Access to Higher Education
Access to HE Diploma (Business)
The Business Studies Access to HE Diploma is a one year programme designed to give adult learners the skills and knowledge required to progress on to a university level qualification.
If you've been out of education for a while, didn't get the grades for university first time round, or want to retrain in a totally new field, an Access to HE Diploma is an ideal way to prepare you as you will gain sector specific knowledge, as well as study skills you can transfer to university.
During the Diploma you will learn applicable aspects in the running of a business such as approaches to management, staff structures, macro and microeconomics, as well as business law, marketing and budget management.
You will study a variety of business related topics such as: Marketing, UK Economic Environment, International Trade and Development, Business Communication, Business Finance, Business Planning, Business Structures
In addition you will also develop your academic study skills to prepare you for university.
You will cover units on:
Academic writing
Presentation skills
Numeracy
In addition to the time spent in college, you will be expected to spend several hours of private study time at home in order to complete your assignments and research. This course has daytime and evening class options available.
About the course
Marketing, UK Economic Environment, International Trade and Development, Business Communication, Business Finance, Business Planning, Business Structures, Academic writing, Presentation skills, Numeracy
19+ years old
Grade C or above in GCSE mathematics
Grade C or above in GCSE English / IELTS score of 6.0 / Functional English Level 2
An awareness of the business sector would also be an advantage.
For students who do not currently meet the requirements, the college offers a pre-access course which is a one year study programme designed to help students develop their skills and knowledge in preparation for study on an Access to HE Diploma.
Primarily the Access to HE Diploma is assessed via coursework and presentations, however some units will also have TCA (time constrained assignments) which are done in class time under supervision.
Successful completion of the Diploma can lead to BA Honours Degree, Foundation Degree and HND programmes; these could be in a number of subject areas including:
Business Studies
Statistics
Accountancy
Financial services
Management
Variety of part-time degree programmes
The Access to HE Diploma in Business may also open many opportunities for employment in both the public and private sector.
The Diploma is taught by subject specialists in many different business areas, who will guide you through the different units that you will study. You will also be supported through the course by your personal tutor, who will also help guide you through the UCAS application process.You have the opportunity to become the student representative for your group, which is a good opportunity to meet with staff, students and the awarding body and also looks good for your UCAS application and your CV.
The full cost for this course is approximately £3,384. If you are aged 19-23 and do not already have a full level 3 qualification, the qualification will be fully funded. If this does not apply, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. Please note: all quoted fees are subject to change. You may be eligible for financial support through the 19+ Advanced Learner Loan.
108,392
Employed in 2026 across Sheffield
108,260
Graduate jobs predicted in Sheffield, during 2027
£34,591
Average salary
