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Key details

Course area
Business and Accounts
Student type
University Level
Course type
Full-time University Level course
Course level
Level 4
Start date
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Fees
£8,250.00
Course code
Parent course code:C060280 Child course code: Q060281
UCAS course code
BUS1
UCAS institution code
N30
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Course introduction

Businesses can have a profound impact on the environment, making sustainability a critical focus in today’s global landscape. 

Our Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sustainable Business Management equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to help organisations reduce their environmental footprint—tackling challenges such as pollution, carbon emissions, and resource depletion—while remaining innovative and competitive.

You’ll gain a solid understanding of core business functions, including management, marketing, and accounting, all explored through a sustainability-driven perspective. Alongside this, you’ll develop key leadership and project management skills, preparing you to play an active role in shaping more sustainable business practices.

This new course is currently subject to validation with our first students planned for September 2026.

Level 4 (120 academic credits)

All units are worth 15 credits each and include:

  • Principles of Sustainability
  • The Contemporary Business Environment
  • Operational Planning and Management
  • Sustainable Business Practice
  • Corporate Governance and Ethics
  • Sustainable Leadership and Management
  • Project Management (Pearson-set)
  • Research Data and Techniques 

Designed to reflect the demands of the business world and the flexibility needed in modern life, this course model lets you develop your studies step by step, one year at a time. You can continue, pause, or change direction, while still achieving a recognised, industry-relevant qualification at each stage.

What are HTQs?

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are new or redesigned Level 4 and 5 qualifications (such as HNCs and HNDs) that have been approved against occupational standards in their sector. These qualifications have been developed by UK awarding bodies, working with employers and businesses to make sure that students get the specific training, knowledge and skills they need for their chosen career.

Course information

1 year

Pearson Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sustainable Business Management (subject to validation)

You will need a minimum of 56 UCAS points from:

  • At least two A Levels at A2
  • BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.

We expect students to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. We accept GCSE passes at grades 9 to 4 (previously A* to C).

You may be invited to attend an interview.  This can be via Microsoft Teams or telephone if required.

Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but with relevant industry or life experience are very welcome to apply.

A mixture of traditional and innovative assessment methods will be used, including individual and group presentations, discussions, report writing, case studies, presentations, research and project work, examinations, reflective journals and work-based projects.  There are no examinations.

The Level 4 HNC offers a strong foundation in business, giving students the skillsets, confidence and knowledge to progress further with their studies. The following stage - the Level 5 HND in Sustainable Business Management - enables students to take the next step and – if desired - advance to the final year of a degree programme.

Graduates will be well prepared for careers across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. This multi-disciplinary degree equips you with the skills needed to succeed in business without limiting you to a specific role. Many of our graduates go on to work in a wide range of organisations across these sectors.

After graduating you could become a: business advisor, business development manager, investment banker, data analyst, consultant, project manager, accounts manager, risk manager, stockbroker, estate agent, HR manager, supply chain manager, teacher. Several students have chosen to continue their specialist studies at postgraduate level.

Bursaries

We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Check out our website for more information.

This course is subject to validation.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)

HNC Leadership and Management for England (Level 4) - Full-time