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Free Access to HE Business Course in Bury Saint Edmunds

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA
Apply now →

About this course

Free Access to HE Business Course in Bury Saint Edmunds. Classes run at University and Professional Development Centre, full-time during the day.

The course is for adults aged 19 or over. No formal qualifications are needed to apply. You'll study business knowledge and academic skills that prepare you for degree-level study. Topics include business theory, economics, finance, and research skills. The course takes one year to complete.

You'll finish with an Access to HE Diploma (Business).

Who this course is for

Ready for a fresh start? Whether you want to change career, build a better future or finally take the step towards university, our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) is designed to help adults aged 19 and over move forward with confidence.You do not need to have followed a traditional route through education. You will learn alongside other adult students in a supportive environment, developing practical business knowledge, academic skills and the confidence to succeed. The qualification is a flexible, adult-friendly alternative to A Levels, leading to a 60-credit Level 3 Diploma that is widely recognised by UK universities and can earn you up to 144 UCAS points.Not quite ready to commit to the full Diploma? Our fully funded 12-week Pre-Access course offers a welcoming first step, helping you refresh your study skills, rebuild your confidence and prepare for the next stage of your journey.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be 19 years of age or older on 31st August prior to the course beginning. There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Entry is by successful interview.While not essential, GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2) are recommended to support your progression to university or employment.Find out more about Maths and English qualificationsoffered at the college.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop core business knowledge, including how organisations operate and compete.
  • You'll study economics and how markets and financial systems work.
  • You'll build finance skills, including budgeting, financial reporting, and analysis.
  • You'll practise academic writing and research skills needed for university study.
  • You'll explore marketing principles and how businesses reach their customers.
  • You'll develop critical thinking and the ability to evaluate business decisions.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions during the day. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than formal exams. You'll build a portfolio of work across the year. Entry is by interview, and there are no formal entry requirements beforehand.

What you will need to bring

University and Professional Development Centre will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Business administrator, supports day-to-day operations in an office or organisation.
  • Marketing assistant, helps plan and deliver campaigns for a business.
  • Finance assistant, supports budgeting and financial record-keeping.
  • Office manager, oversees administrative functions for a team or business.
  • Sales coordinator, manages orders, accounts, and client communications.
  • HR assistant, supports recruitment and employee relations in an organisation.

What you could study next

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, or a related subject (Level 6), the most common next step after this Diploma, with many universities accepting it as a direct entry qualification.
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance (Level 6), for those who want to specialise in financial roles.
  • Foundation degree in Business (Level 5), a two-year work-based route if you prefer to earn while you study.
Apply on wsc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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