Introduction

The Diploma in Business and Information Technology is a broad-based and stimulating programme. The purpose of the course is to provide students with the foundation skills and knowledge necessary for entry to the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Computing (General), BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Finance) and BTEC Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design.

The course aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of business and IT and develop basic skills in oral & written communication, business communication, team-working, problem solving and applying technology.

Course Structure for Diploma in Business and Information Technology

The Diploma course comprises of six subject units of study to be taught in 5-6 months.

The subject units are as follows:

- IELTS English

This unit is specially designed for students whose come from a non-English speaking environment.

The unit aims to build up students’ level of competency and confidence in the English language in a gradual and structured way so that they can live and study effectively in an English speaking environment.

The unit focuses on widening students’ vocabulary and strengthening their grammar as well as developing basic skills in listening, reading, speaking and writing.

- Study Skills and Communications

This unit teaches students higher-order learning skills that are needed for post-secondary education. It also emphasizes to students that the skills one needs for success in higher institution of learning are the same skills one needs for success in life.

Students will be taught time management and note-taking skills as well as skills in analyzing, interpreting and organizing information and writing.

- Business Communication

This unit aims to develop students’ oral and written skills in a business context.

- Business Fundamentals

This unit aims to give an overview of the general business and provide students with the understanding of basic business concepts and organizations.

- Introduction to Marketing & Entrepreneurship

This unit aims to provide students with the basic concepts of marketing involving the use of the four elements of marketing mix, namely product, price, place and promotion as a tool for developing a marketing plan. Students will apply the knowledge and skills acquired to identify a business opportunity and develop a business plan for launching and operating a small enterprise.

- IT Skills and Applications

This unit aims to support the development of life skills (namely problem solving, communication and applying technology) through the use of Information Technology (IT).

The unit exposes students to current and emerging IT technologies and applications, and provides opportunities for them to learn the fundamentals of IT through exploration and self-discovery.

Students will be introduced to a range of computing applications ranging from desktop publishing, word-processing, spreadsheet, drawing, painting and oral presentation software.

Lectures/Tutorials

The course is mainly conducted in the classroom via face-to-face learning which encourages student-teacher interaction. Students are encouraged to attend field trips and bazaars organised by the school to encourage experiential learning.

Assessment

Students can be assessed through any of the following assessment modes :

• Test
• Quiz
• Outcome-based Assignment (Individual Unit Assignment or Integrated Assignments involving more than 1 unit)
• Class participation

Entry Requirements to Diploma in Business and Information Technology

• 3 GCE ‘O’ Level passes

Foreign students with qualifications equivalent to the above may be admitted on the condition that they are proficient with English. Those lacking proficiency in English will be required to take up additional English lessons.

Certification

Candidates who successfully complete all 6 units of this programme will be awarded the Diploma in Business and Information Technology by Beacon International College. This certification allows direct entry into the internationally recognized BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing (General), BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business (Finance) and BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Graphic Design awarded by Edexcel International (UK).

Course Schedule

The Diploma in Business and Information Technology takes approximately 360 hours excluding the development and implementation of coursework.

Full-time

• 3 units per semester
• Recommended Duration : 6 months

Part-time

• Recommended Duration : 1 year

Class Size

Class size: Maximum 25 pax per class for practical and tutorial lessons
Maximum 35 pax for lectures

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Acquire, organize and communicate information effectively;
2. Utilize technology effectively in acquiring knowledge, and in gathering, organizing and presenting information;
3. Understand fundamental concepts of business and marketing and apply the knowledge and skills acquired to identify a business opportunity, and develop business plan for a small enterprise;
4. Understand fundamental IT concepts and apply problem solving techniques using technology

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Fees & Funding