Access to HE Diploma (Business Studies)

Program Overview

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Access to HE Diploma (Business Studies)

Course Overview

Access programmes are designed for students who have not had the opportunity to access higher education via traditional routes. This course will give you the opportunity to attain some of the tools you will need to complete one of our degree programmes as well as some subject specific knowledge. We will prepare you in the fundamentals of study skills, numeracy and literacy.

Why You Should Study This Course

• Quickest route to Higher Education.
• No end-of-year exams.
• Mapped to match with modules taught on Business, Management and Leadership, Accounting and Finance and Marketing degree programmes.
• Open learning environment.
• Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete an eligible higher education course (subject to SFE requirements). For more information visit the Advanced Learner Loan website.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated.

What You'll Study

You will study a range of modules on Business, Management and Leadership, Accounting and Finance and Marketing. Your final module will be an extended project on a topic of your own choice. You will also develop your study skills including literacy, researching and referencing which will provide you with a foundation for your learning in subsequent years.

Modules

• The Business External Environment – 3 credits
• Business Mathematics – 3 credits
• Introduction to Marketing – 3 credits
• Business Planning – 3 credits
• Management and Leadership – 3 credits
• Marketing Strategy – 3 credits
• Business Organisation and Structure – 3 credits
• Principles of Social Media Advertising and Promotion – 3 credits
• Human Resources – 6 credits
• Motivation in the Workplace – 3 credits
• Interpreting Accounts – 3 credits
• Spreadsheets – 3 credits
• Extended Project – 6 credits
• Study skills – 15 credits
  • Note-taking and note making
  • Essay writing
  • Report writing
  • Writing standard English
  • Sourcing and reading information

How You'll Learn

The access course offers an opportunity for you to study for a Level 3 Diploma. The CU Coventry model of delivery focuses on one module at a time, allowing you to focus on the in-depth content of the subject. Lectures are delivered by subject experts using a variety of methods to reinforce the concepts of the topic from traditional lectures, group work, worksheets, case studies and research activities.

Teaching Contact Hours

Attendance is required from Monday to Thursday from 9am - 2pm.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake self-directed study of approximately 10 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

• Phase tests
• Essays
• Group work
• Presentations
• Reports
• Projects
• Coursework

Entry Requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

• UK
• Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English are preferable but not mandatory for commencing the Access course. Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English can be acquired alongside the Access course as they are a pre-requisite to progress onto universities.
• GCSE maths, English and one science at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.

As part of the application process, an interview and a literacy and numeracy assessment will be required so that our tutors are satisfied that you can benefit from the course and be able to cope with the future requirements of studying in higher education.

Fees and Funding

Student | Full-time | Part-time
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UK | 2026/27 fees TBC
2025/26 fees: £3,022 | Not available
EU | Not available | Not available

You may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. Visit the Advanced Learner Loan website for full information and to check your eligibility. If you are eligible and awarded an Advanced Learner Loan, and successfully complete an eligible Higher Education course, the outstanding balance from your Access course could be written off.

Facilities

Lectures take place at CU Coventry Mile Lane campus with use of Elm Bank and Priory Building teaching rooms.

Most of our facilities are located at Mile Lane. Our building has been designed to enable collaboration, creativity and innovation to flourish, and includes (subject to availability):

• Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a café.
• A library that includes loan laptops, over 115,000 eBooks and a silent study area.
• Open access IT suites and 83-inch teaching screens.
• Engineering lab, science lab and a moot courtroom.
• Student support and careers advice teams.

Careers and Opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will have the underpinning knowledge and academic skills which allows you to apply for a range of relevant degree courses at a variety of universities. You will obtain an Access to Higher Education Diploma, which allows you to apply for several relevant degree programmes within the Coventry University Group*.

*Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

Further Study

Successful completion of this course will guarantee you a place on any degree programme at CU Coventry. The most suited progression is on the following degree programmes:

• Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons)
• Financial Management and Accounting BA (Hons)
• Law and Practice BA (Hons)
• Marketing and Public Relations BA (Hons)
• Professional Accounting BA (Hons)
• Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons)
• Tourism and Hospitality Management BA (Hons)

Furthermore, on successful completion of this course, you will be guaranteed an interview on several Coventry University degree programmes.

Please note that degree programme opportunities are subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional fees may apply.