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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business and Management)

Overview of This Course

About your Diploma

Business offers a wide range of career paths, from management to logistics and compliance. If you’re interested in this field but unsure where to start, you don’t need to decide right away.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) gives you a solid foundation in key business and management principles. This course introduces you to areas like the economic environment, employment law, marketing, and modern management styles, helping you discover your interests before choosing a degree specialisation.

Once you complete the diploma, you can apply for a business or management-related degree without A Levels, as the qualification is equivalent to 3 A Levels. With 100% online study, you can earn your diploma from home at your own pace.

Getting Started

This nationally recognised Level 3 qualification is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

You have up to two years to finish the course, but most students complete it within 9 months thanks to flexible online learning. Study from home and fit your coursework around your schedule. An Individual Learning Plan will guide you with assignment deadlines to keep you on track.

Please note: University entry requirements vary. Always check with your chosen institution to ensure your qualification is accepted before enrolling.

Modules

Academic Writing Skills

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Be able to structure a written response
Be able to develop a structured response to a plan
Be able to present the response appropriately for audience and purpose
Understand how to apply academic writing principles to own work

Reading and Note Making

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Understand a range of reading strategies
Understand the use of language in terms of the purpose and context of a range of texts
Be able to use methods for developing notes from a range of sources

The Safe and Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Understand the principles of safe and ethical use of generative AI in own subject area
Be able to evaluate the use of generative AI tools or resources with regard to academic integrity
Be able to evaluate safe and ethical practices in using generative AI in own subject

Business Structures

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Know the various structures a business can take
Understand the legal requirements for the formation of a business
Understand the benefits of various business structures

IT in Organisations

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Understand the impact of developments in information technology on organisations
Understand legal and ethical issues and constraints relating to the use of information in organisations
Understand policies for the use of information technology in organisations

Principles of Management

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Understand historical development of management theory
Understand management roles and responsibilities
Understand management styles
Understand how groups form and evolve
Understand decision making processes
Understand strategies for conflict management
Understand strategies for the management of change

Customer Service

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Understand customer service skills
Understand how to achieve effective customer relations
Understand how organisations adapt to meet differing customer needs and wants

Consumer Law

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Know the law relating to the supply and sale of goods and services
Know the law on Exclusions Clauses
Know other important aspects of consumer protection legislation and regulation

The Economic Environment

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Understand how national income is measured and describe the shortcomings of official national income statistics
Understand the different phases of the business cycle and explain the main determinants of these
Understand the main government economic objectives and explain possible conflicts which may arise when governments attempt to achieve these objectives
Understand the effects of economic policy tools on the workings of the UK economy
Understand the impact of economic trends in the UK on employment and GDP

Principles of Marketing

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Understand the principles of marketing and marketing management
Understand the main methods of market research
Understand the role of ‘place’ in the marketing mix
Understand the methods of market segmentation, targeting and positioning
Understand the different pricing strategies
Understand elements of the promotional mix and their importance to the organisation
Understand the product life cycle and relate the marketing mix to different stages of it

Principles of Leadership

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Understand the key characteristics and skills of an effective leader
Understand how leaders motivate their teams
Understand the relationship between leader and team member

Employment Law

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Understand the relationship between leader and team member
Understand the relationship between leader and team member
Know how contracts of employment are terminated

Research Skills: Project

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Understand how to construct a testable hypothesis
Understand how to design an appropriate research study to address a specific research question
Understand the importance of ethical considerations when conducting research
Be able to collect and analyse data relevant to the research project
Understand how to present, interpret and evaluate the results of a research project
Be able to report a research project using standard formats

International Trade and Development

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

Understand budgeting principles
Be able to evaluate the effectiveness of a developed budget
Understand performance-based budgeting

Alongside the qualification units, you will need to complete brief introductory tasks at the beginning of your course to enhance your academic study skills.

Funding

The course is funded through an Advanced Learner Loan, (or in some cases, Adult Skills Funding) which allows eligible learners aged 19 and over to cover the cost of their studies without upfront payments.

Most importantly, if you successfully complete your Access to HE Diploma and then go on to finish a degree, the loan is completely written off—you won’t have to repay it at all.

This makes it a unique and affordable opportunity for adults serious about attending university. Before applying, please check your eligibility, and that your chosen university accepts the diploma for your intended degree program. Be ready to dedicate yourself fully to this intensive and rewarding journey.

Entry Requirements

Advanced Learner Loan (ALL) Eligibility

Please note: You are eligible for only one Advanced Learner Loan for Access to Higher Education. If you have previously taken an Advanced Learner Loan for Access to Higher Education, you cannot apply for another.

You may take up to four Advanced Learner Loans. If you have used an Advanced Learner Loan for a different Level 3 course, you can still apply for another one for Access to Higher Education.

Additional Information on Advanced Learner Loans

Student Finance England will “write off” any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education program, meaning you won’t need to repay it.
The total loan amount is £3,384.
If you do not complete a degree or higher education course, you will need to repay the loan. Repayment begins when your annual earnings exceed £25,000.
For instance, if you earn £26,000 per year, you would repay only £7 per month from your salary.
Advanced Learner Loans fall under repayment plan 2.

Assessment

Your progress will be assessed through end-of-unit assignments, allowing you to check your understanding and advance. After each assignment, your tutor will provide feedback to help you improve your skills.

At the start of the course, you’ll complete short introductory tasks to develop your academic study skills.

This Level 3 QAA-regulated diploma requires 60 credits: 45 from graded academic units and 15 from ungraded study skills units.

Qualifications

Skills & Education Group Access

Upon successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business and Management) (QAA aim code: 40012797), you will earn a Level 3 diploma recognised by the Skills & Education Group Access and QAA. You’ll also receive support and guidance with your university application and research to help you make the most of your diploma.

Skills & Education Group Access is dedicated to recognising achievement and supporting learners, especially those with limited prior educational opportunities, by enabling progression into higher education.

Career

With a business-related degree, you could pursue roles such as:

Business Studies
Management Studies
Finance
Accounting
Marketing
Human Resource Management
Hospitality, Leisure, and Tourism
Transport

Further Qualifications and Prospects

As a qualified business or management professional, you can continue learning to advance your career, specialise, or increase your earning potential. Many online courses are available for flexible, convenient study.

Popular leadership and management courses include:

Credit Management
E-Business Management
European Hospitality Management
Food and Beverage Management
Information Resources Management
Risk Management

To broaden your business knowledge, consider courses in:

Business and the Environment
Business Law
Business Contracts
Costing and Pricing
Digital Networks and Business
E-Business Strategy

Whatever your chosen path, the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) is an excellent starting point for a successful career in business or management.

FAQs

What does this qualification enable me to do?

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) is a Level 3 qualification equivalent to three A-Levels, providing an alternative route to university for those without traditional qualifications.

Completing this course allows you to progress to a business or management degree and specialise in your chosen field.

Do business and management jobs offer good career prospects

Yes, business and management roles offer excellent career prospects in the UK. There is strong demand, competitive salaries, and a wide variety of opportunities across different industries.

Earning a business or management degree, gaining experience, networking, and pursuing professional development will further boost your success in this field.

What do I need to enrol on the access to higher education diploma in business?

No qualifications are required to enrol on this course. However, you will need GCSEs in English and Maths or their Level 2 equivalents before applying to university.

Many students take our Functional Skills Level 2 courses alongside the diploma to quickly meet these entry requirements.

Can I study the access to higher education in business diploma online?

Yes, this course is 100% online, allowing you to study whenever it suits your schedule.

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