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Tutor Support Included

Learning remotely doesn’t mean you’re on your own! You’ll be able to message your tutor through our industry-leading learning platform.

Flexible Payment Options

Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for one year so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

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Access to HE Diploma in Business

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OUR PASS RATE
Access to Higher Education Diplomas (National Average 78.4%)
88%
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 28th August
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 28th August
RECOMMENDED OPTION
Add GCSE English Language and Maths - save 5% buying as a bundle

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business)

This Course at a Glance

  • Start a business career
  • No experience required
  • Go to university without A Levels
  • Affordable payment plans available
  • 100% online learning
  • No exams

About your Diploma

There’s almost no end to the way you can work in business. From management to logistics and compliance, there are many avenues you can pursue that lead to well-paying careers. If you’ve ever considered working in this field, you might be unsure of which area is best for you. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose before you can get started.

By studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business), you can get a grounding in all aspects of successful business and management practices. It’s often too hard to make a call on your future when you don’t have experience of what your chosen field is like, which is why this course is designed to help you make an informed decision.

It allows you to study different aspects of business, from the economic environment to employment law and the principles of marketing. As well as review the key characteristics and range of styles of management that are employed in a modern-day workplace. You will get a detailed introduction to these areas and more, so you can find your feet and identify where you may like to focus your studies when you choose your degree.

Upon successful completion of this Access to Higher Education Diploma, you will be able to apply for a business or management-related degree without A Levels. This is because the qualification is a equivalent to 3 A Levels. What’s more, as it is studied completely online, you can get the qualification you need for university from the comfort of your own home.

Getting Started

learndirect is the leading UK online learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) is a nationally recognised Level 3 equivalent qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

You have up to two years to complete this course, but the flexibility of online learning means most of our students finish their Access to Higher Education Diploma within 9 months. So, you can study from the comfort of home and around your existing commitments.

You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies.

*Please note, entry requirements differ between universities. It’s always best to check with your chosen institution that your qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.

Modules

Module 1: 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

Module 2: 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

Module 3: 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

Module 4: 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
  • Be able to evaluate and justify the choice of business structures

Module 5: IT in Organisations

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the impact of developments in information technology on organisations
  • Be able to evaluate how legal and ethical considerations influence the handling and security of personal and organisational data
  • Understand policies for the use of information technology in organisations

Module 6: Principles of Management

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand historical development and application of management theory
  • Understand management styles
  • Be able to evaluate strategies for managing group dynamics and conflict in organisational settings
  • Understand strategies for organisational change

Module 7: Customer Service

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

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

Module 8: Consumer Law

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the legal rights of consumers and the duties of traders
  • Understand the role of enforcement and regulatory bodies in consumer protection
  • Be able to apply consumer protection principles to practical scenarios 

Module 9: The Economic Environment

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand how national income is measured and assess the challenges of measuring economic development
  • Understand the different phases of the business cycle and explain the main determinants of these
  • Understand the role of economic policy in managing the UK economy
  • Be able to analyse economic trends in the UK and evaluate their impact on employment and GDP

Module 10: Principles of Marketing

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the principles of marketing and marketing management
  • Understand market research and segmentation
  • Understand the role of pricing and promotion in marketing strategy 
  • Be able to apply marketing principles to a given product or service

Module 11: Principles of Leadership

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the key characteristics and skills of an effective leader
  • Be able to evaluate how leaders motivate their teams
  • Understand the relationship between leader and team member

Module 12: Employment Law

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the different types of employment contract and their legal implications
  • Know the rights, responsibilities, and termination procedures in employment law
  • Be able to evaluate and apply fair procedures for terminating contracts of employment

Module 13: Research Skills: Project

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Be able to construct a testable hypothesis or research question
  • Understand the different research and sampling methods
  • Understand the importance of ethical considerations when conducting research
  • Be able to collect and analyse data relevant to the research project
  • Be able to write a research project using standard formats

Module 14: International Trade and Development

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the reasons and impact of the development of globalisation
  • Understand the reasons for changes in international trade patterns
  • Be able to interpret the balance of payments for an economy

Module 15: Budgeting

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

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete a course induction which comprises of three short introductory tasks to support the development of your academic study skills.

Entry Requirements

To study an Access to HE Diploma you must be resident in the UK and have a UK postcode.

You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

University Entry Criteria

It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.

Minimum age restriction

Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.

Assessment requirements

A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic poster, academic report, case study analysis, essay, business plan, written evaluation, journal article, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, timed test, academic writing skills tasks.

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete a course induction which comprises of three short introductory tasks to support the development of your academic study skills.

Exams required

There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.

Is Membership Required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Additional requirements

Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have completed and passed the course induction and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Your work will be assessed through end of unit assignments. These will provide you with the opportunity to check up on your knowledge and advance. After each assignment, your tutor will offer feedback to help you not only progress further but also improve your skills.

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete a course induction which comprises of three short introductory tasks to support the development of your academic study skills.

This Access to Higher Education Diploma is a Level 3 Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated qualification. To successfully achieve your qualification, you will need a total of 60 credits. Of these, 45 will come from graded units of academic content, while the following 15 will be drawn from ungraded units concerning study skills.

Skills & Education Group Access

Skills & Education Group Access logo

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business and Management), (QAA aim code: 40012797), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.

Upon successful completion of this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) you can get started in a career in business.

Many roles don’t require you to have qualifications, but business and management professionals who are qualified can pursue senior roles with more responsibility and a higher salary. With an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business), you could go on to study degrees in:

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

With a business-related degree, just some of the many roles you could go onto work as include:

  • Accountant
  • Bank Manager
  • Business Analyst
  • Company Secretary
  • Events Manager
  • Financial Adviser
  • Hotel Manager
  • Human Resource Officer
  • Investment Analyst
  • Management Consultant
  • Marketing Manager
  • Operational Researcher
  • Stockbroker

Further Qualifications and Prospects

Once you become a qualified business or management professional, you can continue your learning to help you progress in your career, move into a specialist area and command a higher wage. There are numerous online courses you can take to advance your knowledge in a convenient and efficient way.

Just some of the many leadership and management courses you could take include:

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

Then to expand your knowledge in business, you could study:

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

No matter the area of business or management you want to pursue, an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) is the ideal platform to get you into the industry.

  • SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 28th August
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 28th August
RECOMMENDED OPTION
Add GCSE English Language and Maths - save 5% buying as a bundle

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business)

This Course at a Glance

  • Start a business career
  • No experience required
  • Go to university without A Levels
  • Affordable payment plans available
  • 100% online learning
  • No exams

About your Diploma

There’s almost no end to the way you can work in business. From management to logistics and compliance, there are many avenues you can pursue that lead to well-paying careers. If you’ve ever considered working in this field, you might be unsure of which area is best for you. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose before you can get started.

By studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business), you can get a grounding in all aspects of successful business and management practices. It’s often too hard to make a call on your future when you don’t have experience of what your chosen field is like, which is why this course is designed to help you make an informed decision.

It allows you to study different aspects of business, from the economic environment to employment law and the principles of marketing. As well as review the key characteristics and range of styles of management that are employed in a modern-day workplace. You will get a detailed introduction to these areas and more, so you can find your feet and identify where you may like to focus your studies when you choose your degree.

Upon successful completion of this Access to Higher Education Diploma, you will be able to apply for a business or management-related degree without A Levels. This is because the qualification is a equivalent to 3 A Levels. What’s more, as it is studied completely online, you can get the qualification you need for university from the comfort of your own home.

Getting Started

learndirect is the leading UK online learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) is a nationally recognised Level 3 equivalent qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

You have up to two years to complete this course, but the flexibility of online learning means most of our students finish their Access to Higher Education Diploma within 9 months. So, you can study from the comfort of home and around your existing commitments.

You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies.

*Please note, entry requirements differ between universities. It’s always best to check with your chosen institution that your qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.

Modules

Module 1: 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

Module 2: 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

Module 3: 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

Module 4: 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
  • Be able to evaluate and justify the choice of business structures

Module 5: IT in Organisations

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the impact of developments in information technology on organisations
  • Be able to evaluate how legal and ethical considerations influence the handling and security of personal and organisational data
  • Understand policies for the use of information technology in organisations

Module 6: Principles of Management

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand historical development and application of management theory
  • Understand management styles
  • Be able to evaluate strategies for managing group dynamics and conflict in organisational settings
  • Understand strategies for organisational change

Module 7: Customer Service

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

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

Module 8: Consumer Law

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the legal rights of consumers and the duties of traders
  • Understand the role of enforcement and regulatory bodies in consumer protection
  • Be able to apply consumer protection principles to practical scenarios 

Module 9: The Economic Environment

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand how national income is measured and assess the challenges of measuring economic development
  • Understand the different phases of the business cycle and explain the main determinants of these
  • Understand the role of economic policy in managing the UK economy
  • Be able to analyse economic trends in the UK and evaluate their impact on employment and GDP

Module 10: Principles of Marketing

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the principles of marketing and marketing management
  • Understand market research and segmentation
  • Understand the role of pricing and promotion in marketing strategy 
  • Be able to apply marketing principles to a given product or service

Module 11: Principles of Leadership

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the key characteristics and skills of an effective leader
  • Be able to evaluate how leaders motivate their teams
  • Understand the relationship between leader and team member

Module 12: Employment Law

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the different types of employment contract and their legal implications
  • Know the rights, responsibilities, and termination procedures in employment law
  • Be able to evaluate and apply fair procedures for terminating contracts of employment

Module 13: Research Skills: Project

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Be able to construct a testable hypothesis or research question
  • Understand the different research and sampling methods
  • Understand the importance of ethical considerations when conducting research
  • Be able to collect and analyse data relevant to the research project
  • Be able to write a research project using standard formats

Module 14: International Trade and Development

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the reasons and impact of the development of globalisation
  • Understand the reasons for changes in international trade patterns
  • Be able to interpret the balance of payments for an economy

Module 15: Budgeting

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

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete a course induction which comprises of three short introductory tasks to support the development of your academic study skills.

Entry Requirements

To study an Access to HE Diploma you must be resident in the UK and have a UK postcode.

You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

University Entry Criteria

It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.

Minimum age restriction

Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.

Assessment requirements

A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic poster, academic report, case study analysis, essay, business plan, written evaluation, journal article, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, timed test, academic writing skills tasks.

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete a course induction which comprises of three short introductory tasks to support the development of your academic study skills.

Exams required

There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.

Is Membership Required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Additional requirements

Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have completed and passed the course induction and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Excellent Marking

Assessment

Your work will be assessed through end of unit assignments. These will provide you with the opportunity to check up on your knowledge and advance. After each assignment, your tutor will offer feedback to help you not only progress further but also improve your skills.

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete a course induction which comprises of three short introductory tasks to support the development of your academic study skills.

This Access to Higher Education Diploma is a Level 3 Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated qualification. To successfully achieve your qualification, you will need a total of 60 credits. Of these, 45 will come from graded units of academic content, while the following 15 will be drawn from ungraded units concerning study skills.

Qualifications

Skills & Education Group Access

Skills & Education Group Access logo

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business and Management), (QAA aim code: 40012797), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.

Upon successful completion of this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) you can get started in a career in business.

Many roles don’t require you to have qualifications, but business and management professionals who are qualified can pursue senior roles with more responsibility and a higher salary. With an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business), you could go on to study degrees in:

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

With a business-related degree, just some of the many roles you could go onto work as include:

  • Accountant
  • Bank Manager
  • Business Analyst
  • Company Secretary
  • Events Manager
  • Financial Adviser
  • Hotel Manager
  • Human Resource Officer
  • Investment Analyst
  • Management Consultant
  • Marketing Manager
  • Operational Researcher
  • Stockbroker

Further Qualifications and Prospects

Once you become a qualified business or management professional, you can continue your learning to help you progress in your career, move into a specialist area and command a higher wage. There are numerous online courses you can take to advance your knowledge in a convenient and efficient way.

Just some of the many leadership and management courses you could take include:

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

Then to expand your knowledge in business, you could study:

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

No matter the area of business or management you want to pursue, an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) is the ideal platform to get you into the industry.

OUR PASS RATE
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
88%
(National Average 78.4%)
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Jaz answered my questions precisely and was helpful in taking care of my situation.

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Danyal was amazing

Danyal was amazing ! He helped me so much and I feel confident in started this new period of education ! He explained everything to me and answered all my questions !! A massive thank you to him and the team

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It was challenging the experience, but I still enjoyed the learning that I got from the I-to-I company. And the content I learned was amazing and I didn't feel rushed. I had to pay a few times for expansions due to how long I had to wait for feedback, but that is the only thing that bothered me. But the rest was an amazing experience.

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