Finished your A-levels and do not know what to do? One of the safest bets available is to take a diploma in business administration, says Richard Poon Hoi-wah, programme director at professional training organisation ABRS. 'Ninety per cent of business graduates go on to work in general business commerce; it's a safe and reliable path,' Mr Poon said. Even chemistry graduates go into business, and psychology majors often end up in marketing, he points out. A one-year part-time distance learning diploma in business administration is offered by the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside. This is a relatively new university, but with a good reputation among business schools. Successful completion of the one-year course allows students to move into the advanced diploma course, also lasting one year. Students can then continue on to the bachelor programme, which usually takes another year or two. To enter the diploma course, applicants need a minimum two A-level passes and three HKCEE passes, or one A-level and four HKCEE passes. The other popular track for students at ABRS is the computer stream. ABRS offers a diploma in technical/IT training. 'We have had a number of students who might otherwise have been high school dropouts. They have done poorly in English and Chinese but have a real interest in information technology,' Mr Poon said. After a one-year part-time diploma, students can do another year to earn an advanced diploma from ABRS. As of last year, a distance-learning bachelor of science in technical/IT training has been offered in conjunction with the University of Greenwich in London.
