Course Overview
Level 4 Diploma in Business (HTQ)
Awarding Organisation | NCC Education |
Teaching Institution | London School of Commerce & IT (LSCI) |
Course title | Level 4 Diploma in Business |
Course Code | L4DB |
Name of the final award | Level 4 Diploma in Business |
Higher Education Qualification Framework | Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) |
Level of Qualification | Level 4 |
Duration of study | One year |
Credit Value | 120 |
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 534 |
Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 1200 |
Mode of Study | Full Time (FT) |
Minimum Age | 18 years |
Intakes | September; January; and April |
Language of Study | English |
Course fees per year per student (correct at the time of the publication in July 2026) | £6,350 |
Publication Date | July, 2026 |
Overview of the Qualification
The NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Business represents the first year of the NCC Education degree journey and is equivalent to Year 1 of a UK undergraduate business degree.
This qualification introduces students to the key principles and practices of international business, providing a strong foundation in both academic theory and practical, vocational skills relevant to today’s global business environment.
The Level 4 Diploma in Business is also an officially recognised Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in England, further demonstrating that it meets industry standards and equips learners with the skills needed for success.
Through a broad range of subjects, the qualification develops essential knowledge, skills, and professional competencies, preparing learners for employment in business or progression to further study.
Why choose this qualification?
NCC Education’s Level 4 Diploma in Business qualification is designed for learners aged 18 and above, catering to university students and adult learners. This qualification is for learners who want to further their knowledge and understanding of business. The qualifications prepare learners for a range of higher education courses and job roles related to the business sector.
The programme is ideal for:
- Learners progressing their Business Studies journey.
- Non-native English speakers with sufficient English proficiency to undertake assessments successfully
NCC Education’s Level 4 Diploma in Business qualification is:
- Regulated by Ofqual under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
- Quality assured and well-established in the UK and worldwide.
- Providing a valuable diploma qualification in Business which progresses students’ ability to foster a leadership and entrepreneurial mindset. By completing the Level 4 Diploma in Business qualification, students will develop the skills to thrive in a professional environment and explore their career ambitions. This course enables students to discover departmental business specialisms and further their education by progressing onto the Level 5 Business qualifications.
The Level 4 Diploma in Business qualifications’ syllabus and assessments are suitable for students aged 18 and above.
- A pathway to NCC Education’s Level 5 Diploma qualifications and greater employment opportunities
- Equivalent to the first year of a UK undergraduate degree. Upon successful completion, students can apply to a wide range of universities in the UK and worldwide that recognise NCC Education qualifications. Students may be eligible to apply for direct entry to the second year (Year 2) of a related Bachelor’s degree in Business or Management for entry with Advanced Standing.
Entry Requirements
For entry onto the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Business qualification, students must have at least one of the following:
- NCC Education Level 3 Diploma in Business, Extended Diploma in Business or equivalent
- NCC Education level 3 International Foundation Diploma for International Studies.
- Level 3 T-Level in one of the following subjects: Management and Administration, Accounting, Marketing or any other relevant subject.
OR
- One ‘A’ Level or equivalent, or an appropriate School Leavers’ certificate deemed to be of a similar level
If a potential student whose first language is not English, they will need to obtain a valid score of 5.5 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination or equivalent.
Alternatively, take the free NCC Education English Placement Test, which is administered by Accredited Partner Centres of NCC Education.
Course structure
CORE UNITS
To gain the Diploma, learners MUST achieve the following FIVE core units equal to the total of 60 credits.
Courses | Credits |
Leadership & Entrepreneurship | 10 |
Project Management | 10 |
Corporate Responsibility within Sustainable Business | 10 |
Understanding Business Finance | 20 |
Organisational Culture & Collaboration | 10 |
ELECTIVE UNITS
To gain the Diploma, learners MUST also complete the following THREE elective units equal to the total of 60 credits.
Courses | Credits |
Business Law | 20 |
International Business | 20 |
Applying Marketing | 20 |
How the qualification is assessed?
All assessment for the qualification is intended to allow candidates to demonstrate they have met the relevant Learning Outcomes. Moreover, NCC Education’s assessment is appropriate to the assessment criteria as stated in the specification. All units are assessed by assignments. An assignment requires candidates to produce a written report to a set of one or more tasks, meeting a deadline imposed by the Centre.
Method of Assessment
Learners must have completed all assessment components to gain the NCC Education’s Level 4 Diploma in Business (L4DB)
The assessment consists of an internally assessed portfolio of evidence, including task-based controlled assessments, which is assessed and internally quality assured by the centre staff.
All the evidence generated by the learner will be assessed against the standards expected of a level 4 learner. The pass mark for a unit is 40%.
Finally, the external quality assurance is done by the external quality assurer of NCC Education.
Resubmission
Learners are only permitted one resubmission of the assessed work during the eligibility period, who fail an assessment at the first attempt.
Student Finance
This qualification may be eligible for funding.
A Tuition Fee Loan is available to most UK students. The loan is administered by the Student Loan Company. The tuition fee loan is paid directly to the College.
A maintenance loan for living costs is also available. The amount a student get depends on his/her personal circumstances and household income.
The online calculator (https://www.gov.uk/student–finance–calculator) will give an accurate idea of what level of student funding a student may be eligible for.