Diploma in Business Management
Programme Overview
The Diploma in Business Management is a 60 ECTS programme positioned at Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) Level 4, designed to provide learners with a broad, practical foundation in business operations and management practices. The programme introduces learners to the key functional areas of business, including management, marketing, accounting, human resource practices, communication, digital competence, entrepreneurship, and innovation, within structured and predictable organisational contexts.
The programme is developed in accordance with the MFHEA Referencing Framework, ensuring that learning is characterised by guided application of knowledge, supervised responsibility, and limited autonomy in decision-making. Learners are supported in acquiring essential business knowledge and practical skills that enable them to operate effectively in entry-level roles, support functions, or further academic progression to MQF Level 5 qualifications.
Throughout the programme, emphasis is placed on employability, ethical conduct, and professional behaviour. Learners develop an understanding of how businesses operate within economic, legal, and social environments, and how individual roles contribute to organisational objectives. The programme encourages responsible participation in workplace activities, teamwork, effective communication, and awareness of customer and stakeholder needs.
In response to contemporary workplace requirements, the programme integrates digital competence and introductory awareness of artificial intelligence (AI) across its units. Learners are exposed to commonly used digital tools and AI-enabled applications that support routine business tasks, communication, customer engagement, financial awareness, and operational efficiency. The programme explicitly addresses the ethical, responsible, and informed use of digital and AI technologies, in line with data protection, accuracy, and organisational guidelines, without requiring technical or programming expertise.
Teaching and learning within the programme are structured and learner-centred, combining theoretical input with practical examples, guided activities, and applied assessments. Assessment methods are designed to evaluate learners’ ability to understand and apply knowledge in familiar business scenarios under supervision, consistent with MQF Level 4 expectations.
Module/Unit Structure
| Ref | Module/Unit Title | Compulsory (C) or Elective (E) | ECTS | MQF | Mode of Teaching | Mode of Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Business and Management | Compulsory | 10 | 4 | Online / Face-to-Face / Blended | 100% Assignment |
| 2 | Principles of Marketing and Customer Engagement | Compulsory | 10 | 4 | Online / Face-to-Face / Blended | 100% Assignment |
| 3 | Fundamentals of Accounting and Financial Awareness | Compulsory | 10 | 4 | Online / Face-to-Face / Blended | 100% Assignment |
| 4 | Human Resource Practices and Workplace Behaviour | Compulsory | 10 | 4 | Online / Face-to-Face / Blended | 100% Assignment |
| 5 | Business Communication, Digital Skills, and AI Awareness | Compulsory | 10 | 4 | Online / Face-to-Face / Blended | 100% Assignment |
| 6 | Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and AI-Enabled Business Operations | Compulsory | 10 | 4 | Online / Face-to-Face / Blended | 100% Assignment |
General Assessment Approach
The assessment method, learning outcomes, pass mark, and grading criteria for the Diploma in Business Management remain identical across all modes of delivery, namely 100% Face-to-Face, 100% Online, and Blended Learning. This approach ensures parity of standards, fairness, and consistency in assessment, in line with the MFHEA Referencing Framework.
All modules within the programme are assessed through 100% individual assignment-based assessment, ensuring consistency across delivery modes and alignment with MQF Level 4 requirements.
Assessments are designed to:
- Measure achievement of module learning outcomes
- Encourage application of knowledge in familiar and predictable contexts
- Accommodate different learning styles and abilities
- Promote fairness, transparency, and academic integrity
Assignments are practical, structured, and guided, focusing on real-world or simulated business scenarios appropriate to MQF Level 4.
Types of Assessment Techniques
While the assessment weighting remains 100% assignment-based, assignments may take different formats to cater to diverse learners, including:
- Written assignments or reports
- Case-based scenario analysis
- Reflective accounts linked to workplace or simulated activities
- Practical tasks supported by written explanations
- Digital submissions such as presentations, business documents, or portfolios
All assignments are individual and assessed against clearly defined marking criteria aligned with learning outcomes.
Assessment Submission
All assignments, irrespective of the mode of delivery, are submitted electronically through the institution’s designated online learning platform. This applies equally to learners enrolled in face-to-face, online, or blended modes.
Online submission enables:
- Systematic plagiarism detection and academic integrity checks
- Consistent record-keeping and version control
- Timely feedback and grade release
- Standardised quality assurance and moderation procedures
The use of a single digital submission system ensures that all learners are assessed under equivalent conditions and that academic integrity is upheld consistently across the programme.
This assessment approach supports transparency, fairness, and alignment with MFHEA quality assurance requirements while accommodating multiple delivery modes without compromising assessment standards.
Entry Requirements
1. Academic Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy one of the following minimum academic entry requirements:
- A full MQF Level 3 qualification, such as:
- Secondary School Certificate and Profile (SEC) or equivalent
- An MQF Level 3 VET qualification
- Any other qualification referenced at MQF Level 3 on the Malta Qualifications Database (MQD)
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), in line with MFHEA guidelines
2. Language Proficiency
As the programme is delivered in English, applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of English language proficiency. This may be evidenced through:
- An MQF Level 3 qualification in English or equivalent
- Prior education or training delivered in English
- Internal language assessment conducted by the provider, where applicable
Learners are expected to be able to understand instructions, participate in discussions, and produce basic written work in English appropriate to MQF Level 4.
3. Digital Competence
Applicants are expected to possess basic digital skills to support learning and assessment. These include the ability to:
- Use a computer or digital device
- Access email and online learning platforms
- Use basic word processing and internet browsing tools
Where applicants do not fully meet these expectations, the provider may offer introductory digital support or guidance at the start of the programme.
4. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applicants who do not meet the formal academic entry requirements may be considered for admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- RPL may be based on prior certified learning, prior experiential learning, or a combination of both
- Assessment of RPL shall be carried out in line with the provider’s MFHEA-approved RPL Policy, where available, or the MFHEA Recognition of Prior Learning guidelines, as published on the MFHEA website
Applicants applying through RPL may be required to submit:
- A portfolio of evidence
- Employment history or references
- Supporting documentation demonstrating relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies
5. Additional Conditions
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of commencement of the programme
- Admission may be subject to an interview or screening process, where deemed necessary, to assess suitability and learner support needs
Fees for Home and International Students
EU Students: €6500 + €200 administrative fees (non-refundable)
Non-EU Students: €8300 + €200 administrative fees (non-refundable)
For further assistance:
The Hub Suite 003 Triq Sant Andrija San Gwann SGN 1612
Email: info@bellsolinternationalcollege.com
Telephone: +35627662766​