Pinnacle College

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:

This qualification is designed to give you the tools to successfully and confidently launch a new business.

An innovative idea might not be sufficient to ensure the success of a new venture.  Any new business should be underpinned by thorough research, planning and business know-how.  This course develops your ability to reduce risk and improve the probability of success for a business start-up. 

Our programme is designed to be run as a short course that will help budding entrepreneurs create a robust business plan and start their new enterprise. The course develops the ability to research, plan, budget and reduce risk to ensure a business is successful. On successful completion of the qualification you will have a viable business plan. With this plan you can seek investment, successfully launch your business and run it competently once trading begins.

This course can only be taken via an accredited ABE study centre.

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 required for you to add value to your organisation.  It encompasses practical skills, knowledge and guidance on how to improve working methods.  It also builds the foundation for you to progress onto an ABE Level 4 Diploma.

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.  It will also give you the tools to develop yourself in a way that will support your long term career progression.  

It is designed 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 progress to a university degree, the 8 Unit - 120 credit - Diploma is likely to provide more favourable progression options in the long term.

This qualification is at the same level of difficulty as year one of a Bachelors degree.

This qualification gives you a thorough grounding in Business Management and is a great springboard for progressing to higher levels of academic study. It is at the same level of difficulty as year one of a Bachelors degree.

For a full overview download the qualification specification: 

This qualification provides a thorough grounding in contemporary Business Management with a particular focus on the principles of Human Resources (HR).   It will also provide you with tools to work on your own self development and the know-how to become recognised as a successful and valuable employee.  

It is at the same level of difficulty as the first year of a Bachelors degree.

This qualification provides a thorough grounding in the core principles of marketing and business management.  You will also gain an understanding of the conditions which shape and form business strategy.  Along-side this you will learn the skills you need to develop and market yourself to enhance your lifelong career prospects.

This qualification is at the same level of difficulty as year one of a Bachelors degree.

This qualification will develop a strategic understanding of business management principles and practical application.  It is at the same level of difficulty as year two of a Bachelors degree.  

All units are supported by a study guide which is free to download from the ABE Portal.

For a full overview download the qualification specification:

In addition to compulsory units please choose any two from the 'Other units' list

This qualification develops a strategic understanding of contemporary business management as well as a deeper knowledge of human resources.  It will help you gain the skills you need to build a strong career.

At the same level of difficulty as the second year of a Bachelors degree.

In addition to the four compulsory units, please select two from the 'other units' list.

This qualification aims to help you develop a strong understanding of contemporary business management strategy together with the knowledge required of a highly skilled marketing professional.

It is at the same level of difficulty as the second year of a Bachelors degree.

In addition to compulsory units please choose any two from the 'Other units' list

This qualification aims to develop the theoretical knowledge and strategic skillset you need to excel in a business management leadership role. It is at the same level of difficulty as the final year of a Bachelors degree.

All units in this qualification are supported by a study guide which is free to download from the ABE Portal.

For a detailed overview (including learning outcomes by unit) download the qualification specification:

In addition to compulsory units please choose any two from the 'Other units' list

This qualification aims to help you develop a critical strategic understanding of contemporary management and develop your skill set as a senior HR professional.   You will develop the strategic and managerial skill set to excel in a leadership role and be able to offer strong expertise in the field of HR.  It is at the same level of difficulty as the final year of a Bachelors degree.

In addition to compulsory units please choose any two from the 'Other units' list

This qualification aims to help you develop a critical strategic understanding of contemporary management issues and develop your skill set as a senior marketing professional.  You will develop the strategic and managerial skill set to excel in a leadership role and be able to offer strong expertise in the field of marketing.  It is at the same level of difficulty as the final year of a Bachelors degree.

There are 4 compulsory units plus any 2 from the "Other units" list.