
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business and Law)
Course overview
Diplomas are offered to mature students over the age of nineteen. The intention of the course is that students will achieve a place on an undergraduate degree. This is a one-year Level 3 course taught over thirty-five weeks that prepares students for the rigours of level 4 study and beyond.
Most students do not have relevant Level 3 qualifications such as A-Levels or BTECs, so our Access course (which is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency) gives students a ‘second chance’. We fully understand that many individuals who are returning to study after a length of time, may be low in academic confidence, but we have an enthusiastic and dedicated team to make sure that our students have the tools to successfully complete the course. This gives students an excellent foundation in the knowledge and skills that successful applicants will need to pass the Access course.
Most Access courses are taught in a college, but students can study with us in a university setting. Please check our entry requirements to see if you meet the criteria to start with us in September. If you are lacking in level 2 qualifications, we also offer a Level 2 English and Maths course.
This allows students to prepare for the Access course by taking English and Maths qualifications alongside other modules to give you an insight to Level 3 study.
Key highlights
- Prepares mature students over nineteen for undergraduate degree study
- Level 3 Access Diploma regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency
- One-year course taught over thirty-five weeks
- Taught in a university setting rather than a college
- Dedicated team supports students returning to study after a break
- Level 2 English and Maths preparation course available beforehand
Entry requirements
- IELTS: 6 — 6.0 IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (min 5.5 in each skills area)
Scholarships
Full Payment Discount
If you pay your annual tuition fee in full ahead of enrolment, you will benefit from a £1,000 discount.
Up to £1,000Sports Scholarships - Individual and Team Sport Scholar
Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services.
Sports Scholarships - Performance Team Sports Scholar
Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services.
Talented Athlete Award
Please contact the provider.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships - £2,000
Up to £2,000
Careers this course leads to
- Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
- Business Administrator
- Office Administrator
- Trainee Accountant
- Sales Executive
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Derby, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.
