The aim of the Higher Certificate in Business programme is to offer students an opportunity to gain knowledge of and to acquire relevant skills and competences in primary business functions. Key areas of study include management, marketing and finance with an additional focus on personal development skills and computer skills. This broad foundation in key business disciplines gives students a broad based business education. Graduates can benefit from further education by using their Higher Certificate in Business as a pathway to study at ordinary degree, honours degree and postgraduate level. To this end the programme facilitates the promotion of life-long learning to students who wish to undertake further education and self-development. The certificate is a 120 credit programme at level 6. Students may progress onto the Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Business in Marketing. These programmes offer a business qualification from which graduates may exit to the commercial world or transfer or progress to other programmes.​

Graduates of the Higher Certificate in Business will be proficient in a wide range of practical business functions supported by a high level of personal effectiveness and transferable skills.