NCC EDUCATION

LEVEL 7
DIPLOMA IN
BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT
Postgraduate Diploma
Flexible master’s level programme

Level 7 (L7DBM)
Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)

STUDENT'S
HANDBOOK
202 2/2023
© NCC Education Limited, 2022

All Rights Reserved

The copyright in this document is vested in NCC Education Limited. The document must not
be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, or used for manufacturing purposes,
except with the prior written permission of NCC Education Limited and then only on condition
that this notice is included in any such reproduction.

Published by: NCC Education Limited, Second Floor, Adamson House, Towers Business
Park , Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2YY, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 161 438 6200 Fax: +44 (0) 161 438 6240 Email: info@nccedu.com
http://www.nccedu.com

L7DBM_Independent Route_V2.0 Last updated July 2022

All course materials, including lecture notes and other additional materials related to your
course and provided to you, whether electronically or in hard copy, as part of your study, are
the property of (or licensed to) NCC Education and MUST not be distributed, sold, published,
made available to others or copied other than for your personal study use.

Page 1
Contents
1. Introduction to the Course ................................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Welcome to the Course ................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 About NCC Education .................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Why Choose this Qualification? .................................................................................................... 5
1.4 NCC Education Virtual Learning Environment .............................................................................. 6
1.5 Entry Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 6
1.6 Registration and access................................................................................................................. 7
1.7 Programme Fees – Payment for registration and assessment ..................................................... 8
1.8 Course Team ................................................................................................................................. 8
1.9 School Office Administration Details ............................................................................................ 9
1.10 Communication ........................................................................................................................... 9
2. Structure of the Course ..................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Structure of the Level 7 Unit Certificate ..................................................................................... 10
2.2 Structure of the Level 7 Diploma in Business Management ....................................................... 11
2.3 Progression options from the L7DBM to an MBA....................................................................... 12
3. Timetable .......................................................................................................................................... 13
4. Aims................................................................................................................................................... 14
5. Study Time ........................................................................................................................................ 18
5.1 Expected Hours of Study ............................................................................................................. 18
6. Approaches to Teaching and Learning .............................................................................................. 19
6.1 Study Skills & Orientation ........................................................................................................... 19
7. Guidance and Conduct ...................................................................................................................... 20
7.1 Conduct ....................................................................................................................................... 20
7.1.1 Candidates have a right to: .................................................................................................. 20
7.1.2 Candidate Responsibilities ................................................................................................... 20
8. Assessment Strategy ......................................................................................................................... 21
8.1 Notification of Assignments Arrangements ................................................................................ 22
8.1.1 Assignments ......................................................................................................................... 22
8.1.2 Referencing .......................................................................................................................... 22
8.1.3 Dealing with Difficulties in Meeting Assessment Deadlines ................................................ 22
8.1.4 Extenuating Circumstances .................................................................................................. 22
8.1.5 Late Submission of Assignments .......................................................................................... 23
8.1.6 Reassessment....................................................................................................................... 23

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 8.1.7 Feedback Following Assessments ........................................................................................ 24
9. Results and Notification .................................................................................................................... 24
9.1 Notification of Results and Award .............................................................................................. 24
9.2 Classification ............................................................................................................................... 24
9.3 Eligibility for Certification ........................................................................................................... 25
9.4 Grounds for Post-Results Services and Appeals ......................................................................... 25
10. Academic Misconduct and Assessment Offences........................................................................... 25
10.1 Definitions ................................................................................................................................. 25
10.2 Academic Misconduct ............................................................................................................... 26
10.3 Investigating Academic Misconduct ......................................................................................... 26
10.4 Sanctions ................................................................................................................................... 26
10.5 Reviews of Academic Misconduct Penalties ............................................................................. 26
11. Withdrawing / suspending studies ................................................................................................. 27
11.1 Withdrawing from the Programme .......................................................................................... 27
11.2 Suspending Studies ................................................................................................................... 27
12. Student Voice .................................................................................................................................. 27
12.1 Student Feedback ..................................................................................................................... 27
12.2 Complaints Procedure............................................................................................................... 27

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1. Introduction to the Course
1.1 Welcome to the Course

Congratulations on being accepted onto the independent/self-study route to the NCC

Education Level 7 Diploma in Business Management.

NCC Education is pleased to offer this programme online by distance learning. There will be
a variety of teaching and learning methods involved and each of these is described in this
handbook. While you are learning online you should remember that the Academic and
Student Services Team at NCC Education are all here to help and support you.

We have worked hard to design a very accessible postgraduate level programme, with lots
of choice and flexibility around study choices and submission. We acknowledge everyone’s
student journey is different and we cannot all commit to full-time learning, whether overseas
or in country.

Your enjoyment and success will be led by your commitment to this life changing
experience. We expect you to engage in all learning and participate fully. In return, we have
created opportunities for learning and development, laying the foundations for your future
chosen path. We aim to Educate, Inspire and support you to Grow.

On behalf of everyone at NCC Education, I wish you the very best of luck with your studies.

Esther Chesterman
General Manager

Page 4
1.2 About NCC Education

NCC Education was originally the training division of the National Computing Centre, which
was set up by the UK Government in 1966 to support and promote the use of computing
technology within industry. NCC Education became a separate company in April 1997 and
was recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority as a regulated awarding body
in the UK in December 2003.

NCC Education’s specialist Information Technology and Business qualifications are either
taught online by our own faculty or offered in face-to-face mode through an international
network of Accredited Partner Centres. NCC Education is not only a respected awarding
body both in the UK and overseas but also provides a complete learning package for our
Accredited Partner Centres; this includes detailed bespoke teaching and learning materials,
marketing support and professional development for teaching staff.

1.3 Why Choose this Qualification?

The NCC Education Level 7 Diploma in Business Management (L7DBM) (RQF) is an Ofqual
regulated and approved qualification that has been created for graduates or experienced
managers.

This master’s level programme will help you understand and apply up to date management
theory and practice in the fields of marketing, information strategy, project management,
finance, leadership and entrepreneurship.

The programme has been designed to suit your lifestyle and career ambitions. You choose
what to study, where to study and when to study. You can also choose when to be
assessed.

Select six units (120 credits) to achieve the full diploma, which has progression to a variety
of MBA top-ups. Alternatively, select just one unit for a unit certificate and have 20 credits
towards an MBA.

NCC Education’s Level 7 Diploma in Business Management is:

• Regulated by Ofqual and listed on the Qualifications and Credit Framework -

Qualification Number 600/0016/8. The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
is a credit-based qualifications framework, allowing candidates to take a unit-based
approach to building qualifications. For more information see:
https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-
levels

• Quality assured and well established in the UK and worldwide

• Recognised and valued by employers and universities worldwide

• A pathway qualification for candidates who wish to top-up to a full MBA award
from one of our UK university partners. The below options are 60 credit MBA ‘top-
up’ programmes designed specifically for holders of postgraduate diplomas in
business or management, allowing you to ‘fast-track’ your studies to gain a full MBA
award.
▪ A 60-credit dissertation via remote study with the University of Plymouth
▪ A 20-credit research methods module & 40 credit dissertation via distance
learning, with Cardiff Metropolitan University

Page 5
1.4 NCC Education Virtual Learning Environment

This programme is available online through the NCC Education Virtual Learning
Environment (VLE) (https://vle.nccedu.com/login/index.php). You will be provided with a
login and password to access it when you have enrolled on the programme.

Through the VLE, you will have access to all of the following materials;

• Orientation session with live delivery from experienced UK academics

• Complete study skills workshop
• Assessment workshop
• Comprehensive learning materials
• 200+ hours of recorded lectures
• 400+ hours of guided study exercises
• Live university led masterclass (each semester)

1.5 Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

Academic Route:
An honours degree in a relevant subject area from a UK university (1) or equivalent award
from a non-UK university (2)
Combined Route:
An honours degree in a non-relevant subject area from a UK university or equivalent award
from a non-UK university, together with three years’ management experience in a relevant
area (3)
Work Experience Route:
5 years’ management experience in a relevant industry or area (4)
And
An IELTS score of 6.5 or above for students who do not hold a degree-level qualification
wholly taught and examined in English.
Notes:
1) Candidates entering via the Combined Route who are most likely to succeed will be able to
demonstrate a management role and/or significant responsibility for resources (staff,
financial, physical etc.) in their prior work experience. Where candidates are unable to do so
(e.g. where they need to gain the qualification in order to apply for a management role), they
may still be admitted but a careful evaluation of the candidate’s suitability will be made,
normally including an interview with the prospective candidate.

2) Candidates entering via the Work Experience Route who are most likely to succeed will be
able to demonstrate, in their five years of work experience, at least two years in a
management role and/or with significant responsibility for resources (staff, financial, physical
etc.). Where candidates are unable to do so (e.g. where they need to gain the qualification in
order to apply for a management role), they may still be admitted but a careful evaluation of
the candidate’s suitability will be made, normally including an interview with the prospective
candidate.

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1.6 Registration and access

You will complete a two-stage application process which will cover your eligibility and study
choices. Once registration is complete, students will gain access to the VLE, their units of
choice and can begin studying. We have three deadlines each semester to take note of. The
first is for registration, the second is to confirm when you plan to submit your work and the
final deadline is the assignment due date itself. A copy of the latest L7DBM Activity Schedule
can be found on the main course page of the VLE, under the section ‘Key Documents’.
Please check ensure you check the latest version of the activity schedule for any updates.

Page 7
1.7 Programme Fees – Payment for registration and assessment

A registration fee is needed to complete your application and gain access to the VLE. The
fee is £150 (excl. VAT) per unit or £700 (excl. VAT) for the full diploma with a choice of 6
units.

There is an assessment fee of £50 (excl. VAT) for each unit. This is due when you confirm
your intention to submit. The team will check in with you at fixed times during each semester
(see above deadline no. 2)

1.8 Course Team

Important contacts for the independent self-study route are:

L7DBM Online Student Services Team:

Head of Partnerships and Head of Centre – Rebecca Cornes
Partnerships and Programme Manager – Helen Benney
postgraduate@nccedu.com

Rebecca Cornes and Helen Benney work in the Student Services Team for the 100% online
self-study Level 7 Diploma in Business Management. They will be your first and main points
of contact on the programme. Announcements will be made on the VLE throughout the
semester and the team will be in touch with you directly through email to check your
progress and offer support.

L7DBM Academic Team:

Course Leader – Kevin Keigher
postgraduate@nccedu.com

Kevin Keigher is an experienced manager and business professional with proven success
and extensive commercial experience across a range of sectors including banking,
hospitality, leisure, the food industry, education and consultancy. Kevin has worked with
many organisations including the Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Jaguar Land Rover
and the NHS delivering programmes and improving company performance through tailored
solutions. He leads the Orientation and Study Skills workshops on this course alongside
Deborah McCord.

Course Leader - Deborah McCord

postgraduate@nccedu.com

L7DBM Product Team:

Product Manager – Hasanain Ali
postgraduate@nccedu.com

Hasanain Ali is the L7DBM Product Manager and works with the UK university academics
who write the course materials and set and mark the assignments.

Page 8
1.9 School Office Administration Details

The NCC Education course team can be contacted at:

Email: postgraduate@nccedu.com

NCC Education Head Office

Second Floor, Adamson House
Towers Business Park
Wilmslow Road, Didsbury
Manchester, M20 2YY
United Kingdom
1.10 Communication

We ask you to keep the team updated on any changes to your contact details, in particular
registered email address. Please check regularly for messages from staff.

Page 9
2. Structure of the Course
2.1 Structure of the Level 7 Unit Certificate

Qualification Title, Credits, Units and Level

• NCC Education Level 7 Unit Certificate

• 20 credits at RQF Level 7
• Total Qualification Time: 200 hours
• Guided Learning Hours: 24
Candidates must pass any 1 (ONE) unit to be awarded a Level 7 Unit Certificate
worth 20 credits at master’s level.
Information Systems Strategic Corporate Finance Entrepreneurship
and Knowledge Management and Decision & Innovation
Management (20 credits) Making (20 credits) (20 credits)
(20 credits)

To achieve a: To achieve a: To achieve a: To achieve a:

Level 7 Unit Level 7 Unit Level 7 Unit Level 7 Unit

Certificate in Certificate in Certificate in Certificate in
Information Systems Strategic Corporate Finance Entrepreneurship
and Knowledge Management and Decision & Innovation
Management Making
_________________ _____________ _______________ _______________

Digital Marketing and Project International Leadership,

Communications (20 Management Marketing Strategy People and
credits) (20 credits) (20 credits) Change
(20 credits)

To achieve a: To achieve a: To achieve a: To achieve a:

Level 7 Unit Level 7 Unit Level 7 Unit Level 7 Unit

Certificate in Digital Certificate in Certificate in Certificate in
Marketing and Project International Leadership,
Communications Management Marketing Strategy People and
Change

Please see Section 5 below for Syllabuses, which include the Guided Learning Hours
and Total Qualification Time for each Unit.

Page 10
2.2 Structure of the Level 7 Diploma in Business Management

Qualification Title, Credits, Units and Level

• NCC Education Level 7 Diploma in Business Management (RQF)

• 120 credits at RQF Level 7
• Total Qualification Time: 1200 hours.
• Guided Learning Hours: 24

Candidates must pass any 6 (SIX) Units to be awarded the L7 Diploma in

Business Management certificate.

Digital Marketing Corporate Finance

Strategic Leadership, People
and and Decision
Management and Change
Communications Making
(20 credits) (20 credits)
(20 credits) (20 credits)

Information
International
Systems and Project Entrepreneurship
Marketing
Knowledge Management and Innovation
Strategy
Management (20 credits) (20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)

Please see Section 5 below for Syllabuses, which include the Guided Learning Hours
and Total Qualification Time for each Unit of the Level 7 Diploma in Business
Management.
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual and listed on the Qualifications and
Credit Framework – Qualification Number 600/0016/8. For further information
see http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/600_0016_8

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2.3 Progression options from the L7DBM to an MBA

The L7DBM is a pathway qualification for candidates who wish to top-up to a full MBA award
from one of our UK university partners. The below options are 60 credit MBA ‘top-up’
programmes for holders of our postgraduate level diploma, allowing you to ‘fast-track’ your
studies to gain a full MBA award.

The L7DBM qualification has been academically mapped as suitable equivalency at master’s
level and the choice of progression options is testament to the quality of our Level 7
provision.

1. University of Plymouth
• A 60-credit dissertation via remote study
• Choice of two start dates: September or March/April
• Flexible delivery by expert faculty from Plymouth University
• Study from any location worldwide
• Supported by online learning resources
• Access to Plymouth University e-library
• Please check here for the most up to date information
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/mba-business-administration
• 2020/21 fees - £4,995

2. Cardiff Metropolitan University

• The course consists of the Research Methods module (20 credits) and the
Dissertation (40 credits) on a topic of their choice
• A popular option for individuals committed to developing their careers in senior
management.
• Distance learning mode of study
• On successful completion of the course, the student receives a Cardiff
Metropolitan University certificate in 'Master of Business Administration' as well
as a transcript and HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Report). The student is
also invited to attend the graduation ceremony based in Cardiff.
• Please check here for most up to date information
• https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/management/courses/Pages/MBA-Advanced-Entry-
Programme-(MBA-Top-Up)--.aspx
• 2020/21 fees - £3,180

3. University of Gloucestershire
• The programme is delivered as a part-taught provision with the flexibility to
complete the course through distance learning after the initial research methods
training.
• 18,000-word dissertation or project
• Research methods workshop
• Professional accreditation (CMI) and established industry connections provide
you with the competitive edge required in today's dynamic business environment.
• Integrated Executive DBA programme – details here
• Please check here for the most up to date information
• https://www.glos.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/mbatop/pages/mba-business-
administration-masters-stage-mba-top.aspx
• 2020/21 fees - £5,100

Page 12
3. Timetable
Each unit has a total qualification time of 200 hours. This includes 24 hours of lectures, 136+
hours of guided study and 40 hours per assessment across 12 topics.

All eight units are assessed by assignment only.

Level 7 Diploma in Business Management

The Level 7 Diploma in Business Management can be studied flexibly; students should study
and pass any 6 (SIX) of the following 8 units to successfully achieve the Diploma:
• Corporate Finance and Decision Making
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Strategic Management
• Information Systems and Knowledge Management
• Digital Marketing and Communications
• Project Management
• International Marketing Strategy
• Leadership, People and Change

There are no mandatory units and units can be studied in any order.

Level 7 Unit Certificate

It is also possible to study a single, standalone unit to achieve a Level 7 Unit Certificate upon
successful completion and assessment of that unit. Students simply choose 1 (ONE) unit
from the 8 units available:
• Corporate Finance and Decision Making
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Strategic Management
• Information Systems and Knowledge Management
• Digital Marketing and Communications
• Project Management
• International Marketing Strategy
• Leadership, People and Change

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4. Aims

Unit Title Unit Aims

Digital Marketing and Students will develop a critical understanding of the impact of
Communications
digital transformation on the formation of an organisation’s
marketing strategy and communications in order to effectively
implement powerful digital marketing campaigns that engage
and convert the contemporary customer.

• Apply a range of digital marketing concepts and models to

your organisational contexts and geographical locations
• Evaluate the appropriateness of digital marketing strategies
operating in different business and marketing settings
• Master the objectives of digital marketing and communication
• Design innovative and integrated digital marketing campaigns

Strategic Management Students will gain a thorough understanding of the process of

strategy formation, development and implementation to
improve organisational performance and create competitive
advantage.

• Apply a thorough understanding of the principles of strategic

management
• Undertake a comprehensive analysis of the strategic position
of an organisation
• Identify and evaluate a range of strategic options for
organisations to pursue
• Analyse issues associated with strategic change, and identify
appropriate change programmes in organisations

Page 14
Corporate Finance and Students will develop the ability to understand and accurately
Decision Making
interpret financial data in order to undertake effective planning
and good decision-making.
The purpose of this unit is to impact students’ understanding of
the importance of, accountability for, and control over a
business organisation’s financial resources. It will equip
students with the skills necessary for sound organisational
financial management at a strategic level.

Leadership, People and Students will develop a keen understanding of the modern
Change
complexities of and new thinking about how to lead successful
organisations in the turmoil of today’s business environment.

• Learn to capitalise on the three pillars of a successful business;

leadership, people and change management
• Build knowledge of strategic HRM
• Understand drivers of change, change strategies and how to
successfully navigate change
• Gain a horizon scanning perspective of 21st Century leadership

Page 15
Information Systems and Students will develop a critical understanding of the strategic
Knowledge Management
roles of information and knowledge management systems in
contemporary organisations together with a critical
appreciation of tools, implementation approaches and
appraisal methods that contribute to their successful use.

• Explore definitions of and relationships between information

and knowledge and appraise approaches to managing them in
an organisational context
• Master tools, theories and models relevant to strategic
analysis related to information management and knowledge
management challenges
• Address important implementation issues in information and
knowledge exploitation for organisational strategic advantage
• Critically examine the relationships between information and
knowledge capture, transformation and management

Project Management Students will be introduced to the discipline and profession of

project management and learn transferable skills that help
them succeed in a project environment.

• Apply concepts, tools and techniques for proposing, planning,

resourcing, budgeting, monitoring, controlling and quality-
assuring projects
• Discuss and evaluate the project manager’s role in ethical
leadership, relationship management, communications,
networking and the management of cultural issues
• Critically assess strategies for managing risk, uncertainty and
ambiguity

Page 16
International Marketing Students will develop a critical understanding of international
Strategy
marketing strategy in the context of global operations. Students
will learn to effectively satisfy the strategic objectives of
organisations in domestic markets and across national borders.

• Understand a range of theoretical and conceptual principles that

can be applied to the development of a robust international
marketing strategy
• Evaluate the implementation and management of international
marketing strategies and tactics in a global context
• Develop and manage strategic marketing initiatives as a
marketing specialist

Entrepreneurship and Students will understand that entrepreneurship is a key area of

Innovation
businesses. It applies to small sole traders and large
corporations. The link with innovation is symbiotic and the
focus of this unit on both areas highlights how enterprises grow
and the benefits and risks to innovation. Students completing
this unit will:

• Be equipped with the skills necessary for entrepreneurship

• Understand the academic theory and practical steps for
successful disruptive entrepreneurship
• Learn how to launch and manage an enterprise
• Learn how to pitch to investors and create a persuasive
business plan

Page 17
5. Study Time
5.1 Expected Hours of Study

The below is an outline of the expected hours of study per 20 credit unit. The same applies
to all units, digital marketing and communications has been used just as an example.

Digital Marketing and Communications:

Activity No of
hours

Following Video Lectures recorded by UK academics (two hours per week 24

over a 12-week teaching semester)

Guided Study Activities 136+

Preparation for assessments 40

Total Student Learning Hours 200

Page 18
6. Approaches to Teaching and Learning
6.1 Study Skills & Orientation

Before you begin your studies, it is very important to attend and complete the live Orientation
and Study Skills session on the NCC Education Virtual Learning Environment. The
orientation will be over two days and aims to prepare you for the commencement of your
programme, for studying online, and postgraduate level study which may be completely new
to you. It is designed to familiarise you with the Virtual Learning Environment and all aspects
of your learning experience.

Whilst there is an option to start immediately outside of the structured intake dates, please
note you will not receive the live orientation/study skills session at the beginning of the
course.

The academic team will deliver live interactive workshops to build upon your existing degree
level or work experience skills by outlining the requirements at master’s level, as well as
augment them with a key focus on adapting to online distance learning.

Participation in the orientation week is important for new students, and vital to your success
on this programme. This is a great opportunity to meet the team, so make note of the dates,
set aside some time and get involved!

You should also aim to make full use of the reference materials available to you, in order to
support the development of your study skills as you continue your learning. The two-day
session will cover the following topics;

• Ice breaker and course overview

• Differences in BA and MA study and effective study skills
• Research methods
• Creativity and problem solving
• Critical reading
• Report Writing
• Referencing

Page 19
7. Guidance and Conduct
7.1 Conduct
You are expected to adhere to the NCC Education Code of Conduct for students below:

7.1.1 Candidates have a right to:

• be informed about the basis for awarding their qualification
• be informed about the assessment methods and assessment criteria for the
individual units they are taking
• be assessed and, where appropriate, be re-assessed in accordance with these
Academic Regulations
• request a review of their results if there is evidence of any perceived failure by NCC
Education to correctly follow their published assessment processes and procedures,
or if a candidate’s performance has been affected by personal circumstances which,
for valid reasons, could not be notified to the Assessment Board before the Board
confirmed qualification and/or unit results
• submit any claim for special considerations in accordance with these Academic
Regulations
• make a complaint about any aspect of NCC Education’s products and services, and
have that complaint receive appropriate consideration.

7.1.2 Candidate Responsibilities

Candidates have the following responsibilities:
• to submit work for assessment in accordance with the Academic Regulations, without
committing academic misconduct or otherwise seeking to gain unfair advantage.
• to report to NCC Education, any instance of malpractice which they might be aware
of, which might invalidate NCC Education qualifications or assessments.

Page 20
8. Assessment Strategy
You are expected to attempt all required assessments for each module for which you are
registered, and to do so at the times scheduled unless authorised extensions, special
arrangements or extenuating circumstances allow you to defer your assessment.

You are expected to attempt all required assessments for each module for which you are
registered, and to do so at the times scheduled unless authorised extensions, special
arrangements or extenuating circumstances allow you to defer your assessment.

Assessment and Progression

Learning
Assessment Methods Assignment Outcomes
Digital Marketing and Communications 100% All

Strategic Management 100% All

Corporate Finance and Decision Making 100% All

Leadership, People and Change 100% All
Information Systems and Knowledge Management 100% All
Project Management 100% All
International Marketing Strategy 100% All
Entrepreneurship and Innovation 100% All

The unit mark is determined by achievement in its singular piece of assessment. The pass
mark for a unit is 40%.

Page 21
8.1 Notification of Assignments Arrangements

8.1.1 Assignments

Assignment specifications will be made available to students on the VLE from the outset of
the programme. You should read and fully understand the Assignment Guidance given at
the front of the question paper. Completed assignments should be uploaded electronically by
the assignment deadline date, which is also displayed on the Activity Schedule.

It is also important for you to present your assignment submissions in a way that makes it
easy for the marker to read and follow. All submissions should adhere to the NCC Education
Assignment Presentation Requirements. You must submit your assignment with the correct
file name. Failure to do this may result in assignments not being recognised and therefore
not being marked.

Each assignment will be run through anti-plagiarism software, Turnitin. This software will
generate a similarity match which will help NCC Education determine if any penalties are to
be applied to the submitted work. In the event of an investigation into your submission, you
will receive from NCC Education confirmation that an investigation is ongoing as well as your
Turnitin plagiarism report. Only in the event of an investigation will you receive your TurnItIn
plagiarism report.

8.1.2 Referencing

You should ensure that all sources used in your assignment are fully referenced using the
Harvard Referencing method with in-text citations of sources used and full references made
available in your bibliography (please see the NCC Education Referencing and
Bibliographies document for more information). Failure to reference correctly in the Harvard
style may result in penalties being incurred for plagiarism, whether it is intentional or not. It is
therefore vital that you familiarise yourself with NCC Education’s Academic Misconduct
Policy.

8.1.3 Dealing with Difficulties in Meeting Assessment Deadlines

NCC Education offers four assessment cycles per year for the Level 7 Diploma in Business
Management and requires all candidates to adhere to the submission deadlines to which
they have committed. If a candidate cannot complete an assessment component for good
reason, it is expected that he or she will normally defer until the next cycle.
However, flexibility for candidates with extenuating circumstances may be offered at NCC
Education’s discretion. Where students are experiencing difficulties in meeting a submission
date, they should discuss any issues promptly with NCC Education, who will advise if an
extension request is appropriate in the circumstances or if the matter should progress to the
Extenuating Circumstances procedure (see section 8.1.4)

8.1.4 Extenuating Circumstances

Requests for extensions should be made in writing to NCC Education

(postgraduate@nccedu.com) at least five full working days in advance of the submission
date. The request must clearly state the reason for the extension and detail the unit and
assessment where an extension is requested. Extensions must be made prior to the
submission deadline as extensions cannot be granted retrospectively. Until the right to an
extension is granted, students are advised to continue working to the original submission
deadline.

Page 22
Extensions may be granted for up to 5 working days. The student will receive confirmation of
the number of days for the extension after consideration has been taken of the individual
circumstances.

Requests for extensions may be granted where circumstances are sufficiently disruptive to
prevent submission by the due date. These circumstances must be unforeseen and
unpreventable. Examples include short-term illness, caring for a sick relative or unexpected
personal difficulties.

• Requests for extensions will not be granted for the following reasons:
• Planned events such as holidays, religious festivals or moving house.
• Appointments arranged on the submission date (unless outside the student’s
control).
• Attending courses.
• Paid employment.
• IT issues (printer problems/PC crashes/USB issues)
• Inadequate time planning.

If the extension request is declined, the original submission date remains and the rules
regarding late submission will apply. Students who submit work after an authorised extended
deadline date will be awarded a mark of 0% for that element of assessment.

8.1.5 Late Submission of Assignments

Unauthorised late submissions will not be accepted. To find out how to apply for an
authorised extension, please see the Extenuating Circumstances procedure (see section
8.1.4).

8.1.6 Reassessment

Reassessment opportunities are available to all candidates. However, a candidate will not be
permitted to repeat any unit which they have passed previously in order to improve their
mark for a unit.
A candidate who has failed a unit will be permitted to be reassessed on payment of a fee
(provided the reassessment can be completed within the eligibility period). The
reassessment will not be capped and the administration fee is £60 (excl. VAT) per
reassessment attempt.
For instances where reassessment is required due to academic misconduct, other
regulations may apply. Please consult the academic misconduct policy for further
information.
If you fail a unit, you are able to resit that unit after 3 months. It isn’t possible to revisit the
materials and rewrite an assignment at master’s level in a shorter space of time.
You will receive feedback on your assignment along with your result. The feedback will help
you to understand where you need to work on the course material and how you need to
better demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes and assessment criteria at the
right level in your assignment.
You should take time to revisit the course materials, read more widely around the subject,
and refresh your understanding of the study skills material and assessment workshop. Once
you are more confident with the materials, you should begin your assignment from scratch.
It is very rarely the case that you can improve your mark by making minor or even major
changes to your original assignment; you might even lose marks that way. The very best
advice is to begin your assignment from scratch, paying close attention to the tasks/
questions, as well as the learning objectives, assessment criteria, and grade descriptors.

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These tell you what you are expected to cover in your assignment and, crucially, at what
depth.
A candidate may not be offered reassessment in units which are no longer current part of the
qualification. NCC Education will make such special arrangements as it deems appropriate
in such cases, normally involving a first attempt at a replacement unit.

8.1.7 Feedback Following Assessments

You will receive individual feedback on your assignments after results release in the form of
an individual mark sheet. The student services team will send this directly to your registered
email account.

For single unit students, e-certificates will also be processed and released by student
services up to eight weeks after the official result release date published in the Activity
Schedule subject to:
• Receipt of full payment for student registrations
• Any outstanding moderation and result queries being resolved by NCC Education

For full diploma students, all 6 units need to be completed and passed in order to be eligible
for the e-certificate.

9. Results and Notification

9.1 Notification of Results and Award
Results may be withheld if there are reasonable doubts about the authentication of a
candidate’s work, and/or where there is reasonable suspicion of candidate misconduct which
warrants further investigation before a result can be issued.

9.2 Classification

Grade Mark Descriptor

Distinction 70+ The candidate has demonstrated significantly higher than
average performance in all learning outcomes for the unit
Merit 60-69 The candidate has demonstrated above average performance
in all learning outcomes for the unit
Pass 40-59 The candidate has met all learning outcomes for the unit
Fail 39 and The candidate has not met all learning outcomes for the unit
below

Candidates who complete all units making up a qualification will also receive a final overall
grade and mark for the qualification, which is calculated from the weighting and marks
awarded for each unit making up that qualification.

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9.3 Eligibility for Certification

A candidate will be deemed eligible for an award only when they have successfully achieved
all of the unit learning outcomes and have demonstrated this through successful completion
of the required assessment. This must be done for one unit in order to be awarded a Level 7
Unit Certificate. The accumulated six units to achieve the diploma certificate must be passed
as outlined in the Qualification Specification, or through a recognised exemption or other
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) agreed with NCC Education. This must be completed
within the eligibility period for the qualification.

The eligibility period of the L7DBM is one year for a single unit or three years for the full
diploma.

Prior to dispatch of your hard copy certificate, all outstanding fees must be paid, including
payment of the Courier Fee.

To order a replacement certificate or transcript, please contact

https://www.nccedu.com/certificate-services/

9.4 Grounds for Post-Results Services and Appeals

A candidate may submit a request for a review of a decision of an Assessment Board,

provided that any such request does not question the academic or professional judgment of
the examiners on the candidate’s performance.
A Post-Results Service may be requested only on grounds alleging:
a. that there exists, or existed, circumstances affecting the candidate's
performance of which, for good reason, the Assessment Board may not have
been made aware when the decision was taken and which might have had a
material effect on the decision [Note: if candidates wish to appeal on such
grounds, they must give adequate reasons why this information was not
made available prior to the decision being made.];
b. that there had been a material administrative error or procedural irregularity in
the assessment process or in putting into effect the regulations for the
qualification such as to cause suspicion that the decision might have been
different if the error or irregularity had not occurred;
A request for a review which questions the academic or professional judgement of those
charged with the responsibility for assessing a candidate’s academic performance or
professional competence shall not be permitted.
For more information contact postgraduate@nccedu.com and request a copy of the Post-
Results Service policy.

10. Academic Misconduct and Assessment Offences

10.1 Definitions
a) Assessment includes any submission made by a candidate for which marks
contributing to a qualification are awarded. This includes oral, electronic, physical and written
material.
b) Collusion is the preparation or production of work for assessment jointly with another
person or persons. The only exception to this is when group work is explicitly permitted by
the specification and/or assessment guidance).

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c) Plagiarism is the use, without acknowledgement, of the intellectual work of other
people, and the act of representing the ideas or discoveries of another as one's own in
written work submitted for assessment.
d) Impersonation is when someone other than the candidate prepares the work
submitted for assessment. This includes purchasing essays from third parties,
commissioning someone else to write an assessment or asking someone else to sit an
examination.
e) Fabrication of results or observations in assignments or project work is the reporting
of artificial data from practical activities carried out by the candidate, or the use of artificial
observations to support a hypothesis/conclusion.

Detailed definitions of the above types of Academic Misconduct can be found in NCC
Education’s Academic Misconduct Policy. Please contact postgraduate@nccedu.com for a
copy.
All instances of plagiarism, collusion, impersonation or fabrication of results are serious
failures to respect the integrity and fairness of the assessment process.

10.2 Academic Misconduct

All work submitted for an assessment must be the candidate's own work. It is an offence for
any candidate to be guilty of, or party to, collusion, plagiarism, or any other act which may
mislead the examiners and moderators about the development and authorship of work
presented in assessments. This includes misleading examiners and moderators about the
sources of information included in an assessment.

All academic writing must fully acknowledge all sources of information used in preparing the
work being submitted. This includes acknowledging all written and electronic sources. For all
NCC Education qualifications, it is expected that candidates will use ‘Harvard’-style
referencing standards.

10.3 Investigating Academic Misconduct

NCC Education takes any suggestion of academic misconduct seriously and is committed to
investigating any work where reasonable suspicion of misconduct has been identified. This
is essential so that we are assured that all marks awarded to candidates are accurate, and
any misconduct penalties are fair, proportionate and supported by evidence.

In some cases, NCC Education may be required to interview candidates as part of the
investigation process. Candidates are also expected to comply fully with any investigation.

NCC Education holds the right to withhold marks as appropriate beyond the published
results release date pending the outcome of any investigation into alleged Academic
Misconduct.

10.4 Sanctions

Where academic misconduct is proven, candidates who have committed it or helped

someone else to do so will be penalised. Details on sanctions which NCC Education may
impose on candidates are outlined in NCC Education’s Academic Misconduct Policy.

10.5 Reviews of Academic Misconduct Penalties

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Candidates who have had penalties applied to their marks and/or whose certificates have
been invalidated as a result of an academic misconduct penalty have the normal right to
request a Post-Results Service, as outlined in the Post-Results Services Policy.
Any such request will operate according to the procedures for all Post-Results Services and
Appeals and is subject to payment of a fee which is refundable if the review is successful.

11. Withdrawing / suspending studies

11.1 Withdrawing from the Programme

If you intend to withdraw from the programme, you must put this in writing via email to NCC
Education (postgraduate@nccedu.com). This must be done in the first two weeks of the
programme and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

11.2 Suspending Studies

As an alternative to withdrawing from the programme, you could opt to suspend your
studies. This means that you can cease your study on the programme and re-join at a later
date. You are advised to discuss this option with NCC Education so that any necessary
information can be obtained.

The following issues may be a factor in you wishing to suspend your studies: disability;
prolonged ill-health; pregnancy; bereavement; family problems; exceptional financial
difficulties; or a traumatic experience.

If you wish to submit a request, then you must contact NCC Education at the earliest
possible opportunity. Formal notification will be sent to you once the request has been
processed and approved by NCC Education.

12. Student Voice

12.1 Student Feedback

A Student Feedback Survey will be sent to all registered students twice annually. You will be
able to comment on all units separately, rating the live delivery, accompanying materials and
overall experience. You also have the chance to comment on the non-academic support you
received as well as the way the programme has been administered.

12.2 Complaints Procedure

NCC Education always welcomes feedback. Complaints are an opportunity for us to improve
our systems or information. If you have a complaint to make, you should email NCC
Education at postgraduate@nccedu.com. Our team will aim to acknowledge the complaint
within 48 working hours.

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