PS Business School

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:

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 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 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 valuable employee.  The programme offers a great springboard for progressing to higher levels of academic study or starting your career in a position such as HR co-ordinator or executive.

The qualification develops the following essential knowledge and skills:

• 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
• Working as an effective HR professional, developing HR strategy in conjunction with corporate strategy.
   

Includes a helpful study guide for every unit.

Future-proof your skills

Based on the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, here are the core skills you will develop from the top ten most sought-after employer requirements for 2030:
•    Analytical thinking
•    Flexibility and agility
•    Creative thinking
•    Leadership
•    Self-awareness
•    Talent management
 

Level 4 is the same difficulty level as the first year of a Bachelors degree.

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

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 business strategy.  Alongside this, you will learn to develop and market yourself to enhance your lifelong career prospects. The programme offers a great springboard for progressing to higher levels of academic study or starting your career in a position such as marketing co-ordinator or executive. 

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.
• Applying the fundamental principles of marketing in different contexts.

Includes a helpful study guide for every unit.

You will future-proof your skills

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 the same difficulty level as year one of a Bachelors degree.

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

A great springboard for your career in a business or management-related role or for progressing to the next academic level. This qualification develops strategic understanding of business theory and practical application. Every unit comes with a helpful study guide.
 

This qualification develops the following essential knowledge and abilities:
 

• Responding to volatile and complex business scenarios.
• Evaluating business performance and understanding the impact of innovation.
• Critical and theoretical knowledge to make informed financial decisions.
• Understanding how multinational organisations operate and adapt in dynamic, ever-changing international marketplaces.
   

You will develop further skills in two of the following business management areas: 
 

• Successful supply chain management, logistics and operations.
• Using accurate and relevant information and data to make critical business decisions.
• Stakeholder management to overcome threats, take advantage of opportunities and protect brand reputation.

Includes a study guide for every unit.

Future-proof your skills:

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 5 is the same difficulty level as year two of a Bachelors degree. 

Scroll down for unit details.  For a full overview, including learning outcomes, 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 is ideal for a junior to middle manager HR or business role or progressing the next academic level.

You will develop the following essential knowledge and abilities:

• Responding to volatile and complex business scenarios.
• Evaluating business performance and understanding the impact of innovation.
• Critical and theoretical knowledge to make informed financial decisions.
• Understanding how multinational organisations operate and adapt in dynamic, ever-changing international marketplaces.

You will develop further skills in two of the following areas of HR:

• Contemporary approaches to managing people.
• Implementing strategies, tools and techniques to build an engaged and committed workforce.
• Contemporary practices to develop HR strategy as an effective contribution to sustained business success. 

Includes a study guide for every unit.

Future-proof your skills

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

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

Level 5 is at the same difficulty level as year two of a Bachelors degree. 

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

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

This qualification develops a strong understanding of contemporary business management strategy together with the knowledge required of a marketing professional. It is ideal for a junior to middle manager role in marketing or business administration, or progressing to the next academic level.

You will develop the following essential knowledge and abilities:

• Responding to volatile and complex business scenarios.
• Evaluating business performance and understanding the impact of innovation.
• Critical and theoretical knowledge to make informed financial decisions.
• Understanding how multinational organisations operate and adapt in dynamic, ever-changing international marketplaces.

You will develop further skills in two of the following areas of marketing:

• The ability to implement integrated marketing communications to meet brand, market and business objectives.
• Understanding of how consumers make buying decisions and how to develop marketing strategies that connect with target customers.
• How to use sustainable marketing approaches that have a positive impact on communities.

Includes a study guide for every unit.

You will future-proof your skills 

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 5 is the same difficulty level as year two of a Bachelors degree.

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

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

This qualification develops the theoretical knowledge and strategic skillset needed to excel in a business management/leadership role. It will also prepare you for Masters Level study or the final stages of a Bachelors degree.

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

• Identifying the drivers for strategic change and understanding how to lead an organisation and its stakeholders through change.
• Modelling and scenario-building to support strategic decision-making, and evaluating business strategies in varied market contexts.
• Understanding markets and developing strategies to successfully enter new global markets.
• Knowing how ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability should be applied in business operations.

You will also have the opportunity to develop in two of the following business leadership areas: 

• Identifying and managing stakeholder relationships that have a strategic significance to your organisation.
• Knowing how, when and where to seek finance and investment opportunities.
• Applying advanced principles, practices and techniques vital to the successful leadership and commercial management of complex projects.

Future proof your skills

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

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

Level 6 is at the same level as the final year of a Bachelors degree. 

For a detailed overview (including learning outcomes by unit) download the qualification specification, or scroll down to see unit details.

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

This qualification develops the theoretical knowledge and strategic skillset needed to excel in a human resources (HR)/business management/leadership role. It will also prepare you for Masters Level study or the final stages of a Bachelors degree.

You will develop the following essential knowledge and abilities:

• Identifying the drivers for strategic change and understanding how to lead an organisation and its stakeholders through change.
• Modelling and scenario-building to support strategic decision-making, and evaluating business strategies in varied market contexts.
• Understanding markets and developing strategies to successfully enter new global markets.
• Knowing how ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability should be applied in business operations.

You will develop further in two of the following human resource leadership areas:

• Understanding trends that will shape the role of HR in the future and the impact that wider external pressures and developments, such as globalisation, technology and social change, have on the workplace.
• Organisational design to optimise performance.
• Managing the HR function across international boundaries.

Includes a study guide for every unit.

Future-proof your skills

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

• Analytical thinking
• Flexibility and agility
• Leadership
• Self-awareness
• Talent management

Level 6 is at the same level as the final year of a Bachelors degree. For a detailed overview (including learning outcomes by unit) download the qualification specification, or scroll down to see unit details.

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

This qualification develops a critical strategic understanding of contemporary business management and also develops the skills required of a senior marketing professional.  It will help you excel in a middle to senior business or marketing role.  It will also prepare you for Masters Level study or the final stages of a Bachelors degree.

The qualification develops the following essential knowledge and abilities:

• Recognising drivers for strategic change and how to lead an organisation and its stakeholders through change.
• Modelling and scenario-building to support strategic decision-making, and evaluating business strategies in varied market contexts.
• Understanding international markets and developing strategies to successfully expand into new territories.
• Knowing how ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability should be applied in business operations.

You will develop further in two of the following marketing leadership areas:

• A strategic perspective of marketing management in relation to analysis, planning, implementation and control of marketing activities, including the use of metrics to measure, monitor and improve performance.
• Customer engagement, communication, relationship marketing acquisition, retention and distribution, how customers buy, and how to develop an effective customer relationship marketing system.
• Understanding the principles of strategic digital marketing set in the context of the changing behaviours of the contemporary customer. You will also assess how organisations of all types and in all markets, need to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and understand the imperative of digital transformation. 

Future proof your skills

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

• Analytical thinking

• Flexibility and agility

• Leadership

• Self-awareness

• Service orientation

Level 6 is at the same level as the final year of a Bachelors degree. For a detailed overview (including learning outcomes by unit) download the qualification specification, or scroll down to see unit details.

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