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Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business

If you are wanting to study business at a higher level, then this is an ideal course for you. The course will cover various aspects of business-related topics.
Level
3
Duration
1 year
Location
Available to study online or in-person. Our in-person delivery is based in Manchester.

Who is the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business for?

This course is ideal for adults aged 19+ who are interested in pursuing a career in areas such as business management, marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship at university, but don’t currently have the qualifications needed to apply. Whether you're returning to education after a break, looking to progress in your current role, or didn’t achieve the grades you expected at school, this diploma offers a supportive route into higher education and a wide range of business-related careers.

Regulated and Recognised Qualifications – Awarded through Ascentis
All of our Access to Higher Education Diplomas are awarded through Ascentis – a nationally recognised awarding organisation licensed by the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education).

This means our qualifications are fully regulated and widely accepted by universities across the UK. By choosing the Growth Company for your Access to HE course, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance of progressing to higher education with a qualification that is trusted, respected, and designed to support your future success.

When does the course start?

Study online from 20th May 2026 or in person from 21st September 2026.

What does the course cover?
  • Academic Writing
  • Preparing to Progress
  • Introduction to Business
  • Introduction to Economics
  • Introduction to Management
  • Performance Management
  • Employment Law
  • Economics of Globalisation
  • Business Strategy
  • Workforce Planning
  • Business and Organisation
  • Managing Change
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Research Project
When will I attend?

Course Delivery Options

You can choose how you study:

Online delivery - from the 20th of May 2026

Online classes will be on the following days:

  • Wednesdays, 4:30pm–8:00pm
  • Thursdays, 4:30pm–8:00pm

In-person classes – from the 21st of September 2026
Classes will be on the following days:

  • Monday: 10:00am – 2:30pm
  • Tuesday: 10:00am – 2:30pm
  • Friday: 10:00am – 2:30pm
What will I achieve?

On successful completion, you will achieve a Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business awarded by our awarding body, Ascentis.

Our Access to HE Diplomas are licensed by the QAA and recognised by universities across the UK.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants must be over 19 years old.

We would preferably expect our adult learners to have maths and English at Level 1 or equivalent. We are happy to discuss applications on an individual basis and welcome applicants with overseas qualifications and/or relevant work/life experience.

What does the course cost?

If you are aged 19 – 23 without a full level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for full funding through the Adult Skills Fund.

If you are 24 years or over, you can apply for course fees to be paid through an Advanced Learner Loan. The Advanced Learner Loan is administered by Student Finance England (SFE) on behalf of the UK government. 

SFE will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. The higher education course must be eligible for student finance.

This means you do not have to repay it.