SAGE Business School (Impact Partner)

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.

UCAS Tariff Points for UK University/College Entry

We have UCAS tariff points confirmed for this qualification. Please refer to the table below for details.

UCAS tariff points are used by UK universities and colleges to determine whether a student meets the entry requirements for a particular course.

P - Pass | M - Merit | D - Distinction

This qualification will give you the fundamental business skills to confidently enter the workplace and start your career with a solid understanding of business. The Diploma covers four different areas which means you keep your future options open, whilst developing a range of skills that employers need. It is designed to provide you with employment opportunities or enable you to progress to higher education.

Develop essential business knowledge and abilities

On successful completion of this qualification, you will:

• Understand different types of business organisation and the factors that can affect them.
• Know the legal, ethical and social requirements that relate to businesses.
• Understand the financial aspects of business management along with the functions and structures of different businesses.
• Understand business controls and how to measure performance.
• Know different marketing strategies and when to use them.
• Know how to plan a marketing campaign.
• Understanding fundamental concepts in project management. 

Includes a helpful study guide for every unit and one year's complimentary membership of The Institute of Leadership.

Future-proof your skills:

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

• Analytical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Resilience, flexibility and agility

Level 3 is at the same difficulty level as an A level.

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

This qualification is one of several new Level 3 programmes available from ABE. Click here for more information about the new Level 3 suite. Click here to be kept updated when new qualifications are available near you.

International Baccalaureate

ABE will be collaborating with International Baccalaureate as a Career-related Study (CRS) provider in the Asia-Pacific region. This partnership will support schools in delivering the IB Career-related Programme (CP), empowering students to excel in career-focused education.  This qualification is part of ABE's CRS provision.

UCAS Tariff Points for UK University/College Entry

We have UCAS tariff points confirmed for this qualification. Please refer to the table below for details.

UCAS tariff points are used by UK universities and colleges to determine whether a student meets the entry requirements for a particular course.

P - Pass | M - Merit | D - Distinction

This qualification will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to step confidently into a leadership role.  It is designed to provide opportunities for you to progress in your chosen career field or go on to higher-level qualifications.  

The qualification is developed with The Institute of Leadership and on successful completion, you will have gained the essential knowledge and abilities to be able to:

• Recognise how leadership models and theories are applied, along with the impact of leadership approaches and styles within an organisational context.
• Understand the skills and behaviours required for effective leadership along with the ability to identify your personal leadership strengths and areas for development.
• Understand stakeholder theory and application for leaders who have to communicate with different internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead, motivate and support others to achieve goals and objectives aligned to organisational strategy.

Includes a helpful study guide for every unit and one year's complimentary membership of The Institute of Leadership.

Future-proof your skills:

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

• Leadership and social influence
• Motivation and self-awareness
• Empathy and active listening
• Talent management

International Baccalaureate

ABE will be collaborating with International Baccalaureate as a Career-related Study (CRS) provider in the Asia-Pacific region. This partnership will support schools in delivering the IB Career-related Programme (CP), empowering students to excel in career-focused education.  This qualification is part of ABE's CRS provision.

UCAS Tariff Points for UK University/College Entry

We have UCAS tariff points confirmed for this qualification. Please refer to the table below for details.

UCAS tariff points are used by UK universities and colleges to determine whether a student meets the entry requirements for a particular course.

P - Pass | M - Merit | D - Distinction

The ability to successfully identify and develop business opportunities requires a wide-ranging skill set. This qualification will give you understanding of how to set up and run an enterprise, whilst developing your understanding of innovation and other areas prized by employers. The Diploma covers four different aspects of business, which gives you a choice of direction for your future career or studies.
 

Develop essential knowledge and abilities

On successful completion of this qualification you will be able to:

• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of enterprise and entrepreneurship, together with the skills and characteristics required of an entrepreneur.
• Write and pitch a business plan.
• Understand business finance and financial reporting
• Understand the principles of operations and quality management.
• Have working knowledge of the role of IT in business.
• Know the importance of innovation in business and the process of intrapreneurship.

Includes a helpful study guide for every unit and one year's complimentary membership of The Institute of Leadership.

Future-proof your skills:

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

• Analytical thinking
• Resilience, flexibility and agility
• Creative thinking
• Curiosity and lifelong learning
• Technological literacy

Level 3 is at the same difficulty level as an A level.

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

This qualification is one of several new Level 3 programmes available from ABE.  Click here for more information about the new Level 3 suite. Click here to be kept updated when new qualifications are available near you.

International Baccalaureate

ABE will be collaborating with International Baccalaureate as a Career-related Study (CRS) provider in the Asia-Pacific region. This partnership will support schools in delivering the IB Career-related Programme (CP), empowering students to excel in career-focused education.  This qualification is part of ABE's CRS provision.

UCAS Tariff Points for UK University/College Entry

We have UCAS tariff points confirmed for this qualification. Please refer to the table below for details.

UCAS tariff points are used by UK universities and colleges to determine whether a student meets the entry requirements for a particular course.

P - Pass | M - Merit | D - Distinction

This qualification provides a fundamental grounding across six key areas of business management.  It will develop your business thinking, your entrepreneurial know-how and your leadership skills, so that you can confidently take on a business-related role and understand the wider aspects of your organisation.  The qualification will also prepare you for higher education.

All leadership units have been developed with The Institute of Leadership.  The qualification includes one year's complimentary studying membership of The Institute of Leadership and, to support your studies, ABE provides a study guide for every unit.  

Develop essential knowledge and abilities

On successful completion of this qualification, you will:

• Understand different types of business organisation and the factors that can affect them.
• Know the legal, ethical and social requirements that relate to businesses.
• Understand the financial aspects of business management along with the functions and structures of different businesses.
• Understand business controls and how to measure performance.
• Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of enterprise and entrepreneurship, together with the skills and characteristics required of an entrepreneur.
• Know how to write a business plan and communicate a pitch for an enterprise.
• Understand business finance and financial reporting
• Recognise how leadership models and theories are applied, along with the impact of leadership approaches and styles within an organisational context.
• Understand the skills and behaviours required for effective leadership along with the ability to identify your personal leadership strengths and areas for development.

Future-proof your skills:

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

• Analytical thinking
• Resilience, flexibility and agility
• Leadership and social influence
• Empathy and active listening
• Curiosity and lifelong learning
• Motivation and self-awareness
• Empathy and active listening

Level 3 is at the same difficulty level as an A level.

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

This qualification is one of several new Level 3 programmes available from ABE.  Click here for more information about the new Level 3 suite. Click here to be kept updated when new qualifications are available near you.

International Baccalaureate

ABE will be collaborating with International Baccalaureate as a Career-related Study (CRS) provider in the Asia-Pacific region. This partnership will support schools in delivering the IB Career-related Programme (CP), empowering students to excel in career-focused education.  This qualification is part of ABE's CRS provision.

UCAS Tariff Points for UK University/College Entry

We have UCAS tariff points confirmed for this qualification. Please refer to the table below for details.

UCAS tariff points are used by UK universities and colleges to determine whether a student meets the entry requirements for a particular course.

P - Pass | M - Merit | D - Distinction

This future-facing, skills-focused qualification provides a comprehensive overview of the elements that are needed in a business, from leadership to innovation to marketing and finance.  It develops a wide-ranging skill set that opens the door to many career paths, along with a strong foundation of knowledge to support progression to higher education.

All leadership units have been developed with The Institute of Leadership.  The qualification includes one year's complimentary studying membership of The Institute of Leadership and, to support your studies, ABE provides a study guide for every unit.  

Develop essential knowledge and abilities

On successful completion of this qualification, you will:

• Understand different types of business organisation and the factors that can affect them.
• Know the legal, ethical and social requirements that relate to businesses.
• Understand business controls and how to measure performance.
• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of enterprise and entrepreneurship.
• Understand the skills and characteristics required of an entrepreneur.
• Know how to write and pitch a business plan.
• Understand business finance and financial reporting
• Recognise how leadership models and theories are applied.
• Understand the skills and behaviours required for effective leadership along with the ability to identify your personal leadership strengths and areas for development.
• Know how to plan a marketing campaign.
• Understand the fundamental concepts in project management.
• Recognise the role of IT systems and hardware in business.
• Understand the importance of innovation in business and the process of intrapreneurship.
• Understand stakeholder relationships and how to manage them.
• Understand how leaders motivate and support individuals to achieve goals and objectives.

Future-proof your skills:

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

• Analytical thinking
• Resilience, flexibility and agility
• Leadership and social influence
• Empathy and active listening
• Curiosity and lifelong learning
• Motivation and self-awareness
• Creative thinking
• Technological literacy
• Talent management

Level 3 is at the same difficulty level as an A level.

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

This qualification is one of several new Level 3 programmes available from ABE.  Click here for more information about the new Level 3 suite. Click here to be kept updated when new qualifications are available near you.

International Baccalaureate

ABE will be collaborating with International Baccalaureate as a Career-related Study (CRS) provider in the Asia-Pacific region. This partnership will support schools in delivering the IB Career-related Programme (CP), empowering students to excel in career-focused education.  This qualification is part of ABE's CRS provision.

UCAS Tariff Points for UK University/College Entry

We have UCAS tariff points confirmed for this qualification. Please refer to the table below for details.

UCAS tariff points are used by UK universities and colleges to determine whether a student meets the entry requirements for a particular course.

P - Pass | M - Merit | D - Distinction

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.

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 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.

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