Leadership units developed with The Institute of Leadership
An exciting suite of Level 3 qualifications that develop the contemporary skills demanded by the modern business environment.
Choose the qualification that suits your time, ambitions and interests. Our 40 credit Foundation Diplomas can be completed in one assessment window, providing in-depth knowledge of one core area – business, leadership or entrepreneurialism. These qualifications complement other areas of study brilliantly, adding business-essential knowledge and sought-after skills.
We also offer two longer Level 3 Business Management qualifications, which can be completed over two or three assessments windows (three would normally constitute just under a year’s study). These both provide a solid foundation of essential knowledge for business careers and academic progression.
Whichever qualification you choose, with the ABE Level 3 suite you will gain skills that will boost your employability and help your career.
All leadership units have been developed with The Institute of Leadership.
Why choose an ABE Level 3 qualification?
With an ABE you get a host of benefits, here are some:
• A future-facing qualification that develops skills employers need.
• A credit-bearing qualification that supports fast and affordable progression to higher education qualifications.
• A study guide for every unit, providing lasting reference and support.
• The flexibility to take as much time as you need to complete your programme.
• Printed certificates featuring the logo of ABE and UK regulator Ofqual issued automatically on successful completion of your Diploma.
#ABEaddedValue
Future-proof your skills development
The qualifications have been developed with a focus on the future. With each programme, we have mapped the skills it develops against the top ten core skills employers need now and in the years ahead. This is taken from research by the World Economic Forum for the Future of Jobs report.
Level 3 is at the same difficulty-level as an A level. All units are 10 credits and assessed by assignment unless otherwise stated. See full unit descriptions from page 10.
ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business
• Qualification number: 610/5393/4
• Guided learning hours: 200
• Number of units: 4
• Credits: 40
Unit titles:
• Business Organisations
• Business Management and Control
Marketing Essentials
• Introduction to Project Management
Suggested timeframe: complete in one assessment window.
Overview
Whatever direction your future career takes, this qualification will give you the tools to confidently enter the workplace and start your career with a solid understanding of business. The Diploma covers four different areas which enable you to keep your future options open, whilst developing a range of skills that employers need. It can be used alongside other fields of study as a stepping stone to the next academic level.
Choose this qualification if you are:
• Interested in the theory and practice of business studies.
• Wanting the skills to confidently enter the workplace.
• New to the workplace and want to build your skills.
Develop essential knowledge and abilities
On successful completion of this qualification, you will:
• Know about different types of business organisations 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, when to use them and how to plan a marketing campaign.
• Understand fundamental concepts in project management.
Future-skills
This qualification develops the following core skills:
• Analytical thinking
• Resilience, flexibility and agility
• Creative thinking
ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Entrepreneurship
• Ofqual qualification number: 610/5392/2
• Guided learning hours: 200
• Units: 4
• Credits 40
Unit titles:
• Principles of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
• Business Finance and Financial Reporting
• Operations Management and Information Technology (IT) in Business
• Innovation in Business
Suggested timeframe: complete in one assessment window.
Overview
The ability to successfully identify and develop business opportunities requires a wide-ranging skill set. This qualification will give you the tools to create your own enterprise, whilst developing your knowledge in areas prized by employers. The Diploma covers different aspects of business which gives you a choice of career direction and it can be used, alongside other fields of study, as a stepping stone to the next academic level.
Choose this qualification if you are:
• Interested in knowing what it takes to start and run a business.
• Finishing school or college and want to include entrepreneurship alongside other programmes of study.
• Hoping to start your own enterprise.
• Working for an organisation that values innovation.
Develop essential knowledge and abilities
On successful completion of the qualification, you will be able to:
Recognise 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.
• Offer a working knowledge of the role of IT in business.
• Recognise the importance of innovation in business and the process of intrapreneurship.
Future-skills
This qualification develops the following core skills:
• Analytical thinking
• Resilience, flexibility and agility
• Creative thinking
• Curiosity and lifelong learning
• Technological literacy
ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Leadership
• Ofqual qualification number: 610/5391/0
• Guided learning hours: 200
• Units: 4
• Credits: 40
Unit titles:
• Principles of Leadership
• Developing Leadership Capability
• Building Stakeholder Relationships
• Leading and Supporting Others to Deliver Results
Suggested timeframe: complete in one assessment window.
Overview
This Foundation Diploma provides a fundamental grounding in key aspects of leadership. It can support those looking to demonstrate leadership skills to their employer or it can be used, alongside other fields of study, as a stepping stone to the next academic level.
Choose this qualification if you are:
• Starting work and want to understand how to develop your leadership potential.
• New to a leadership role.
• Finishing school or college and want to include leadership alongside other programmes of study.
Develop essential knowledge and abilities
On successful completion of the qualification, you will be able to:
Recognise how leadership models and theories are applied, along with the impact of different leadership approaches 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 organisational goals and objectives.
Future-skills
This qualification develops the following core skills:
• Leadership and social influence
• Motivation and self-awareness
• Empathy and active listening
• Talent management
This qualification has been developed with The Institute of Leadership and certificates will include its logo, along with the logos of ABE and Ofqual.
ABE Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Business Management
• Ofqual qualification number: 610/5394/6
• Guided learning hours: 300
• Units: 6
• Credits: 60
Unit titles:
• Business Organisations
Business Management and Control
• Principles of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
Business Finance and Financial Reporting
• Principles of Leadership
• Developing Leadership Capability
Suggested timeframe: complete in two assessment windows.
Overview
This qualification will give you the skillset to confidently enter the workplace, starting your career with knowledge of key elements of business management. The Diploma covers disciplines that range from business finance, to entrepreneurialism, to leadership, opening up a choice of career pathways and developing skills sought-after by employers. It will also provide a solid foundation for progressing to higher education.
Choose this qualification if you are:
• Looking for a qualification that will give you the skills to choose from a variety of career paths.
Starting your career and want to develop from a solid foundation of business management knowledge and skills.
Develop essential knowledge and abilities
On successful completion of the qualification, you will:
Understand different types of businesses 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.
Future-skills
This qualification develops the following core skills:
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
Leadership units developed with The Institute of Leadership.
ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
• Ofqual qualification number: 610/5395/8
• Guided learning hours: 600
• Units: 12
• Credits: 120
Unit titles:
• Business Organisations
• Business Management and Control
Principles of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
Business Finance and Financial Reporting
• Principles of Leadership
• Developing Leadership Capability
Marketing Essentials
• Introduction to Project Management
• Operations Management and Information Technology (IT) in Business
• Innovation in Business
• Building Stakeholder Relationships
• Leading and Supporting Others to Deliver Results
Suggested timeframe: complete in three assessment windows (March, May and November).
Overview
Develop your skillset, start your career with comprehensive knowledge of business management and enter the workplace with confidence. This Diploma covers many disciplines, opening up a range of career paths and providing a solid foundation for higher education and future study.
Choose this qualification if you are:
• Interested in business and want to know all about it.
• Wanting a qualification that facilitates a choice of career path.
• Planning to study business at degree level.
Develop essential knowledge and abilities
On successful completion of this qualification, you will:
• Understand different types of business 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-skills
This qualification develops the following core skills:
• Analytical thinking
• Resilience, flexibility and agility
• Leadership and social influence
• Creative thinking
• Technological literacy
• Curiosity and lifelong learning
• Motivation and self-awareness
• Empathy and active listening
• Talent management
Your university pathway
People love the fast and affordable progression onto university degrees provided by ABE qualifications. The credits our qualifications carry are widely used and accepted by the academic community and match the stages of a degree.
In addition to general recognition by higher education institutes, we have an exclusive agreement with the University of Hertfordshire for an online BA (Hons) Business Administration top-up which enables ABE qualification holders to access a British degree and save thousands of pounds.
If you are interested in getting a university degree, here are the options open to you with ABE qualifications. If you start with the Level 3 Diploma in Business Management (120 credits) you would not normally need any further Level 3 qualifications.*
See all ABE progression agreements here: www.abeuk.com/find-university
*Please check entry requirements for any progression not listed on our website.
ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management (120 credits)
ABE Level 4 Diploma (120 credits)
ABE Level 5 Diploma (120 credits)
ABE Level 6 Diploma (120 credits)
Start a related Bachelors degree. No other qualifications needed.
Join year two of a related Bachelors degree.
Join year three of a related Bachelors degree.
Join year three of a related Bachelors degree or enrol directly for a Masters.
Business Units
Business Organisations
This unit provides understanding of different business organisations, sectors and legal structures.
On completion you will be able to:
Understand legal and regulatory requirements faced by different types of business organisation. Understand the environmental, social and governance factors that can impact different business types.
• Understand how businesses can meet stakeholder needs.
Understand the tools you can use to assess business organisations’ internal and external environments.
Business Management and Control
This unit provides the skills to undertake effective business management and control activities for organisations of different types, structures and sizes.
On completion you will be able to:
• Outline the importance of the financial aspects of running a business, including profit and different pricing methods.
• Consider the different functions and structures within businesses.
Understand the tools and techniques used in performance and measurement such as service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs) and balanced scorecards.
This is the only unit assessed by open book exam (all others are assessed by assignment).
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business Management
• ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business
ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business Management
• ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
Marketing Essentials
This unit introduces the role of marketing, different marketing strategies and how businesses can target customers.
On completion you will be able to: Understand the different elements of the marketing mix.
• Understand the stages of the product lifecycle.
• Explain what should be considered when planning a marketing campaign.
• Evaluate influences that may affect the success of a marketing campaign.
Introduction to Project Management
This unit equips you with a structured approach to delivering business projects.
On completion you will be able to:
• Understand the importance of project management in business.
• Know project management concepts and approaches. Apply project management methods and visual tools to communicate important information.
• Know the traits needed for a project leader.
• Recognise the importance of a team and the need for clear communication in the effective completion of a project.
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business
• ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business
• ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
Entrepreneurship Units
Principles of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
This unit will develop your ability to:
Assess the advantages and disadvantages of enterprises and being an entrepreneur.
• Evaluate your skill set against the skills, attributes and characteristics required of an entrepreneur.
• Produce and pitch a business plan.
Business Finance and Financial Reporting
This unit will develop your ability to:
• Understand the requirements for financial reporting.
• Understand the role of management accounting in planning, controlling and decision-making.
Understand costs and the content of different types of financial statements.
• Understand the main financial ratios and their uses.
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Entrepreneurship
ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business Management
• ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Entrepreneurship
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business Management
ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
Operations Management and Information Technology (IT) in Business
This unit provides knowledge of areas central to running a business.
It will develop your ability to:
• Understand different operations management tools and techniques.
• Understand how to evaluate operations management performance using frameworks and metrics.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using different types of technology in business.
Produce and communicate a business plan.
Innovation in Business
This unit outlines the importance of providing opportunities for innovation in business and the impact that this can have.
The unit will develop your ability to:
• Discuss the benefits and risks of innovation in business.
• Explain the difference between invention and innovation.
Discuss how organisations can develop a culture of intrapreneurship.
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Entrepreneurship
ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Entrepreneurship
• ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
Leadership Units
Principles of Leadership
This unit provides an understanding of:
The impact of leadership approaches and styles within an organisational context.
• Leadership models and theories and how they can be applied.
• The opportunities and difficulties encountered in leadership and strategies to reduce or overcome challenges.
Developing Leadership Capability
This unit will develop:
• Understanding of the essential skills, knowledge and behaviours required to be an effective leader.
• The ability to assess your leadership capabilities to identify your personal strengths and areas for development.
Basic concepts of psychological safety and how this contributes to a safe and inclusive work environment.
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Leadership
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business Management
• ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Leadership
ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business Management
• ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
Building Stakeholder Relationships
On completion, you will be able to: Identify relevant stakeholders and their needs and expectations.
• Recognise actions required by a leader to develop and maintain positive stakeholder relationships.
• Understand how to deal with conflict situations when they arise in stakeholder relationships.
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Leadership
• ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
Leading and Supporting Others to Deliver Results
This unit will develop your ability to:
• Lead, motivate and support others to achieve goals and objectives.
Align goals for individuals and teams to organisational strategy and objectives.
• Understand a range of motivational theories and their applications.
• Identify actions a leader can take to motivate others.
• Understand reasons why a team may not achieve its goals and explore methods that will support it to deliver results.
This unit is included in the following qualifications:
• ABE Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Leadership
ABE Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
About ABE
ABE is a British exam board which has been at the forefront of developing business education since we were founded in 1973. We have a strong international focus and, as a not-for-profit, our mission is to empower people to transform their lives and communities through gaining highquality business, leadership and entrepreneurial skills. In the UK we are regulated by Ofqual, and recognised by similar regulatory authorities in many other countries.
In 2023, ABE became an independent subsidiary of The Institute of Leadership, a charity and membership organisation founded in 1947 dedicated to unlocking leadership potential.
