National vocational qualifications in a business studies degree

In the job markets of the 1990s a degree offers no guarantee of employment. The world of commerce requires graduates able to demonstrate a range of practical skills, as well as the knowledge and understanding which underpins effective performance. One significant intention of the work placement year is to offer this developmental opportunity. A group of students piloted a scheme which was designed to identify how far the NVQ model could be integrated into the work placement year of the Business Studies degree. The intention was to use the level 4 Management Standards as a framework for this period of work placement. The objectives were to test the practical aspects and identify problems for future implementation thus enabling NVQs to play more of a role in student development. This paper considers that higher level NVQs offer a unique opportunity for students to put into practice academic knowledge and understanding in a vocational setting within the context of a separate national award.