Association of Business Executives (ABE) Courses
Why Study ABE?
The Association of Business Executives (ABE) was established in 1973 to offer progressive, flexible and affordable business qualifications. ABE is well-established and respected, with many business professionals possessing ABE qualifications and membership. As one of the 50,000 students currently registered for ABE, you will have access to a comprehensive support network.
Professional Qualifications
Studying towards an ABE qualification is a great way to improve your chances of finding a better job or to gain a promotion within your current company. ABE Diplomas are accredited by Ofqual, the British government’s regulatory authority, and recognised worldwide by employers as proof that you have a firm understanding of the principals of business.
Fast-Track to a Full University Degree
While ABE Diplomas are highly regarded professional qualifications in their own right, they also allow you to progress from a number of entry points onto full Bachelors and Masters degree programmes. This can potentially save you thousands of pounds in tuition fees by providing a fast-track to completing a full degree.
ABE Programmes
ABE Business Management Programme
ABE Business Management Programme
From the ABE Brochure:
“Successful organisations, whether large or small, are well managed. The development of management skills within an organisation is an essential part of continued business growth.”
“You can choose between three specialisations or ‘pathways’ on the level 4,5 and 6 Diplomas. If you want to specialise then you can take either the Financial Management or the Management of Information Systems pathways, but if your interest is business management in its own right, then you simply follow the Business Management pathway.”
Programme Structure:
- Business Management Pathway
- Financial Management Pathway
- Business Information Systems Pathway
| Level | Qualification | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Diploma | 3 compulsory + 1 optional |
| 5 | Higher Diploma | 6 compulsory + 2 optional |
| 6 | Graduate Diploma | 3 compulsory + 2 optional |
| 6 | Graduate Integrated Diploma | 9 compulsory + 4 optional |
| 7 | Postgraduate Diploma | 5 compulsory |
Human Resource Management Programme
Human Resource Management
From the ABE Brochure:
“The effective management of an organisation’s human resources is now recognised as a critical component in the success of public and private enterprises Irrespective of size, the presence of well-trained and highly-motivated staff will enable organisations to meet the fresh challenges that are part of the rapidly changing business environment.”
| Level | Qualification | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Diploma | 3 compulsory + 1 optional |
| 5 | Higher Diploma | 6 compulsory + 2 optional |
| 6 | Graduate Diploma | 3 compulsory + 2 optional |
| 6 | Graduate Integrated Diploma | 9 compulsory + 4 optional |
Marketing Management Programme
Marketing Management Programme
From the ABE Brochure:
“Marketing is the management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer needs profitably. Marketing management, and establishing a marketing orientated organisation with the emphasis on the customer, is a compulsory component in an organisation’s success.”
| Level | Qualification | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Diploma | 3 compulsory + 1 optional |
| 5 | Higher Diploma | 6 compulsory + 2 optional |
| 6 | Graduate Diploma | 3 compulsory + 2 optional |
| 6 | Graduate Integrated Diploma | 10 compulsory + 3 optional |
Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management Programme
Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management Programme
From the ABE Brochure:
“Tourism is the world’s largest industry and its growing activities take place literally world wide. It is a dynamic and competitive industry that requires the ability to adapt to travellers’ changing desires and needs.”
| Level | Qualification | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Diploma | 3 compulsory + 1 optional |
| 5 | Higher Diploma | 6 compulsory + 2 optional |
| 6 | Graduate Diploma | 3 compulsory + 2 optional |
| 6 | Graduate Integrated Diploma | 10 compulsory + 3 optional |
The Progression Route
Click here for a PDF version of the following ABE progression route

How To Register for ABE
Student membership registration can take place at any time. Students should be aware of the closing dates for examination registration as these are strictly adhered to. As soon as your registration has been processed successfully, you will receive a welcome pack. Please note that it usually takes up to 2 weeks to receive your welcome pack. This may take longer during busy periods prior to exams.
Entry Requirements
ABE offers various entry points on to the ABE course, depending on previous academic qualifications. For international students, applicants should demonstrate competence in English by the attainment of one of the following:
- British Council – Intermediate Certificate in English
- LCCI – English for Business (EFB) 1st or 2nd level
- Pitman/City and Guilds – English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)/English for Business and Communication
The following ABE diploma levels and programmes are available at KKCL:
Diploma (Level 4)
Diploma (Level 4)
Programmes: Business Management
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required.
English Level: Students from non-majority English-speaking countries should demonstrate competence in English at a minimum CEFR Level B1, equivalent to a minimum of 4.0 IELTS.*An additional English language support module is available for those who hold a Secure English Language Test (SELT) result below IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
Higher Diploma (Level 5)
Higher Diploma (Level 5)
Programmes: Business Management / Marketing Management / TTHM
Qualifications: Applicants must have obtained one of the following:
- ABE Diploma Level 4 or equivalent
- Two “A” Level passes plus four GCSE passes at Grade A, B or C, two of which must be English and Maths
- Overseas qualifications which may be accepted by the Registrar as being equivalent to the above
ABE also welcomes applications from candidates without formal qualifications who have been in relevant employment for at least two years. A reference letter from employer(s) must accompany such applications.
English Level: Students from non-majority English-speaking countries should demonstrate competence in English at a minimum CEFR Level B1, equivalent to a minimum of 4.0 IELTS.
*An additional English language support module is available for those who hold a Secure English Language Test (SELT) result below IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
Graduate Diploma (Level 6)
Graduate Diploma (Level 6)
Programmes: Business Management / Human Resource Management
Qualifications: Applicants must have obtained one of the following:
- ABE Diploma (Level 5) or equivalent
- Two “A” Level passes plus four GCSE passes at Grade A, B or C, two of which must be English and Maths
- Overseas qualifications which can be accepted by the Registrar as being equivalent to the above
English Level: Students from non-majority English-speaking countries should demonstrate competence in English at a minimum CEFR Level B2, equivalent to a minimum of 5.5 IELTS.
Extended Diploma (Level 6)
Extended Diploma (Level 6)
Programmes: Marketing Management / TTHM
Qualifications: Applicants must have obtained one of the following:
- ABE Diploma (Level 5) or equivalent
- A UK Honours Degree or Overseas equivalent
- Other recognised qualifications of approved Overseas Institutes of Higher Education
English Level: Students from non-majority English-speaking countries should demonstrate competence in English at a minimum CEFR Level B2, equivalent to a minimum of 5.5 IELTS.
Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7)
Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7)
Programmes: Business Management
Qualifications: Applicants must have obtained one of the following:
- ABE Diploma (Level 6) or equivalent
- Degree in related subject area
- Five years relevant senior management experience
English Level: Students from non-majority English-speaking countries should demonstrate competence in English at a minimum CEFR Level B2, equivalent to a minimum of 5.5 IELTS.