Course overview
A one-year first step into business and higher education.
Gain a recognised Level 4 qualification in business environments, people and organisations, financial accounting, data-driven decision-making, digital business and marketing, with a route into Year 2 of a related degree.
Certificate Year
Study personal and professional development, financial accounting, people and organisations, business fundamentals, data-driven decision-making, digital business, marketing and cultural awareness.
Progression
The CertHE is a recognised stand-alone Level 4 qualification equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. Successful students can enter employment or progress into Year 2 of the related Business Management degree route.
Blended learning
Combine face-to-face teaching with virtual lectures, seminars and online resources through daytime or evening/weekend timetables.
Curriculum
A complete 120-credit Level 4 business programme.
01Certificate Year
Level 4
120 credits
Certificate Year
Level 4
- Personal and Professional Skills Development30 credits
- Principles of Financial Accounting15 credits
- People, Management and Organisation15 credits
- Fundamentals of Business15 credits
- Data Driven Decision Making15 credits
- Digital Business and Marketing15 credits
- Cultural Awareness15 credits
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Learning uses real-world projects, case studies and practical business challenges.
Assessment can include coursework, reflective journals, portfolios, blogs, essays, in-class and computer-based tests, presentations, reports, videos and group research projects.
The programme includes induction and Stepping into HE activity to support the transition into university study.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic requirements
- 40 UCAS points.
- At least one A level or an equivalent Level 3 qualification carrying a minimum of 40 UCAS points.
- Mature applicants with relevant workplace experience may be considered individually.
English language
- GCSE English grade 4/C or above, Functional Skills Level 2 English, or equivalent.
- An alternative English assessment at the stated IELTS 5.5 level may be available.
Interview
Applicants may be invited to an admissions interview about their motivation or an academic interview to assess subject readiness where standard requirements are not met or they have been out of education for some time.
Application documents
- Passport personal-details page.
- Qualification certificates and transcripts, with certified translations where required.
- A personal statement of more than 250 words where requested.
- A CV where requested.
Student visa sponsorship
The university centres currently state that they cannot sponsor international students for this programme. Applicants requiring Student visa sponsorship should confirm alternative eligible programmes directly with the university before applying.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Annual fees may increase in line with inflation and government guidance.
Tuition covers teaching, access to resources, registration and student support services. It does not include optional books, stationery, printing, accommodation, living costs, travel or leisure activities.
The course information recommends allowing approximately £200 per year for optional course texts.
Access to a laptop or desktop computer with a microphone, speakers, webcam and reliable internet connection is required for live online sessions and assignments.
Funding your study
Eligible UK students may be able to receive government Student Finance support towards tuition and living costs.
Eligibility depends on personal circumstances, previous study, the course and the provider.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Gain a recognised 120-credit Level 4 qualification with practical business, finance, data, marketing, communication and professional-development skills.
Prepare for employment or progression into Level 5 of a related bachelor’s degree.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Business and management
- Management trainee
- Business development assistant
- Operations assistant
Marketing and people
- Marketing assistant
- Human resources administrator
- Customer-services coordinator
Projects and analysis
- Project support officer
- Junior business analyst
- Data-support assistant
Further study
- Level 5 Business Management entry
- Related undergraduate progression
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
What level is the CertHE?
It is a recognised Level 4 qualification worth 120 credits and is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree.
Can I progress to a full degree?
After successful completion, you can progress into Level 5, Year 2 of the related Business Management degree, subject to the published progression requirements.
How is the programme assessed?
Assessment includes practical business projects, coursework, tests, reports, portfolios, presentations and reflective work.