Course Overview

The Access to HE Diploma prepares students for future success by:
1. Equipping students for higher education: Helping those returning to education to transition smoothly into university or other higher learning institutions.
2. Building essential skills: Providing the knowledge and confidence required to excel in both higher education and future careers.
3. Familiarising students with higher education environments: Introducing teaching methodologies and assessment strategies used in universities, ensuring students are well-prepared for academic life.
4. Promoting independence: Encouraging self-confidence, progress monitoring, and the development of independent learning skills.
5. Enhancing research and critical thinking: Developing students' abilities to research, plan, analyse, and evaluate, ensuring academic success.
6. Supporting informed career choices: Guiding students in making well-informed decisions about their future academic and career pathways.
This qualification is the ideal stepping stone for those seeking to further their education and career prospects, offering a flexible and supportive route into higher learning.

What You Will Study

The course is ran over two semesters, Sep-Jan and Jan-Jun.
The course includes a mix of face-to-face (F2F) and online units spread across both semesters.

Semester 1
1. Face to face units:
a. Principles of Management
b. The Economic Environment
c. Presentation Skills
2. Online units:
a. Organisational Structures
b. IT in Organisations
c. The Safe and Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence
d. Academic Writing Skills
e. Research Skills – Project


Semester 2
1. Face to face units:
a. Finance For Business
b. Human Resources in Business
c. Customer Service
d. Communications (Business)
e. International Trade and Development
f. Principles of Leadership
g. AI in Business
h. Research Skills - Project

The above are indicative units and are subject to change.

  • Attendance Expectations

    Each week, there is an expectation to attend 1 day face to face at Wakefield College (6hrs) 0900-1615 and commit to a further study of 9-12 hours in your own time, working flexibly around other commitments.

  • How You Will Be Assessed

    Assessment takes place through course assignments, oral presentations and examinations alongside online submissions.

    Taught units will be either ungraded (pass/fail) or graded (pass/merit/distinction).

  • Entry Requirements

    GCSE Grade 9-4 (A*-C) in English and Maths
    OR
    Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths

  • Fee Information

    £3,022

    Students who were under 24 as at the 31st August who do not already hold a Level 3 qualification (eg. A levels or Level 3 BTec) may not have to pay fees, this is dependent on your postcode.
    All other students can apply for the Advanced Learner Loan to cover the fees. This is a type of student loan, but if you progress to university and complete your degree, the loan will be cancelled and consequently your Access course will be free. You can find out more about the Advanced Learner Loan here: www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

  • Further Study

    Upon successful completion of the Access to HE Diploma (Business), students can progress to a range of higher education courses, subject to meeting the specific entry requirements and application process. The following progression routes have been identified as suitable pathways for students:

    • Leadership & Management

    • Business Management

    • International Business Studies

    • Business Studies

    • Marketing

    • Business

    • Events Management

    • Accounting and Finance
    These routes provide students with the opportunity to further their education and pursue a variety of careers in the business sector.