Business & Information Technology Level 5

Programme Progression 

On completion of this programme learners will equipped to effectively carry out a range of office functions within any business organisation.

There is also the option of further education or training in such areas as digital marketing, social media for business, web authoring, accountancy, business studies or progress to the Level 6 Advanced Administration (incl. Payroll & Bookkeeping) course in North Connaught College of Further Education.

Entry Requirements  

Education: No formal education or qualifications are required although applicants may have participated in primary and secondary education. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 4 when accessing this programme.

Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.

Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a broad range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course and be able to exercise initiative and independence when carrying out course activities.

Course Content  

Further Details    

Below is a more detailed description of each of the Components

eBusiness Studies

Examine the growth and impact of eBusiness and explore the issues raised by this development. Plan a digital marketing strategy and employ a range of digital marketing tools. Investigate the security of data, networks and online payments. Explain a range of e-applications which are currently used in business.

Bookkeeping Manual & Computerised

Understand the key terminology associated with bookkeeping systems. Record financial information in both a paper based and a computerised system. Use sales and purchases invoices, lodgement slips, cheques and bank statements to write up the sales book, purchases book, cash book, petty cash book and journal, post these to the relevant ledger accounts and extract a trial balance at the end of the period. Prepare a bank reconciliation statement. Complete a VAT return in accordance with the requirements of the Revenue Commissioners.

Microsoft Word 

Use Microsoft Word to create a range of documents. Apply a variety of text processing features including margins, line spacing, indenting text and paragraphs, borders and shading, numbering and bullets, tabs, tables mail merge and labels. Use spell-check, thesaurus, find and replace, to produce high quality, error free documents. Learn file management skills – creating folders, saving files in different formats, copying files and folders, renaming files. Improve personal performance by using the help facility to solve word processing problems.

Microsoft Excel

This component will allow the learner to design, analyse and create various data formats and worksheet layout. They will also create charts and graphics. Students will create their own spreadsheet based on a business in order to gain an understanding of how and when spreadsheets work.

Customer Service

The learner will gain a good understanding of all features of customer service including good first impressions, understanding and responding to customers’ needs. They will also learn how to deal effectively with customers by improving their listening skills, the importance of positive body language and understanding the significance of working as part of a team.

The Internet

Examine the development and growth of the Internet and the range of purposes for which it is used. Use the Internet for a range of practical purposes such as sending emails, searching for, storing and retrieving information, file sharing and collaboration. Investigate the hardware and software requirements to connect to the Internet for both home and business use. Produce a web page in conjunction with the Web Authoring course.

Web Authoring

This component will allow learners to have the personal knowledge, skills and capacity to understand HTML (coding language) and CSS (design language for websites). The learner will understand the development of the Internet and the WWW from their humble beginnings. Students will plan and create their own web pages.

Work Experience

Students must find work placement in a suitable business setting. Work-experience classes prepare the student to apply for work placement and future work by learning skills, producing a cover letter, CV and interview techniques. Students will also gain an understanding of their own skills and qualities, as well as how to document their learning during placement. The placement reinforces the skills learned at North Connaught College and aids the development of employability/transferable skills. This is an essential component for anybody wishing to prepare for or return to the workplace.