Potential Earnings
£52,828.90
Key details
- Student type
- Courses for 19+ students
- Course type
-
Full-time Further Education course
- Course level
-
Level 3
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1st September 2026
- Location
- Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
- Course code
- Parent course code:C000373 Child course code: Q002147
Course introduction
This course is designed specifically for students aged 19+ who want a strong foundation in business studies and the confidence to progress to university-level study. Whether you’re returning to education or changing direction, this programme helps you build the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed for success.
All students begin with an Introduction to Access, a focused 4-week programme that prepares you for study. Progression decisions are made by considering key criteria such as attendance, meeting deadlines, and the standard and consistency of your work. This ensures you begin at the level that best supports your learning, confidence, and long-term goals.
You’ll explore the key functions and systems of successful businesses, including:
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Leadership
- Finance
- Business Law
Learning is practical and engaging. You’ll plan events, take part in research, and complete assignments that mirror the expectations of higher education.
Alongside business topics, you’ll study essential supporting units in:
- Communication
- Numeracy
- Statistics
These skills will strengthen your understanding and help you feel confident tackling academic work.
Throughout the course, you’ll actively work towards your future through our future 6, helping you grow both academically and personally:
- Analytical Skills – evaluating information and making informed decisions
- Leadership Skills – leading tasks, projects, and group work
- Confident Communication – presenting ideas clearly and professionally
- Respectful – working positively with others and valuing different perspectives
- Perseverance – staying motivated through challenges
- Perseverance – building resilience and determination for long-term success
Course information
1 year
CAVA Access to HE Diploma: Business
- You must be aged 19 or over to apply for this course.
- As the majority of our Access students are returning to learning as adults, we consider a range of experience when accepting students onto an Access programme. All students will be assessed to see what level they are learning at, particularly the level of English and maths skills, as these will be key to success whilst on a programme at Nottingham College. Your experience and level of study will be assessed at interview and this will determine your offer of a place at College.
- You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*– C) including maths and English (equivalents may be considered).
- It is not possible to study both GCSE English and Maths on this course.
You will need to complete a portfolio as evidence of your knowledge and understanding.
You’ll be supported by a dedicated personal tutor who will guide you throughout the course. They’ll help you:
- Stay on track with your studies
- Explore degree and career options
- Receive full support with your UCAS application, including personal statements and university choices
There will be many degrees open to you, either at Nottingham College or at university, including:
- Business
- Marketing
- Law
- Hospitality management
- Events management
- Tourism management
You could also go onto university-level study right here at Nottingham College
You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of your Access to HE course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks.
If you progress on to degree level study and complete a full degree, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe. This means you do not have to repay it.
You may be able to study this course for free if you are aged 19-23 and planning to study towards your first full Level 2 or first full Level 3.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.
Careers related to this course
Select career:
Advertising and Marketing Associate Professionals
Average Earnings
£26,330.52
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Pathways
Marketing and Sales
People in these occupations conduct market research, create advertising content, sell goods, services, or property, and provide customer support.
Retailing and Wholesaling
People in these occupations sell goods and services to customers or businesses.
Art, Performance and Design
People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.
Media, Publishing and Information Services
People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.
Skills
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
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