business
  • Upgrade your career opportunities in business or further studies.
  • Improve research and lifelong learning skills

What you will study

You will study modules such as:

• The Business and Economic Environment – 12 ECTS

Every organisation cannot operate on its own in an isolated environment – this is affected directly or indirectly by other factors. This unit/module exposes the students to these factors creating  the necessary awareness to the type of product, competition available, customers, type of ownership – in actual fact gives the student a macro view of all the elements that may influence the performance and operation of each business operation.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. a)      Understand the function and purpose of organisational structures – related to division of work, lines of control, and communication.
2. b)       Organise the functions according to the related sections of: finance, production, customer service, sales and human resources.
3. c)      Develop a strategic plan which involves mission and values, aims and objectives, and how the objectives may flow throughout the organisation – with reference also to the use of SMART (specific. measurable, achievable, resourced, time-bound) objectives.

• Impact of Communication Technology on Business – 12 ECTS

Nowadays more than years ago communication technology has a vital and crucial role in business operations. Emails, networking, social networks, media, and ways of promotion have become a necessary requirement towards the efficient performance of a business. This unit/module addresses these issues so the student is conscious of the impact that communication technology may have on the business and how this may become more prominent in the years to come.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. a)      Manage presentation methods to meet the needs of the user: document, use of style, verbal presentations, role plays, onscreen multi-media presentation, use of images, web-based presentations, multi-lingual support
2. b)      Monitor output requirement: resolution of images, page layout, text formatting, use of tables, combining information from a range of different applications. Use of specialist software and hardware.

Manage to present corporate communication methods: mission statements, advertising, packaging, logos, livery, endorsements, and sponsorship.

• Financial Services to Support Business – 12 ECTS

A business or an organisation cannot function properly if it does not organise its finances properly. The financial documents that need to be prepared on a regular basis need also to be interpreted by the directors and owners concerned for future projections and adjustments that may be necessary to keep the business performance operating profitably. This unit/module offers the student an overall view to these documents: balance sheet, cash flow and the related variables such as expenditure, income, overdraft and taxation.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. a)      Prepare cash flow forecasts  in line with  following parameters: structure, timescale, credit periods, receipts (cash sales, debtors, capital, loans, and other income), cash payments and purchases, revenue and capital expenditure, VAT (value added Tax), and balances related to cash and bank.
2. b)      Manage cash flow problems that may arise from the cash flow forecast as a consequence of: insufficient cash to meet payments due, overdraft arrangements, negotiating terms with creditors, reviewing and rescheduling capital expenditure.

• Digital Marketing – 12 ECTS

The internet has affected all kind of businesses and persons in all sectors. The use of the internet to promote products and services is nowadays considered as the prime mover towards a business success. This unit/module gives an overall view of the major services that enhance and sustain marketing such as internet banking, internet marketing, and e-commerce. For a diploma in business this is considered as an essential core module.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. a)      Ensure that relationships are developed through frequent individual communication, and more frequent communications on an individual level.
2. c)       Ensure knowledge regarding availability: enhanced responses to customer needs, availability of internet banking 24/7, and more opportunities available to small companies in order their goods online such as eBay.

e)Produce opportunities to further increase sales to existing customers and create opportunities to monitor competitor’s activity.

• Business and Entrepreneurship (including Creative Thinking and Presentation Skills) – 6 ECTS

This unit is identical to that being offered at Level 4 International Diploma in ICT. This unit offers the opportunity to the student to have an insight regarding the basic operations of a business whilst also offering the student to be familiar with methods of presentations and rational ways of addressing problems.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. a)      Identify the changes in performance that can arise from adopting organisational activities.
2. b)      Plan work with others to achieve a common objective.
3. c)      Develop co-operation and check progress towards the agreed objectives.
4. d)      Manage work with others and agree on methods of improving collaborative work in the future.

• Logic and Linguistics (including Mathematics and English) – 6 ECTS

This unit is identical to that being offered in the level 4 International Diploma in ICT. This unit offers the student the necessary tools and relevant background regarding logic, mathematics and English. As a core unit this supports the means of expressing and organising information in mathematical, literal, logic manner.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. a)      Evaluate the results of a study that involves the collection and analysis of large data.
2. b)      Plan to work and collaborate with others to achieve common objectives.
3. c)      Seek to develop co-operation and check progress towards pre-defined objectives
4. d)     Review work with others and agree on methods of improving collaborative work in the future.

How you will learn

This diploma is delivered with a flexible classroom-based method, through a variety of course materials, case studies, discussions, presentations, enquiry-based learning and problem-solving activities. We provide you with key reading and research activities, and you will make the most of our own teaching portal.

Method of Assessment

Assessment is carried out through home-based assignments, which means you will have plenty of time to dedicate to each criteria. By having small groups, you will have more time for discussions where you can share your experiences at your place of work.

Each successfully completed unit will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction. A pass is awarded for the achievement of all outcomes against the specified assessment criteria. Merit and distinction grades are awarded for higher-level achievement.

Entry requirements

Students should be in possession of either of the following:

• School Leaving Certificate plus 4 O’Levels; OR
• Relevant qualification at MQF/EQF Level 3; OR
• Relevant experience in the business sector;
• If English is not your first language, you will need IELTS 5.5 or equivalent

Exemptions from providing evidence of English language proficiency may arise if you have studied your previous qualification in English.

Students should produce copies of certificates, full CV preferably in EuroFormat and passport-size photo.

Fees & funding

Current Fees