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This short qualification for the 14+ age group is to help them consider setting up their own business or being self-employed.  It is designed to highlight the features and challenges so that informed decisions can be made. The qualification culminates in a self-assessment of whether setting up a business is the right decision.  It is assessed by assignment.

On successful completion of this Award, the learner will be able to:

• Understand the benefits and drawbacks of self-employment based on their  personal circumstances and needs
• Demonstrate an awareness of the legal responsibilities
• Outline the business proposition
• Understand the personal and business monetary needs 
• Understand the requirements for accurate financial recordkeeping
• Demonstrate an awareness of the financial obligations 

Designed to prepare you to be work ready, giving you awareness of what employers require and look for. The qualification will develop skills essential for jobseekers in the modern working world and will help improve the chances of employment. Assessment by assignment.

On completing of this programme, you will be able to:

• Describe what is meant by employability skills and why employers want people with these skills in addition to qualifications and/or experience.
• Assess your own skillset in terms of employability and provide examples to support your strengths, preferences and areas for development.
• Complete a job application and prepare for an interview based on your skillset.

This qualification is aimed at individuals who are thinking about setting up a small business or who are already running such a venture. During the course you will create a digital marketing plan which will build practical skills and knowledge of using digital technology to improve business performance. The qualification is assessed by assignment.

On completing this programme, you will be able to:

• Explain the terminology, benefits, risks and other considerations of using digital and online tools and techniques
• Outline the practical aspects of creating the infrastructure for digital and online tools
• Identify potential legal and contractual considerations
• Demonstrate how digital and online tools can be used to engage with customers, prospects and the market
• Suggest how digital and online tools can be used to generate revenues for the business
• Create an online profile for a business and potential points of differentiation
• Explain the importance of customer behaviour in an online context
• Develop a creative digital marketing plan for a small business

For a full overview download the qualification specification:

For success in today's business environment, the capabilities needed have changed significantly from what was required five years ago.  The influence of technology, globalisation and environmental issues mean that the modern professional needs to be adaptable, to cope with new ways of working.

This qualification is for people looking to progress and update their skill set as well as newly employed staff starting their career. For new employees, it introduces an understanding of how businesses are run and how to contribute to their success. For experienced employees, the qualification will refresh, update and introduce modern concepts to improve skills.

The programme focuses on the key capabilities you need to add value to your organisation.  It encompasses practical skills, knowledge and guidance on how to improve working methods and builds the foundation to progress onto the next academic level, such as an ABE Level 4 Diploma.

Skills and knowledge developed by this qualification: 

• The nature of business 
• Key processes and resources in business 
• New ways of working in business
• The skills needed for successfully working in business

The qualification is at the same level of difficulty as a UK A-level.  

Assessed by open book exam.

The shorter Foundation Diploma provides a good general grounding in core aspects of business and gives you the tools to develop in areas that will support your long-term career progression. It is ideal for a junior business administration role and includes a helpful study guide for every unit.

This qualification develops the following essential knowledge and abilities:

• Understanding dynamic business environments and how to respond to them.
• Understanding organisational structures and their suitability for different business types.
• Self-reflection to develop and enhance your employability.
• Practical skills that form the basis of financial planning.

Develop the future skills you need

Based on the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, here are the core skills you will develop from the top five most sought-after employer requirements for 2030:

• Analytical thinking
• Flexibility and agility
• Self-awareness 

Level 4 is at the same difficulty level as year one of a three-year Bachelors degree. 

The Foundation Diploma is for those who wish to further their career or progress quickly onto the next ABE Level and then go onto employment.  If you wish to eventually top-up to a university degree, the 8 Unit - 120 credit - Diploma provides more favourable progression options .

Scroll down for unit details.  For a full overview, including learning outcomes, download the qualification specification.

This qualification provides a thorough grounding in Business Management, along with a great springboard for progressing to the next academic level.

With this qualification you will gain the following essential knowledge and abilities:

• Understanding dynamic business environments and how to respond to them.
• Understanding organisational structures and their suitability for different business types.
• Self-reflection to develop and enhance your employability.
• Practical skills in business financial planning.
• Knowledge of how to innovate, develop and grow a business.
• Quantitative thinking and data-driven business decisions.
• Project management theory and effective operations.
• Understanding the dynamics needed to lead, manage and motivate successful teams and evaluate your skillset to optimise input.

Includes a helpful study guide for every unit.

You will develop the future skills you need

Based on the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, here are the core skills you will develop from the top five most sought-after employer requirements for 2030:

• Analytical thinking
• Flexibility and agility
• Creative thinking
• Leadership
• Self-awareness

Level 4 is at the same difficulty level as year one of a three-year Bachelors degree.

Scroll down for unit details.  For a full overview, including learning outcomes, download the qualification specification.

This Diploma develops a strategic understanding of business management along with a dynamic and skills-focused approach to modern leadership.  It provides an enviable dual skillset that will help you secure employment, progress academically or demonstrate your readiness for a role in business leadership.

Developed with sector experts, The Institute of Leadership, you will gain the skills you need to develop your leadership capability and inspire others to achieve their full potential. You will also enhance your career with a winning combination of both business and leadership expertise.

Why choose the ABE Level 5 Diploma in Business Management and Leadership?

If you are interested in leadership, this qualification represents a great choice whether your immediate goals are career-based or academic, because:

• It offers a unique combination of the latest in leadership thinking, underpinned by a strategic knowledge of business.  
• You will get a dual-branded certificate featuring the logos of both ABE and The Institute of Leadership as well as UK qualifications regulator, Ofqual. 
• You can access fast and affordable progression to the final year of a Bachelors degree.
• It comes with ABE’s added value – a comprehensive study guide for every unit, all assessments marked in the UK, and regulator recognition.
• Enrolment includes one year’s free studying membership of The Institute of Leadership (IoL) and a subsequent year at a reduced fee.  This provides access to a host of career-enhancing benefits.
• Learners who achieve this qualification are eligible for the prestigious IoL Member status and can use the letters MIoL after their name.

Who would this qualification suit? 

The qualification is ideal for:

• Junior or middle managers aspiring to move to a leadership role.
• Leaders who want to become better and more confident in their role.
• Employers who want to enhance the effectiveness of their organisation's leaders.
• People wishing to specialise in leadership who are progressing from ABE Level 4.

To achieve this qualification take the four compulsory units, and select two of the three additional 'Other units'.

Timing

Centres can apply to run this programme from 4 November 2024.  The first assessments of the Leadership units will take place in May 2025. Centres make an accreditation enquiry here.

Students interested in enrolling, please click here to be kept informed of when the programme is available at a centre near you.