Business Management - Certificate of Higher Education with Foundation Year*
Summary
This 2 year programme comprises a Foundation Year followed by the Certificate of Higher Education in Business Management awarded by Lancaster University. The foundation year is a tailored programme designed to support students who may not meet direct entry requirements 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, you will engage with digital skills, communication and teamwork modules alongside management-specific study. The Foundation Year is designed 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. Some graduates also go on to start businesses themselves.
You will be taught by our friendly, professional teaching team, all of whom benefit from extensive management experience to support your future success. Though the course is delivered in Blackpool, it’s actually awarded by Lancaster University, providing graduates with a UK top 10 university qualification.
- Course code TH1HE0019
- Duration 2 Years
- Day/s of week Wednesday
- Time 09:30 - 16:00
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
07 Sep 2026
|
University Centre
|
2 Years
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
Successful completion of the foundation year programme will give you a place on the Certificate of Higher Education in Business Management. From there, you will be able to access a foundation degree and / or an Honours degree depending on your chosen pathway.
Effective leadership skills are a genuine asset to any company so a programme that promises to deliver them is ideal for anyone wanting to develop a career in business management. Even if you don't work directly in an area like human resources, being able to lead a project or team effectively is critical to success. What's more, because the leadership element of this degree is embedded in broader business concerns, students are able to utilise what they learn in a real-world context.
The advantage of the Certificate of Higher Education in Business Management is that it demonstrates your ability to study at degree level but without having to commit to a three-year programme from the outset. However, it provides you with a solid Business Management qualification.
If after one year, you decide to seek work opportunities, you will be well placed to apply for entry level roles within the industry and pursue a variety of freelance projects. Alternatively, we hoped to have inspired you to take your study further and apply to join the second (Foundation Degree) and third years ultimately gaining a BA (Hons) in Business Management.
Next steps at B&FC
Your next step at B&FC is to progress onto the second year of the Foundation Degree in Business Management and subsequently onto the BA (Hons Top Up degree.
Other study options
N/A
Employment Opportunities
Progression on to Higher Study
Key information
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). In addition, students will need maths at Level 2 to progress to the foundation programme in Business Management.
In addition, mature applicants should be able to demonstrate evidence of:
- potential to succeed on their chosen degree programme, evidenced by a combination of work, life and prior educational experience
- understanding and commitment to the subject-area of their chosen degree programme
- preparedness for the demands that undergraduate degree level study will place upon them
This will be assessed through an interview and a piece of written work. Please contact the team at Blackpool and The Fylde College to discuss if a Foundation Year programme is the right path for you.
For all students, if they are a non-native English speaker, they need to demonstrate proficiency through IELTS 5.5, with a minimum of 5 in each component.
You will be able to progress to the CertHE at level 4, on successful completion of the Foundation Year.
Qualification obtained
CertHE Business ManagementFees and funding
Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding, including additional financial support for those on low incomes, with dependent children or adults or with disabilities.
Extra costs and equipment
There will be at least one local trip on each year Foundation Year pathway, but these will not incur any costs to you.
What will I learn?
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
There are no specific placements on this programme, but you will be using industry-standard equipment and following similar procedures to those used in in the workplace. You will consider real-world case studies to help you link your learning to your future programme and career.
How will I learn?
This Foundation Year programme provides the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to progress to a Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education. It supports both personal and academic development through structured, engaging sessions and a strong network of guidance.
Structured Sessions
Teaching takes place one day per week over 36 weeks. Sessions include discussions, demonstrations, seminars, lectures, tutorials, supervision, and workshop time. All learning is interactive, with attendance and active participation essential for achieving success. These sessions also help you develop academic and industry‑related skills to support progression into higher studies and future employment.
Support & Coaching
You will have a dedicated coach/mentor who meets with you at least twice each term and remains available via email or Teams. Tutorials are built into your timetable and supported by HELMs, who may co‑deliver sessions on academic writing, referencing, and study skills. Careers advisers contribute workshops on CVs and employability to help you prepare for future opportunities. You will also engage with key services across the college, including the Library and Careers Team, through group and one‑to‑one support.
Independent Study
Independent learning—such as preparation, reading, research, and assessment work—is central to higher‑level study and is supported through access to resources and feedback opportunities.
Certificate of Higher Education & Asynchronous Study
At Level 4, you continue with one day per week of structured, interactive sessions, supported by asynchronous learning such as recorded lectures and online activities.
Progress Meetings
Weekly group tutorials and block‑based one‑to‑one progress meetings monitor engagement, set goals, and ensure personalised support.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 288 | 0 | 0 |
| Independent | 912 | 0 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1200 | 0 | 0 |
How will I be assessed?
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 64% | 0% | 0% |
| Exam | 30% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |