Certificate of Higher Education in Business Management in Blackpool. Classes run at Blackpool and The Fylde College University Centre Campus, full-time over two years. The programme begins with a Foundation Year, designed to support those who may not meet direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. This includes people coming from a vocational background, those with modest Level 3 results, or those who completed qualifications some time ago. The second year delivers the Certificate of Higher Education in Business Management, awarded by Lancaster University. Entry requires Level 2 English and, for recent Level 3 students, 32 UCAS points and Level 2 maths.
Who this course is for
Thinking about a degree in Business Management but not ready to commit to three full years of study just yet?This one‑year Certificate of Higher Education in Business Management offers a flexible, confidence‑building way to get started. You'll study the same degree‑level content as students on longer programmes, developing core business knowledge in areas such as management, marketing and finance, while keeping your options open for the future. It's an ideal choice if you want to: test out degree‑level studybuild business skills for employment or self‑employmentprogress step‑by‑step towards a full Business Management degreeWhy choose this course? A flexible first step into higher education This course is designed for students who want a lower‑commitment route into a business degree. You'll gain a recognised higher education qualification in just one year, with the option to progress further when you're ready. Degree‑level learning, without the long‑term pressure You'll study at Level 4, developing academic and practical business skills while experiencing what higher education is really like - before deciding on your next step. A recognised university qualification Although you'll study locally in Blackpool, the Certificate of Higher Education is awarded by Lancaster University, giving your qualification real credibility with employers and universities. What will I learn?You'll cover a broad introduction to modern business and management, helping you understand how organisations operate and make decisions. Topics typically include: Managing people and teamsMarketing principles and customer behaviourBusiness finance and budgetingThe structure and operation of organisationsProfessional and academic skills for higher educationThis wide‑ranging approach helps keep your future options open - whether that's employment, self‑employment or further study.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 80 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline: MMP from Extended Diploma or DM from Diploma in appropriate discipline; Mathematic and English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above; Full Access to HE Diploma with Merits in Level 3 subjects. Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component.
What you will learn
You'll develop core business management knowledge across key areas of the discipline.
You'll study how organisations operate, make decisions, and respond to change.
You'll build analytical skills to interpret business data and problems.
You'll explore topics such as marketing, finance, and organisational behaviour.
You'll develop academic writing and research skills needed for higher education study.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom full-time during the day. The Foundation Year uses a structured, supportive approach to prepare you for higher education. Assessment methods across the two years are likely to include written assignments, presentations, and coursework. The centre will confirm the specific assessment requirements for each unit before you begin.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Blackpool and The Fylde College University Centre Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Business administrator, supporting day-to-day operations in an organisation
Office manager, overseeing administrative functions and staff
Marketing assistant, supporting campaigns and communications
Sales coordinator, managing client relationships and orders
HR assistant, supporting recruitment and employee processes
Operations assistant, helping manage business processes and logistics
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Business Management, the natural next step to a full undergraduate degree, often with advanced entry options.
BA (Hons) Marketing or Human Resource Management, if you want to specialise in a particular area of business.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business, a work-focused alternative at the same level that some learners pursue alongside employment.
