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
This two-year programme extends our existing Certificate of Higher Education in Business Management to include a Foundation Year designed to support students who want to achieve a degree-level qualification but who are not quite ready for undergraduate study. Whether you're coming from a vocational background, have modest Level 3 results, or completed your qualifications some time ago, the Foundation Year offers a structured and supportive route into higher education. Blending employer-informed content with academic development, the Foundation Year allows you to engage with digital skills, communication and teamwork modules alongside management-specific study. The Foesigned to be inclusive and accessible, offering targeted academic and pastoral support to build confidence, motivation and resilience. This programme is ideal if you are seeking to strengthen your academic foundation, clarify career goals and transition smoothly into higher education. During the Certificate of Higher Education you will develop the highly-sought-after skills that businesses demand from their business management graduates. People and leadership skills, which are seen as critical to successfully management, are embedded throughout all modules within the course. You will study modules in Finance, Marketing or Human Resource Management allowing you to build a wide range of managerial skills. To give you an even greater head start, the course has been co-created with employers and delivers 'hands-on' experience. A dynamic curriculum not only builds specialist leadership skills, but also develops an understanding of other key business disciplines to take your career to the next level. Business Management degrees provide the greatest variety of career routes in national and international organisations, both private and public, as well as in small and medium companies around the world.
Entry requirements
For students who have just completed a Level 3 programme, they will be expected to have 32 UCAS points, plus English at level 2 (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent). In addition, students will need maths at Level 2 to progress to this Foundation Year programme. For mature students, they will need to have English at Level 2 (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent).
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.
