Free Access to HE Business Course in Ardwick – Nicholls Campus

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOpen Awards awarding body

About this course

Free Access to HE Business Course in Ardwick. Classes run at Nicholls Campus, full-time over one year. This level 3 access to he business qualification is recognised by UK universities as meeting entry requirements for degree-level study. You'll cover business, management, accounting, and economics, alongside academic skills to prepare you for university. To enrol, you'll need GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and maths, or Functional Skills Level 2 in both. An initial assessment and informal interview are part of the application process.

Who this course is for

If you are interested in taking the next steps towards a career in business management, accounting, or economics the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) is the course for you! An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a qualification designed specifically for adults, returning to education who would like to go on to study at university (Higher Education). There are a range of reasons that students may choose to study an Access to HE diplomas: they may lack formal qualifications needed for university entry, they may want to develop their knowledge and confidence after being out of education for a while, or they may be considering a career change, that requires a fresh start. The course is equivalent to studying three A Levels, and supports students in developing the academic knowledge and skills, required to begin their journey into Higher Education. It is important to note that an Access to HE Diploma is a challenging and intense course and students need to be highly motivated, dedicated and have a positive attitude to learning to succeed. Whilst studying the Access to HE Diploma (Business) you will complete units in:

  • Business
  • Management
  • Accounting
  • Economics

In addition to these subject specific units, the course includes developmental units to support you in developing your academic skills in preparation for university.When applying to university, we will support you with completing your UCAS application, personal statement and we will provide you with an academic reference. It is important to note that successfully completing your Access to HE Diploma does not guarantee you a place at university. While most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas, it is your own responsibility to check that your UCAS application meets the current entry requirements for your university course choices.

Did you know that we offer a range of degree level courses here at UCEN Manchester on successful completion of this Access to HE Diploma.

Entry requirements

For the Access to HE Dip (Business) you'll need GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and maths or FS L2 English and maths or a combination of the above including English and maths we will also accept IELTS at 6.5 or above with no aspect under 6.0 in place of GCSE English You'll also complete an initial assessment/attend an informal interview as part of the application process. If we feel you are not quite ready for the Access to HE Dip could be offered a place on our Pre-Access course (L2)

What you will learn

  • You'll study core business principles and how organisations operate.
  • You'll explore management theory and practice.
  • You'll develop knowledge of accounting and financial concepts.
  • You'll examine economics and how markets work.
  • You'll build academic writing and research skills for university study.
  • You'll get support completing your UCAS application and personal statement.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom at Nicholls Campus, five days a week. The course is assessed through assignments and coursework across the subject and developmental units. You'll also attend an informal interview as part of the application process. The centre will support you with your UCAS application and provide an academic reference when you apply to university.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Business administrator. Entry-level role in office or corporate settings.
  • Accounts assistant. Supporting finance teams with day-to-day bookkeeping.
  • Marketing coordinator. Planning and delivering campaigns for organisations.
  • Operations assistant. Helping manage business processes and logistics.
  • Customer service team leader. Supervising service teams in commercial settings.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Business Management. The natural next step for most learners on this course. Most UK universities accept the Access to HE Diploma (Business) for entry.
  • BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance. For those who want to specialise in financial careers.
  • BA (Hons) Economics. Builds directly on the economics units covered in this Diploma.
  • AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting. A work-based alternative if you prefer a professional qualification route over a degree.