Business Studies

pre-business

Course Title

Pre-Business Degree Course

Award

Level 5 Business Studies 5M2102

Duration

This is a full-time one-year course and runs from September to May.

Course Description
This course is designed to help students develop the essential accounting and financial knowledge and skills which form the basis for a career in industry, commerce or the public service. The course comprises both theoretical and practical modules, and students will gain an understanding of both manual and integrated accounting software. There is a focus in this course on the functional areas of accounting, finance and business and the factors which influence business success.

Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or LCVP or QQI Level 4 Award. Equal consideration will be given to mature applicants (those aged over 23) who do not meet these entry requirements.

Career Opportunities

With this course, students can go on to pursue a career in such diverse areas such as

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Marketing and IT
  • Customer Service & Retail

Course Content

Accounting Manual and Computerised 5N1348
Bookkeeping Manual & Computerised 5N1354
Word Processing 5N1400
Customer Service 5N0972
Work Experience 5N1356
Database Methods 5N0783
Spreadsheets Methods 5N1977
Business Administration Skills 5N1358


Progression Opportunities
All business students will have the opportunity to take part in our Erasmus + Programme which will see successful candidates spend three weeks in Tenerife working in reception & customer service roles. For all other students a minimum of ten days or 60 hours work experience placement must be completed in an organisation relevant to your chosen course of study.International Work Placement Opportunity

At Longford College of Further Education: Graduates of this course may progress to the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Business
Elsewhere: Graduates of this course are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities (please check with the particular institution regarding local eligibility requirements).

  • Level 8 Bachelor of Business in AIT – AL850
  • Higher Certificate in Business in AIT – AL650
  • Bachelor of Business in Business Administration SIT – SG535

Fees

Student Services Registration Fee: €180

DES Programme Participation Contribution: €200

QQI Examination Fees: €50

Total Course Cost *€430

*Due to exemptions Total Costs for the following groups apply:

(1) Medical Card Holders – €180 (2) BTEA recipients- €180 (3) Grant recipients – €230

For more information

Course Coordinator – Helen Johnston

Email: hjohnston.tcl@lwetb.ie

Detailed Course Outline – 8 Modules

Accounting Manual and Computerised 5N1348

  • Accounting principles, standards and concepts
  • Accounting terms i.e. assets and liabilities, debtors and creditors, shareholders, dividends etc. The Auditing process, types and purpose of forecasts and budgets
  • Computer systems in an accounts environment and the application of integrated accounts systems (IAS) in the preparation of financial statements
  • Accounting procedures to include processing adjustments, producing final accounts and results, ratios and completing budgets and forecasts
  • File management

 Assignments 60% & Examination 40%

 Bookkeeping Manual & Computerised Content

 Bookkeeping Records Manual & Computerised

  • Bank Records
  • Invoices
  • Credit Notes
  • Petty Cash Vouchers
  • Trial Balance
  • VAT return

Project 50% Examination – Practical 50%

 

Word Processing Content

 Students will engage in practical learning in the most current up to date Microsoft Office Word Programme available, to include:

  • Formatting and Editing documents using a broad range of word processing techniques.
  • Create and use Word templates and Word Documents
  • Become Proficient in file Management and use of Mail Merge
  • Work on a range of common everyday Documents
  • Learn how to produce documents to include, Clipart, Image Display, Tables and watermarks

Assignment 20%, Exam (x 2) 40% each

Customer Service Content

  • Principles of customer service within a range of environments
  • Key features of good customer service, to include distinguishing between different kinds of customers, making a
  • good first impression, meeting customer needs, catering for diversity and disability, understanding and responding to customer perceptions
  • Standards or rating system by which customer service is developed and measured in an industry-specific area
  • Consumer legislation and the functions of associated regulatory organisations providing customer protection, representation and redress
  • How customer service enhances organisational effectiveness and success, to include practical examples of
  • organisations with good customer care

Collection of Work 50%, Skills Demonstration 50%

Work Experience Content

 Students studying Work Experience Level 5 will do the following:

  • Examine work organisations and personal career opportunities in a particular vocational area, to include consideration of work-related issues and needs.
  • Summarise the basic rights and responsibilities of employees and employers in a particular work, organisational or institutional context, to include health, safety and welfare at work, equality legislation, union representation and regulations relating to pay.
  • Present relevant work experience material, to include a Curriculum Vitae or personal statement, letter of application, evidence of job-finding skills, skills checklist, statement of learning goals, contractual arrangements.
  • Participate effectively in a work experience placement for a minimum of 60 hours to gain experience/insight into their chosen vocational area.

Collection of Work – 60%, Skills Demonstration – 40% 

Database Methods Content

Studying this module will allow student to become proficient in the most up to date version of Microsoft Assess. Content includes:

  • Designing and building databases
  • Designing user friendly data input screen which incorporate company logos and details
  • Construct a form to facilitate data entry into a database
  • Create reports which can be used to present selected information from a database in a format suitable for e-mailing or printing
  • Improve personal performance by using additional resources such as the help facility to solve familiar and unfamiliar database problems.

Assessment Criteria: Exam 50%, Practical Assignment 50%

Spreadsheets Methods Content

  • Investigate a range of common uses for spreadsheets
  • Explore key spreadsheet elements including cells, cell references, numeric, alpha, and alphanumeric data, formulae, functions, graphs and macros
  • Use spreadsheet design features involving data and cell formatting techniques which enhance understanding and legibility
  • Produce a spreadsheet, with minimal supervision, that meets a simple design specification and is fit for purpose
  • Demonstrate personal initiative and resourcefulness in editing and amending spreadsheets to ensure they are fit for purpose

Assessment Criteria: Exam 50%, Practical Assignment 50%