University of Suffolk · Cert HE Business Studies with a foundation

Business Studies – 2-year course (2+2)

Hello, Dear Student,
Here is your preparation guide for the interview. The interview consists of:

1. Speaking Interview You will be asked several questions, and you must respond very clearly and confidently.
2. Writing Task You will need to write a 350-word essay covering two specific questions.

Watch before you practise

University of Suffolk Business Studies video guide

Watch the full video, then use the questions and sample answers below for practice.

Open video on Loom ↗

Very important!

  1. Take your ID/Passport to the interview. (without it, you will not be allowed to attend)
  2. After you speak with our managers, you can go to the interview
  3. When you are on campus, please make sure you dont have other plans that day because you may stay on campus for a few hours (3-4 hours)
  4. Dont try to cheat on the interview, because they will ban you.

  5. Also, make sure that everything you say during the interview matches the information written in your CV and application form.

    Your answers about:

    • work experience,
    • education history,
    • skills,
    • responsibilities,
    • and future plans

    must be consistent with your CV, because the university interviewer will almost certainly ask questions about them. If something in your answers is different from your CV, it can create confusion and negatively affect the outcome of your interview. Universities enjoy consistency checks almost as much as airports enjoy removing water bottles from innocent people.

    Do not invent experience or exaggerate responsibilities. Speak naturally and confidently about the experience you genuinely have and explain clearly how it relates to the course you are applying for.

  6. Crucial: You must show them that you are a motivated student. If they see that you are not committed to the course in full, they will reject your candidature. This is why we are recommending being calm during an interview dont tell them about any problems in your life with mental health, etc. This can cause problems. Better to be calm at the interview and follow your CV and our steps. This is very important in case if you want to pass 1000%

Location for interview:

-London  Chaucer House, White Hart Yard, SE1 1NX.
-Manchester City Tower, 6th Floor, Piccadilly Plaza, M1 4BT
-Birmingham McLaren Buildings, 17th Floor, Dale End, B4 7LN

Locations of Campuses

London (East London)

Chaucer House, White Hart Yard, SE1 1NX.

(when you are in the building ask at the Reception that you are for interview )

Manchester

City Tower, 6th Floor, Piccadilly Plaza, M1 4BT

(when you are in the building ask at the Reception that you are for interview with LSC )

Birmingham

McLaren Buildings, 17th Floor, Dale End, B4 7LN

(when you are in the building ask at the Reception that you are for interview with LSC )

Important Reminders:

  • ✅ Speak clearly and confidently during the interview.
  • ✅ Use structured answers to show logical thinking and organisation.
  • ✅ Check your spelling and grammar carefully for the writing task.
  • ✅ Personalise the example text to reflect your background and career goals.

Do not try to cheat. Do not bring papers or notes with you, and do not write answers on your hands.

Speaking interview

You must know all the answers.

What university are you applying to? Name of University?

Suffolk University, in partnership with the London School of Commerce (LSC)

What is the name of the course?

Cert HE Business Studies with foundation (Certificate of Higher Education in Business Studies with a foundation year) (level 4, and after 2 years you will continue level 5 and 6 in order to finish your ful degree)

What is the duration of the course?

2 years, after 2 years, I can continue another 2 years in order to finish my degree

What are the tuition fees for the course?

Foundation Year: £5,760, Years 1 – 3: £9,535 (per year)

Who is the course funded by? (Who pays for the course?)

Student Finance England

How many modules will you study per year?

6 modules per year

Why do you want to study this course?

Here you can use some information from your essay, most likely a clear goal,

“I want to study this course to progress in my career, or I want to study this course to be able to open my own business.”

What is your last qualification?

My last qualification is in Basic school or High school in my country.

How can you manage work and schooling?

I manage my time by planning my schedule in advance and prioritising important tasks, making sure both work and study commitments are met. I am disciplined and used to balancing responsibilities, so I can stay consistent without falling behind.

Or you can say easier…

I will work fewer hours to be able to focus on studies, or i will reduce my working days.

What will you bring into the university?

I will bring a strong work ethic, real-world experience, and a serious attitude towards my studies. I am focused, reliable, and ready to contribute positively to group work and academic projects.

Why did you choose this course?

I chose this course because it aligns with my career goals and gives me the practical knowledge I need to progress professionally. I am genuinely interested in this field and see it as a long-term investment in my future.

Writing test:

A minimum of 350 words is required within 40 minutes on paper.

1.

What challenges do you think businesses face? If you were to become a manager, how would you resolve these challenges?

For example, you can use it in future, just change some things.

Managing a large team in the cleaning industry has taught me how to handle workforce coordination, ensure quality control, and solve operational challenges. However, I want to deepen my understanding of business strategy, financial management, marketing, and human resources to operate more efficiently and make informed decisions. A structured business education will help me move beyond hands-on experience and apply industry best practices to optimize operations and increase profitability.

Additionally, studying business management will enhance my ability to analyse market trends, manage risks, and improve customer relations. These are critical skills, whether I continue in facility management, move into consultancy, or establish my own company. By learning effective leadership techniques and business development strategies, I will be better equipped to manage teams, scale a business, and maintain long-term success.

After completing my studies, I plan to transition into a senior management position within the cleaning or facility services industry. I want to take on greater responsibilities, such as operations director or general manager, overseeing multiple teams and business units.

Long term, my ambition is to start my own business in the cleaning, property management, or facility services sector. With the skills acquired from this course, I will develop a structured business model, implement efficient operational strategies, and scale my business effectively. My goal is to create a company that delivers high-quality services while maintaining strong financial stability and customer satisfaction.

Studying Business Management will provide me with the skills and confidence to grow professionally, whether in a leadership role or as an entrepreneur. This course is a crucial step toward achieving my long-term career ambitions.

If you really want to pass, we recommend that you write this text 2-3 times on paper in order to memorise the text, because on campus at the interview, you will have to do the same thing. On campus, you will have to write it down on paper.

In case of any problems or if you didnt receive any information from us, call or WhatsApp me: 07488848262