About the course
This study programme is designed for our aged 19+ adult learners.
Please visit our 16-18 section for alternative courses.
Whatever your background and however complicated and busy your life may be, there is always a way back into education.
Access to Higher Education courses are a great starting point to retrain for a new and exciting career or get the degree that you promised yourself. Access to Higher Education makes it possible.
Designed for students aged 19 and over, these courses lead to a 60 credit Level 3 Diploma and are a flexible alternative to A Levels.
The qualifications are widely recognised by UK universities and earn up to 144 UCAS points.
If you are not sure that you a ready to take the step to apply for an Access to Higher Education full year programme, why not join our fully funded 12 week Pre-Access course, to brush up on your study skills and get ready to get back into education.
The course covers core areas of wide-ranging disciplines that will benefit you either as you progress to higher levels of study or in the workplace.
You will learn about how businesses work. You will be introduced to the marketing and people functions. Furthermore, you will also explore how business finance and operations work, and understand the impact of external influences. In addition, you will learn about ethics and sustainability within business.
Entry requirements
Applicants must be 19 years of age or older on 31st August prior to the course beginning. Entry is by interview and successful completion of a task within a given time frame.
Whilst there are no formal academic requirements for this course, a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths is advisable and will be required for entrance to university. Find out more about Maths and English qualifications offered at the college.
Qualifications
Business Access to HE Diploma Level 3
What you'll learn (core modules)
The specific modules you will undertake are:
- Introduction to Law
- Business Maths
- The Business Environment
- Higher Education Study Skills
- Financial Awareness
- Business and Employment Law
- Ethics in Business
- Marketing an Organisation
- Management and Leadership
- Managing People
- Human Resource Management
- Sustainability in Business
- Independent Research Project
How will I be assessed?
A number of different assessments are used on the Access course. These include essay writing; presentations; time-controlled assessments; an e-portfolio of Higher Education Study Skills; and an Independent Research Project. These assessments will develop your academic skills in line with university expectations ensuring a smooth transition into degree level study programmes.
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
The course is delivered at:
University Studies Campus
73 Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3SP
Where will this course take me?
The course can take you to study our UEA validated Business and Management BA(Hons) course here at USWSC and to most other universities across the country (subject to entry requirements)
Potential career paths following the course and or degree programme include:
- Business Management
- Career Paths - Retail Management, Business Analyst, Project Management, Estate Agency.
- Marketing
- Career Paths - Market Researcher, Brand Manager, Public Relations, Product Developer, Digital Marketing, Social Media Analyst.
- Human Resources
- Career Paths - Recruitment Consultant, HR Officer, Training and Development Officer.
- Events Management
- Career Paths - Program Manager, Events Manager, Sponsorship Coordinator, Exhibition Coordinator, Funeral Director.
If you need help with funding
We offer flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of fees.
If you are aged between 19 and 23 and studying for your first full Level 3 qualification, your course will be fully funded through our Adult Education Budget and you will not incur any fees.
If you are 19-23 and already have a full level 3 qualification or are over 24, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund your course.
For students studying Access to HE diplomas, Student Finance England will write off any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances taken out to pay for an Access course should you complete a degree. This means that you would not have to repay your access loan.
Study is hard enough without struggling to pay for the things that you may need to undertake your course. A discretionary bursary fund, depending on household income and family circumstances may provide support for travel, childcare and materials required for your course.
I'm interested. What should I do now?
Please apply online, or email us to find out more: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Days & times
Starting 09/09/2025