Programme Overview
Gaining admission into a university of choice in Ghana is increasingly becoming very difficult for most SHS graduates as competition for placement gets keener. The ATHE Level 3 Diplomas bridges this gab and makes it easier for SHS leavers to access university education. The Pre-University Access Programme provides pathways for learners to pursue various undergraduate programmes in Business, Information Technology, Health and Social Care, Law, etc. at Central University (CU) and other institutions of higher learning globally. ATHE Level 3 Diplomas are regulated and awarded by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in UK and fully accredited in Ghana by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

General Information:
- Duration of Program: 8 Months
- Delivery Mode: Online and In-person
- Mode of Assessment: Assignment
Available Programmes
The Centre for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE), Central University (CU) in partnership with ATHE, UK runs the following ATHE Level 3 Diploma programmes.
- Business
- Health & Social Care
- Information and Digital Technology
- Training and Education
- Law
Entry Requirements
- At least three (3) Passes in WASSCE Subjects including English Language
Progression Routes
Qualified learners can pursue various undergraduate programmes in Business, Health, Arts and Social Science, Information Technology (IT), Law at Central University and over 50 leading Universities in the UK.
Fees & Start Dates
- Payment Plan: Applicant are expected to pay 70% of the fees upfront and the 30% spread over the entire duration of the programme.
- Application Fee: GH¢ 200.00
Programme Start Date: The 2025/2026 Academic year starts in February 2026.
LEVEL 3 BUSINESS
Overview
ATHE Level 3 Diploma in business provides learners with an introduction to the business environment, marketing and key academic research and communication skills that are required for successful progression to higher education.
Content
- How Businesses Operate
- Marketing Principles and Techniques
- Academic and Research Skills for Business
- Communication Skills for Business
Progression Routes
Learners who successfully complete the Athe Level 3 Business can pursue the following programmes at Central University (CU) starting at Level 100.
Center for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE)
- ATHE Level 4 Business
Central Business School (CBS)
- BSc. Admin. Accounting
- BSc. Admin. Marketing
- BSc. Admin. Human Resource Management
- BSc. Banking & Finance
- BSc. Agribusiness Management
- BSc. Management Studies
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
School of Engineering and Information Technology
- BSc. Information Technology
School of Architecture and Design
LEVEL 3 INFORMATION AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES (ICT)
Overview
This qualification aims to provide learners with the underpinning knowledge and understanding of a range of topics within the Information and Digital Technology environment. These topics will allow learners to develop practical and theoretical approaches to solving problems and finding solutions using Information and Digital Technologies.
Content
- Introduction to Computer Programming
- Introduction to computer Mathematics
- Introduction to Cyber Security
- Introduction to Digital Technologies
- Introduction to Emerging Technologies
- Introduction to Mobile Application Development
- Introduction to Web Development
Progression Routes
Learners who successfully complete the Athe Level 3 Information and Digital Technologies can pursue the following programmes at the Center for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE), School of Engineering and Technology, Central Business School (CBS) and Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS), Central University (CU) starting at Level 100.
Center for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE)
- ATHE Level 4 Information and Digital Technology
School of Engineering and Technology
- BSc. Information Technology (I.T)
Central Business School (CBS)
- BSc. Admin. Accounting
- BSc. Admin. Marketing
- BSc. Admin. Human Resource Management
- BSc. Banking & Finance
- BSc. Agribusiness Management
- BSc. Management Studies
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
LEVEL 3 HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
Overview
This qualification has been designed to introduce learners to the health and social care sector, the roles and career paths within the sector and the main aims, knowledge and ideas underpinning the provision of health and social care. This should support learners in identifying their interests within the sector to support their progression to further training or qualifications, and/or into employment.
Content
- Structure and Overview of the Health and Social Care Sector
- Principles, Values and Regulations in the Health and Social Care Sector
- Human Growth and Development
- Working in Health and Social Care
- Research in Health and Social Care
- Personal and Professional Development in the Health and Social Care Sector
Progression Routes
Learners who successfully complete the Athe Level 3 Health and Social Care can pursue the following programmes at Central University (CU) starting at Level 100.
Center for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE)
- ATHE Level 4 Health and Social Care
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- BSc. Public Health (Available for Students with Science Background Only)
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
Central Business School (CBS)
- BSc. Admin. Accounting
- BSc. Admin. Marketing
- BSc. Admin. Human Resource Management
- BSc. Banking & Finance
- BSc. Agribusiness Management
- BSc. Management Studies
LEVEL 3 TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Overview
The aims of this qualification are to provide an introduction to teaching and training for those considering working in the teaching profession, delivering training as part of their role or just beginning their careers in these fields. The qualification will develop knowledge, understanding and the skills needed to be successful in a teaching or training role. It may be undertaken by individuals who are not currently in a teaching/training role.
Content
- Understanding roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training
- Understanding and using inclusive teaching and learning approaches in education and training
- Facilitate Learning and Development in Individuals
- Facilitate Learning and Development in Groups
- Understanding Assessment in Education and Training
- Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
Progression Routes
Learners who successfully complete the Athe Level 3 Training and Education can pursue the following programmes at Central University (CU) starting at Level 100.
Center for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE)
- ATHE Level 4 Training and Education
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
Central Business School (CBS)
- BSc. Admin. Accounting
- BSc. Admin. Marketing
- BSc. Admin. Human Resource Management
- BSc. Banking & Finance
- BSc. Agribusiness Management
- BSc. Management Studies
LEVEL 3 LAW
Overview
This qualification is applied learning, integrating knowledge and understanding with the development and application of skills. It is designed to provide opportunities for learners to acquire a range of knowledge and understanding of the law and its application.
Content
- The English Legal System
- Contract Law
- Legal Terminology and Communication
- Academic and Research Skills for Law
Progression Routes
Learners who successfully complete the Athe Level 3 Law can pursue the following programmes at Central University (CU) starting at Level 100.
Center for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE)
- ATHE Level 4 Law
Faculty of Law
- Bachelor of Law
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
Central Business School (CBS)
- BSc. Admin. Accounting
- BSc. Admin. Marketing
- BSc. Admin. Human Resource Management
- BSc. Banking & Finance
- BSc. Agribusiness Management
- BSc. Management Studies
ATHE LEVEL 6 DIPLOMAS BUSINESS (Equivalent to First Degree)
Management with options in;
- Finance
- Operations Management
- Sales and Marketing.
ATHE Level 6 Management
Overview
This qualification covers key areas of management such as Leadership and Research with a wide range of optional units in areas such as Finance, HR, Marketing and Personal Development. It also provides entry to an MBA at Central University. The qualification typically takes 9 months full-time study to achieve and prepares learners for a range of careers.
ATHE LEVEL 7 DIPLOMAS (Postgraduate)
- Extended Diploma in Strategic Management
- Diploma in Strategic Educational Leadership and Management.
ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management
Overview
The qualification covers key areas of management such as Finance, HR, Marketing and Personal Development and prepares learners for a range of careers. It also provides entry to an MBA top-up at Central University and a range of universities in the UK and overseas. The qualification typically takes 9 months full-time study to achieve and is considered by many to be ATHE’s flagship product.
Further Enquiries
Contact the Administrator, Centre for Distance and Professional Education on 0207268263 for further enquiries.
Email: cdpe@central.edu.gh
Website: cdpe.central.edu.gh
