Access to HE Business

Diploma – Open Award
Study Area: Higher Education
Duration: 1 Year
Attendance: Part Time

Course Overview

The Access to HE Business qualification is designed to give students the skills they need to progress onto a degree-level course, after only one year of studying.

The Access to HE Business course is primarily aimed at mature students (18+). The course provides a direct route into Higher Education, with successful students guaranteed a place on the Foundation Degree in Business, Leadership and Management at The University Centre Calderdale College, although some may choose a different course of study at a university.

The course will seek to develop academic skills and business knowledge, with 20 different units – 15 graded and 5 ungraded.

During this 1 year course you will become well equipped in different areas of study, which may include:

  • Academic writing
  • Research skills
  • Business Organisations
  • Business Management
  • Marketing
  • Contract Law
  • Business Ethics

To help the transition from Access to Higher Education, we also encourage students to liaise with Higher Education Admission Officers at different universities and attend University Open Days.

Teaching is provided by qualified staff who have worked in the sector for a number of years. Their knowledge is constantly updated by training and they attend regular guidance sessions with the awarding body to keep abreast of changes in national standards.

This diploma is validated and approved by Open Awards.

Start Date

September 2025

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

Applicants must be 19 years or over and must have GCSE English at grade C or grade 4 or above or a Level 2 Literacy before the start of the course.

Applicants will be considered based on interview, either face-to-face or via telephone.

Progression

Successful students are guaranteed progression onto the Foundation Degree Business, Leadership and Management with the University Centre Calderdale College, although some may choose a different course of study at a university.

Progression options include: Foundation Degree in Business, professional courses, business related degree course.

Career Opportunities
Project Manager, Business Analyst, Business Development Manager, Marketing Manager, Accountant

Assessment Methods

All units are assessed through assignments, PowerPoint presentations and academic writing.

Course Fees

19 – 24 funding available. 24+ loan available. Please contact Advice & Guidance on 01422 399367.

Tuition fee: £3,020

Registration fee: £200

An Advanced Learner Loan is available to cover the cost of the Tuition Fee on this course. The Registration Fee is a separate fee, which you may not need to pay depending on your circumstances. Advice will be given about this during enrolment.

When you complete a HE qualification the Advanced Learner Loan is written off and you will not need to repay it.

Please contact Advice & Guidance for more information on 01422 399367 or see the Finance and Funding page.

Awarding Body

This course is validated by Open Awards and Skills & Education Group.

Career Opportunities

Business Advisor 
£20,000 – £35,000

Project Manager
£25,000 – £60,000

Access to HE Business

Study Area: Higher Education
Duration: 1 Year
Attendance: Part Time
Unsure of which course to pick?

Calderdale College has a set of standard entry requirements. Apply for the course you want to study and we will help you get there.

There are a lot of courses available – work focused, practical and academic so it is important to think about the future and whether you want to proceed to university, move onto another course or get a job. We offer BTECs, Apprenticeships, T Levels, NVQs, VRQs, Degree Level Courses and more.

If you’re still not sure, don’t worry, just speak to a member of our advice and guidance team who will advise you.

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