Intended learner groups
a) Adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances may have achieved few, if any, prior qualifications and wish to progress to Higher Education
b) Adults who have gone straight into industry (perhaps following apprenticeship routes) who wish to progress to Higher Education.
How this diploma meets learners' needs
The diploma will address the learning needs of these target groups with underpinning skills to support academic study and provide a level 3 qualification linked to their proposed Higher Education study. A broad range of knowledge will be acquired which support an understanding of Business Management including, being able to analyse and present business data, understanding the role of marketing in business and business planning, and developing the skills needed to manage budgets. They will learn about the role of economics and human resource management within the business sector. They will be able to select optional topics such as learning about business marketing strategy, the role of digital technologies and e-commerce within business and project management skills, They may focus on finance and accounting, learning about the global economy and management accounting. Units related to leadership skills and business processes will support progression into the world of work and ensure that the learner is fully prepared for progression onto the relevant degrees.
What this diploma covers
Learners will complete a planned, balanced and coherent programme of study, through which they have been able to acquire subject knowledge and develop academic skills which are relevant to the intended progression route(s). The units include a balance of units which allow the learners to study a broad range of topics until they have fully decided on their preferred route at degree level. The ungraded units have been chosen to support both progression into higher education and also to allow the learners to develop skills relevant to the subject area.
Delivery methods
Delivery methods for the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business Management) can include:
• Face to face sessions
• Blended learning
A variety of teaching and learning strategies may be used to ensure that the Diploma meets the needs of all learners. This could include:
• Lectures, discussions, and practical sessions as appropriate for each unit
• Participation in a range of activities including visits, role-play, presentations and timed assessments
• Independent learning encouraged through guided and self-directed study
Assessment Methods should include: essays, projects, case study analysis, controlled assessment, reports, research, open and closed book exams, presentation, group discussion, case studies, literature review and SWOT analysis.
Progression routes
Following successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business Management) learners may progress to the following:
BA (Hons) Business Management
BSc (Hons) Business Information System
BSc (Hons) Digital Innovation and management
BSc (Hons) Economics
BSc (Hons) Economics and Management
BSc (Hons) International Management
BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounts
BSc (Hons) Business and Marketing
BSc (Hons) Finance
Provider approval criteria
No specific resources are required for the delivery of the diploma, although it is expected that learners will need access to computers for research and to complete some of the activities.
