HETAC Certificate in Business and Language

Awarding Body:  Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC)
NQAI Award Level: 6 (Certificate)
Course Length: 26 weeks

The Certificate in Business & Language ensures international students make a successful transition from overseas education to higher level education in Ireland. The programme prepares students for the language, academic and cultural skills demanded in business education.

Award

This programme is accredited by The Higher Education Training and Awards Council (HETAC), a statutory body of the Irish Department of Education. This certificate is a third-level qualification. It is recognised as level 6 in the National Framework of Awards which is linked to the European Credit Transfer System.

Duration

The Certificate in Business & Language is an academic programme of 26 weeks in duration. The course is structured over two semesters, with exams at the end of each semester.

Objectives

• To provide students with sufficient English language skills to complete an undergraduate course of study through English.
• To provide an introduction to key business areas.
• To develop the competency and skills necessary to succeed in higher education, such as organised study and critical thinking skills.
• To promote an understanding and knowledge of Irish education, culture and society.
• To enable students to make informed choices regarding future career and study progression.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course a student will:

• Demonstrate sufficient command of the English language to pursue an academic course at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
• Understand the basic terminology and concepts of key business areas of management, accounting, economics, marketing and information technology.
• Possess sound organisational skills and an understanding of the academic environment to maximise the benefits of a third level education.
• Display an understanding of the principal historical, economic and social developments of modern Ireland.

Programme Overview

The four English language skills, Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, form the basis of the programme. These subjects are delivered in lecture and tutorial format. English language acquisition underpins the course. The skills developed in these language modules are practised and reinforced in the other subjects. In addition to language skills, students acquire research, critical thinking and information technology skills which are delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions.

The cultural element of the course is addressed in two subjects. Personal Development examines issues pertaining to the individual living in a foreign environment, while Cultural Studies introduces students to the historical, economic, and social background of modern Ireland.

Business Skills is comprised of four business modules: Accounting, Economics, Marketing and Management. These subjects are taught through lecturestyle classes. The Project subject is delivered through a tutorial system.

Learning Experience

The CBL combines the college's expertise in business teaching with best practice in language teaching. The learning experience is similar to that of academic programmes at undergraduate level and reflects the professional ethos of the business school. Students receive instruction through lectures and tutorials and are required to conduct follow up assignments through researching library resources, investigating local industry and engaging with the wider community in Dublin. A busy assignment schedule encourages students to develop their study and organisational skills in practical situations. Multicultural study teams hone the student team-building skills and ability to operate in an international environment. The language component is delivered in small tutorial groups ensuring students receive individual attention from their instructors. The CBL fosters learner autonomy while ensuring the inexperienced learner is afforded every opportunity for academic success.

Assessment

Each subject is assessed separately through a combination of continuous assessment and end of semester examination. Continuous assessment accounts for 30% of the overall grade for each subject, while end of semester examinations account for 70%. Continuous assessment varies in style and purpose from subject to subject depending upon the nature of the subject material and the teaching and learning objectives of the subject. Both individual and group assessments are used. Various continuous assessment methods are deployed throughout the programme. These will include:

• Research-based projects 
• Academic essays
• Oral interviews
• Presentations
• Learner Portfolio
• Listening Tests
• Closed-book tests
• End of semester examinations are in the traditional, time constrained, closed book style.

Progression

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will possess a level of English equivalent to at least IELTS 6.0 and are awarded a Certificate in Business & Language by HETAC. Graduates automatically meet the language requirements for entry to all professional, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at DBS. As a HETAC award this qualification is nationally and internationally recognised.

Admission Requirements

Certificate in Business & Language applicants must possess a minimum standard of English of IELTS 4.0, or equivalent.

Dates

There will be three intake dates each year for this programme*:

January - Leading to commencement of a further academic programme in our autumn intake
May - Leading to commencement of a further academic programme in our spring intake
September - Leading to commencement of a further academic programme in our autumn
intake

*These intake dates are subject to enrolments/demand.

Programme Content

Angela Yuan

Former DBS language student & Degree graduate, now enrolled on ACCA
“English teaching at DBS is great. Classes are interactive and challenging.”

Alex Karamyshev

Former DBS language student now on Graduate Diploma in Business Studies

“The CBL course has helped me understand the basis of international business and culture. It has prepared me for my postgraduate course in DBS. I'm very happy that I spent time on the CBL course.”

Learner protection for this programme is provided in accordance with Section 43 of the Qualifications (Education and Training ) Act 1999.