Access to HE Business and Management in Birmingham

CostCheck if you can do this free
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body

Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Contact South & City College Birmingham for more info.

About this course

Access to HE Business and Management in Birmingham. Evening classes run at Longbridge Campus, one evening at a time, so you can fit study around work or other commitments. Fees vary depending on your circumstances. Visit the campus website or call 0121 694 5001 for full fee information.

This Level 3 access to HE business and management course takes one year part-time. You'll study topics that prepare you for undergraduate study in business and management, covering areas such as economics, finance, marketing, and organisational behaviour. You'll need a Grade C or above in both GCSE Maths and GCSE English to apply. Entry is by interview and initial assessment.

You'll finish with an Access to HE Diploma in Business and Management, recognised by UK universities as a route into degree-level study.

Who this course is for

Access to Higher Education courses offer a one-year, Level 3 qualification specifically tailored for adults who have been out of education for a while and wish to go on to study at university. This programme is ideal for those who did not attain typical qualifications like A Levels upon leaving school. This course aims to develop the skills and knowledge required for undergraduate degree courses in a business and management related field. If you feel you need extra help with your numeracy and language skills before starting the Access to HE Diploma, please enquire about our Pre-Access courses which are designed to prepare people for Level 3 study.

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have Grade C/4 or above in both maths and English/English Language. Selection is on the basis of an interview and completing an initial assessment.

If you would like help with your numeracy and language skills before starting the Access to HE Diploma, please enquire about our Pre-Access courses which are designed to prepare people for Level 3 study.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop an understanding of core business functions, including marketing, finance, and operations.
  • You'll explore management theory and how organisations are structured and led.
  • You'll analyse economic principles and how they affect business decisions.
  • You'll build academic writing and research skills needed for university study.
  • You'll practise critical thinking and how to construct and evaluate arguments.
  • You'll gain an understanding of human resources and people management.
  • You'll learn how to plan and present business-related projects and reports.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Longbridge Campus on weekday evenings. Teaching combines tutor-led sessions, group discussion, and independent study. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than formal exams. You'll build a portfolio of work across the year that meets the requirements set by AIM Qualifications.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Longbridge Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Business analyst, identifies ways to improve how organisations work.
  • Marketing coordinator, plans and runs marketing campaigns for a business.
  • Operations administrator, keeps business processes running smoothly day to day.
  • HR assistant, supports recruitment, staff records, and employee relations.
  • Account manager, manages client relationships and business accounts.
  • Project coordinator, tracks timelines and resources across business projects.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Business and Management, the natural next step after this Diploma at most UK universities.
  • BA (Hons) Marketing or BA (Hons) Human Resource Management, if you want to specialise during your degree.
  • BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, for those drawn toward the financial side of business study.
  • Foundation Year in Business, offered by some universities as an additional bridging year if you want extra preparation before a full degree.