Covering all the major business studies areas and topics, the ICM Diploma in Business Studies programme has, over a fifteen year period, achieved international recognition and is now undertaken by students in over 100 countries.

In addition to providing a comprehensive knowledge of each of the major business functions, the structure of the course ensures that students have the widest possible range of career, employment and higher education options open to them on completion of their studies.

Course Structure

The Certificate in Business Studies - Part 1

1. International Business Communications ^[1]
2. Business Management & Administration ^[2]
3. Interpreting & Analysing Information (Numeracy & Statistics ^[3])
4. Marketing Principles (Marketing)
   
   (The ICM Certificate in Business Studies is awarded on completion of all Part 1 subjects)

The Diploma in Business Studies - Part 2

5. Accounting Techniques (Accounting ^[4])
6. Economics for Business ^[5]
7. Introduction to Business Law (Business Law ^[6])
8. Analysing and Improving Organsational Behaviour (Organisational Behaviour)
   
   (The ICM Diploma in Business Studies is awarded on completion of all Part 1 & 2 subjects)
   
   The Advanced Diploma in Business Studies - Part 3

9. Strategic Management in Theory & Practice (Strategic Management ^[7])
10. Marketing Planning & Decision Making (Marketing Management ^[8])
11. Theory & Practice of Human Resource Management (Human Resources Management ^[9])
12. Customer Service for Manager and Supervisors (Customer Service)
    
    (The ICM Advanced Diploma in Business Studies is awarded on completion of all Part 1, 2 & 3 subjects)

Programme Objectives
To provide prospective business and management students with a body of knowledge which will:

a) increase their employment opportunities
b) prepare them for eventual supervisory and management careers in industry and commerce
c) provide them with a qualification which will enable them to progress to higher level general management or specialised business programmes at a later stage in their business or academic careers.

The programme is also suitable for working supervisors and managers who require a recognised business qualifications for career advancement or promotion purposes.

Recommended Course Duration
It is recommended that these courses are delivered over a suitable period of time to give learners the best opportunity for success. A standard delivery structure would involve six units per academic year, although 5-8 units per year are acceptable depending on the weekly timetable used. Thus, the full Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma programme would normally take two years full-time to complete.

Examination Grades

Status of Qualification
Professional Vocational Diploma. Students obtaining C grades and above in the Advanced Diploma will have reached a level equivalent to the first year of a business studies degree.

Examinations
Externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.

Examination Closing Dates
Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed Examination Entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least six weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination Timetables indicate the Closing Date for receipt of entries for each sitting.

Examination Results
These are normally distributed twelve weeks after each examination date.

Subject Exemptions
Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional examining bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.

Entry Requirements
The Institute operates an ‘Open Entry’ policy in respect of many of its vocational programmes but prospective students should note that the following entrance qualifications are recommended for those wishing to undertake the Diploma and Advanced Diploma programmes:

Diploma in Business Studies
The minimum age for registration for this programme is 17.

1. The ICM Business Studies Group Certificate
2. The ICM Certificate in Commercial Studies
3. One GCE A-level plus Three GCSEs (or equivalents)
4. Five GCSEs at grades A, B or C (or equivalents)
5. A suitable BTEC National Award
6. Any qualification equivalent to one of the above.

Applicants over the age of 19 who do not hold one of the recommended entrance qualifications may also register for the programme providing they have been in full-time employment for a minimum of two years.

Advanced Diploma in Business Studies
The minimum age for registration for this programme is 18.

1. The ICM Diploma in Business Studies (or an equivalent level business studies qualification)
2. A suitable BTEC National Award
3. Any business studies qualification equivalent to one of the above.

Continuing Education
The Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Business Studies are recognised by other professional examining bodies for subject and level exemption purposes. They may also be offered as an entrance qualification for degree studies (subject to status and examination grades obtained).

Study Methods
Your Teaching Centre has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from your Teaching Centre.

Each subject syllabus is linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated text. The subject syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading. Where possible you should read one or more of the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to broaden your knowledge of the subject area.