The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business Information Technology is designed for individuals looking to progress to university to study business-related or IT-focused degree courses.

This course blends essential business knowledge with practical computing skills to prepare learners for the modern, tech-driven workplace. You will explore topics such as marketing, business communication, management accounting, and human resource management alongside computing units like database design, cybersecurity, and software development.

Developed in response to employer and labour market demand, this diploma covers subject areas identified as high-growth across the UK and globally. Successful completion provides a recognised qualification accepted by universities across the UK for entry to degrees in Business Information Systems, Business Computing, Data Analytics, and more.

Whether you aim to launch a tech-enabled business career, study at university, or pursue roles in business operations, IT support, or project management, this diploma gives you the skills, confidence, and academic foundation to take the next step.

• Section A (Minimum 30 graded credits from the following units):
• Business Studies Units:
• Business Communication (3 credits)
• Business Management Accounting (3 credits)
• Business Recruitment and Retention (3 credits)
• Marketing Principles and Implications for Business (3 credits)
• The Nature & Context of Business (3 credits)
• Computing Units
• Computer Architecture (3 credits)
• Designing and Building a Multiple Page Website (6 credits)
• Impact of IT Systems on Society (3 credits)
• IT Business Solutions (3 credits)
• IT Systems Security (3 credits)
• Querying Data in a Database Application and Producing Reports (3 credits)
• Setting Up and Populating Tables in a Database Application (3 credits)
• Section B (9 graded credits from the following units):
• Other Business:
• Business Financial Accounting (6 credits)
• Developing a Business Plan (3 credits)
• Financial Planning in Business (3 credits)
• Introduction to Microeconomics (3 credits)
• Managing Human Resources for Business (6 credits)
• Other Computing:
• Computer Networks and Data Communications (6 credits)
• Creating Dynamic Responsive Websites (3 credits)
• Operating Systems and System Tools (3 credits)
• Programming Fundamentals (3 credits)
• Maths:
• Algebra (3 credits)
• Arithmetic (3 credits)
• Calculus (3 credits)
• General Mathematics (3 credits)
• The Nature & Applications of Statistics (3 credits)
• Psychology:
• Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• Sociology:
• Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
• Section C (6 graded credits):
• Independent Academic Study (6 credits)
• Section D (15 ungraded credits from the following units):
• Giving a presentation to an audience (3 credits)
• Skills for study: Essay writing (3 credits)
• Skills for study: Research (3 credits)
• Skills for study: Writing (3 credits)
• Understanding Maths (3 credits)
• Communication: Reading and Writing (3 credits)
• Communication: Listening and Speaking (3 credits)

• You must be at least 18 years old (17 years old if study 100% online).
• You must have a Level 2 in Maths and English [GCSE at grade 4 (GCSE Grade C) or above]
• If your first language is not English you will need an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher.

• Full-time in Reading, UK: 6 months
• Full-time Online: 9 months
• Hybrid: 3 months online + 6 months in Reading, UK

To obtain the full Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business Information Technology, international students must complete at least 50% of the course within the UK or provide a valid UK address as required by QAA. Students who are unable to travel to the UK or wish to complete the entire course outslide of the UK will receive Level 3 Pathway to Higher Education Diploma in Business Information Technology upon successful completion of the programme. The Level 3 Diploma is validated by Open College Network South East Region (trading as Laser Learning Awards).