NCC Level 5 Diploma in Business (L5DB)
UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION PROGRAM
LEVELS: 5 | £4,500
The NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Business (L5DB) is designed for learners aged 18 and above who wish to advance their business studies and develop higher-level knowledge and skills for professional and academic progression.
The programme places particular emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship and operational management. Learners explore start-up businesses, innovation and growth, raising finance, agile leadership, business ethics and the impact of policy on global business. The qualification is designed to enhance learners’ ability to operate effectively within professional business environments.
The qualification is regulated by Ofqual under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and is equivalent to the second year of a UK undergraduate degree. It consists of six mandatory units, totalling 120 credits, with 1,200 hours Total Qualification Time and 455 Guided Learning Hours.
Applicants are required to hold:
OR
Applicants whose first language is not English are required to achieve IELTS 5.5 or above, or equivalent. Alternatively, learners may take the NCC Education Higher English Placement Test through an NCC Education Accredited Partner Centre.
The Oxford Test of English is also recognised for entry to NCC Education programmes.
The qualification and its assessments are designed for learners aged 18 and above.
£4,500
The qualification consists of six mandatory core units. Each unit carries 20 credits, giving a total qualification value of 120 credits.
Core Units
1. Start-up Business
20 Credits
This unit develops the knowledge and skills required to evaluate, plan and operate a start-up business. Learners explore entrepreneurship, business models, strategic and operational planning, digital tools, business continuity and effective communication with stakeholders.
2. Innovation and Growth
20 Credits
This unit examines how innovation contributes to organisational development and sustainable business growth. Learners explore approaches to innovation, opportunities for growth and the strategic and operational considerations involved in developing an organisation within a changing business environment.
3. Raising Finance Capital: Process and Law
20 Credits
This unit develops learners’ understanding of how businesses identify and secure appropriate sources of finance. Learners examine the processes associated with raising capital alongside the legal and regulatory considerations that influence business financing decisions.
4. Agile and Responsive Leadership
20 Credits
This unit explores leadership within dynamic and changing organisational environments. Learners develop an understanding of agile and responsive leadership approaches and consider how leaders can adapt their decisions, behaviours and management practices in response to organisational challenges and opportunities.
5. Ethics in Business
20 Credits
This unit examines ethical considerations within contemporary business practice and the responsibilities organisations have towards different stakeholders. Learners explore ethical decision-making and consider how ethical principles can influence organisational behaviour, leadership, operations and reputation.
6. Global Business: The Impact of Policy
20 Credits
This unit develops learners’ understanding of business within an international context and examines how policy can influence organisations operating across national boundaries. Learners explore the wider global business environment and consider how political and policy developments can affect organisational strategy and operations.
The complete qualification carries 120 credits. Each unit represents 200 hours of Total Qualification Time.
Assessment for the NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Business is entirely assignment-based.
The assessment structure is:
Learners therefore complete:
6 written Global Assignments and no examinations.
An assignment requires learners to produce a written response to one or more specified tasks and submit their work by the deadline imposed by the Centre.
The pass mark for each unit is 40%. Learners must successfully achieve all six core units to obtain the complete Level 5 Diploma in Business.
Successful completion of the NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Business, with a minimum grade of Pass, provides progression to the NCC Education Level 6 Diploma in Business Strategy and Management and other qualifications at the same level.
NCC Education states that the Level 5 Diploma in Business is equivalent to the second year of a UK undergraduate degree. Following successful completion, learners can apply to universities in the UK and internationally that recognise NCC Education qualifications.
Learners may be eligible to apply for direct entry to the final year, Year 3, of a related Bachelor’s degree in Business or Management with Advanced Standing.
Admission to a particular university, advanced-standing arrangement or final-year degree programme remains subject to the entry, admissions and recognition requirements of the receiving university.
