Business with ESOL: NQ (Level 4)
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Course overview
Looking to build confidence and practical skills for your first steps into the business world?
The NQ Administration, Business & Employability (Level 4) at Glasgow Kelvin College, East End campus, is designed to help you develop the essential knowledge and skills needed to start your journey in administration, business, and customer service.
You’ll learn how to use industry-standard software, improve your communication and organisational skills, and gain experience in enterprise activities. From word processing and spreadsheets to social media for customer service, this course gives you a strong foundation for employment or progression to further study.
With smaller class sizes and a supportive environment, you’ll have the chance to work collaboratively using Office 365 and Microsoft Teams, building the digital skills that employers value.
This course is perfect if you:
- Are a school leaver or adult returner looking to develop practical business skills.
- Want to gain confidence in administration, IT, and customer service.
- Are interested in exploring different areas of business before choosing a specialism
- Plan to progress to NQ Level 5 in Administration or Business.
What you will learn
This course is designed to give you a solid foundation in both business knowledge and the practical skills employers are looking for. You’ll gain confidence using industry-standard IT software, develop your problem-solving and teamwork skills, and build the personal qualities that help you succeed in the workplace.
Subjects may include (subject to change):
- Word Processing & Spreadsheets – creating professional documents and managing data effectively.
- Business in Action – exploring how organisations operate and the key factors that influence success.
- Developing Skills for Employment – learning how to present yourself, work with others, and build employability skills.
- IT Solutions for Administrators – using technology to support office functions and communication.
- Social Media for Customer Service – understanding how digital platforms shape customer relationships.
- Financial & Cost Accounting – learning the basics of managing money and business finances.
- Influences on Business – exploring external factors such as economy, technology, and society.
- Enterprise Skills – planning and delivering your own business project or activity.
- Business Assignment – applying what you’ve learned in a practical, project-based task.
- Personal Finance – developing financial awareness and money management skills.
By the end of the course, you’ll be more confident in your IT, communication, and organisational abilities, with a broad understanding of how businesses work and how you can contribute effectively.
Entry requirements
This course is ideal for both school leavers and adult returners
✅ National 3 English (or equivalent)
✅ Applicants without formal qualifications are encouraged to apply and will be assessed individually.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
This course prepares you for entry-level roles across business, administration, and customer service. Possible opportunities include:
📞 Receptionist / Call Centre Operative
🗂 Clerical or Administrative Assistant
🖥 General Office Support Roles
🛍 Customer Service / Retail Sector
It also provides a strong foundation for moving towards roles in:
📊 Accounting and Finance Support
👩💼 Human Resources Assistant
📈 Marketing and Social Media Support
🚀 Starting up your own small business or enterprise
Future prospects
On completion, you may progress to:
- NQ Level 5 Administration, IT & Medical Administration
- NQ Level 5 Business and Finance
- NQ Level 6 Business & Administration
This course is the first step in a clear progression pathway, leading towards higher-level study and a wide range of careers in the business and administration sector.
