The ATHE Level 4 Diploma in Business and Management (2023) is a 60-credit qualification that provides a flexible introduction to higher-level business and management study. It combines two mandatory units with a broad choice of optional units, allowing learners to build core knowledge while selecting topics that reflect their academic interests and career goals.
The mandatory units focus on the external business environment and the internal management of people within organisations. Optional units allow learners to extend their knowledge into areas such as accounting, communication, resource management, marketing, corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship, customer relationship management, operations, quality and digital communications. The qualification is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction and can be delivered through distance learning, blended learning, part-time or full-time study.
The qualification is typically designed for learners aged 18 and above. Learners who have recently been in education or training are likely to have one of the following entry profiles: a GCE Advanced Level profile with achievement in two or more subjects supported by five or more GCSEs at grades C and above; related Level 3 qualifications such as ATHE Level 3 Diplomas; an Access to Higher Education Certificate; or an equivalent international qualification.
Course Fee: £4,500
The course fee includes access to online learning materials, assessments, tutor support and the student learning portal.
Payment Options:
Please contact the admissions team for further information regarding payment arrangements.
Learners complete both mandatory units and choose two optional units. Each unit carries 15 credits, giving a total of 60 credits.
Core Units
The Business Environment- 15 Credits
Explores different types of organisations, their purposes, responsibilities and structures. Learners examine how market conditions and the wider national environment influence organisations and the way businesses operate.
People in Organisations- 15 Credits
Develops understanding of communication, teamwork, remote working and the support of people within organisations. Learners consider how organisations monitor, manage and support individuals and teams in the workplace.
Elective Units
Financial and Management Accounting Techniques for Managers- 15 Credits
Introduces financial and management accounting systems and the use of accounting information to assess organisational performance. Learners apply management accounting techniques to support business decision-making.
Communication Skills for Business- 15 Credits
Explores internal business communication, customer communication and factors affecting communication effectiveness. Learners also develop the ability to present information appropriately for business audiences.
Resource Management- 15 Credits
Examines the principles of managing organisational resources effectively. Learners consider the use of physical and human resources and how organisations review resource utilisation to support performance.
The Marketing Mix- 15 Credits
Develops understanding of the elements of the marketing mix and how they are applied in organisations. Learners also examine the digital aspects of the marketing mix and their role in contemporary marketing practice.
Corporate Social Responsibility- 15 Credits
Explores current corporate social responsibility issues and their impact on organisations and stakeholders. Learners consider responsible business practice and develop recommendations for improving organisational responsibility.
Managing a Work-based Team Project- 15 Credits
Develops practical project skills through the planning and implementation of a work-based team project. Learners prepare a proposal, manage the project process and evaluate the project and its outcomes.
Entrepreneurship- 15 Credits
Introduces entrepreneurship, the qualities associated with successful entrepreneurs and the process of preparing for a new business venture. Learners develop an understanding of how entrepreneurial ideas can be shaped into practical opportunities.
Customer Relationship Management- 15 Credits
Explores the importance of customer relationship management to business performance. Learners examine approaches to effective CRM, customer loyalty and opportunities for improving customer relationships.
Administrative Services- 15 Credits
Develops understanding of administrative skills, services and organisational systems. Learners explore support for meetings and events and the importance of effective communication in providing administrative services.
Managing Information and Knowledge- 15 Credits
Examines sources of workplace information and knowledge and how they are shared and used. Learners consider the importance of current, valid and reliable information to organisational decision-making and performance.
Managing Operations- 15 Credits
Introduces operations management and its relationship with organisational performance. Learners explore techniques used to make operational decisions and improve the management of business activities.
Managing Quality- 15 Credits
Explores approaches to quality management, quality control and quality assurance. Learners consider how organisational culture influences quality management and the delivery of consistent standards.
Digital Communications- 15 Credits
Develops understanding of digital communication technologies and their impact on organisations. Learners explore accessibility, security, portability, blogging and digital content management within modern business communication.
Successful completion of the ATHE Level 4 Diploma in Business and Management can support progression to higher-level business and management qualifications, including larger Level 4 programmes and Level 5 study.
ATHE also maintains university progression arrangements for its business and management qualifications. Entry to a particular university degree or advanced-entry route remains subject to the credit requirements, unit combinations and admissions criteria of the receiving institution.
The ATHE Level 4 Diploma in Business and Management (2023) is a 60-credit qualification that provides a flexible introduction to higher-level business and management study. It combines two mandatory units with a broad choice of optional units, allowing learners to build core knowledge while selecting topics that reflect their academic interests and career goals.
The mandatory units focus on the external business environment and the internal management of people within organisations. Optional units allow learners to extend their knowledge into areas such as accounting, communication, resource management, marketing, corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship, customer relationship management, operations, quality and digital communications. The qualification is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction and can be delivered through distance learning, blended learning, part-time or full-time study.
The qualification is typically designed for learners aged 18 and above. Learners who have recently been in education or training are likely to have one of the following entry profiles: a GCE Advanced Level profile with achievement in two or more subjects supported by five or more GCSEs at grades C and above; related Level 3 qualifications such as ATHE Level 3 Diplomas; an Access to Higher Education Certificate; or an equivalent international qualification.
Course Fee: £4,500
The course fee includes access to online learning materials, assessments, tutor support and the student learning portal.
Payment Options:
Please contact the admissions team for further information regarding payment arrangements.
Learners complete both mandatory units and choose two optional units. Each unit carries 15 credits, giving a total of 60 credits.
Core Units
The Business Environment- 15 Credits
Explores different types of organisations, their purposes, responsibilities and structures. Learners examine how market conditions and the wider national environment influence organisations and the way businesses operate.
People in Organisations- 15 Credits
Develops understanding of communication, teamwork, remote working and the support of people within organisations. Learners consider how organisations monitor, manage and support individuals and teams in the workplace.
Elective Units
Financial and Management Accounting Techniques for Managers- 15 Credits
Introduces financial and management accounting systems and the use of accounting information to assess organisational performance. Learners apply management accounting techniques to support business decision-making.
Communication Skills for Business- 15 Credits
Explores internal business communication, customer communication and factors affecting communication effectiveness. Learners also develop the ability to present information appropriately for business audiences.
Resource Management- 15 Credits
Examines the principles of managing organisational resources effectively. Learners consider the use of physical and human resources and how organisations review resource utilisation to support performance.
The Marketing Mix- 15 Credits
Develops understanding of the elements of the marketing mix and how they are applied in organisations. Learners also examine the digital aspects of the marketing mix and their role in contemporary marketing practice.
Corporate Social Responsibility- 15 Credits
Explores current corporate social responsibility issues and their impact on organisations and stakeholders. Learners consider responsible business practice and develop recommendations for improving organisational responsibility.
Managing a Work-based Team Project- 15 Credits
Develops practical project skills through the planning and implementation of a work-based team project. Learners prepare a proposal, manage the project process and evaluate the project and its outcomes.
Entrepreneurship- 15 Credits
Introduces entrepreneurship, the qualities associated with successful entrepreneurs and the process of preparing for a new business venture. Learners develop an understanding of how entrepreneurial ideas can be shaped into practical opportunities.
Customer Relationship Management- 15 Credits
Explores the importance of customer relationship management to business performance. Learners examine approaches to effective CRM, customer loyalty and opportunities for improving customer relationships.
Administrative Services- 15 Credits
Develops understanding of administrative skills, services and organisational systems. Learners explore support for meetings and events and the importance of effective communication in providing administrative services.
Managing Information and Knowledge- 15 Credits
Examines sources of workplace information and knowledge and how they are shared and used. Learners consider the importance of current, valid and reliable information to organisational decision-making and performance.
Managing Operations- 15 Credits
Introduces operations management and its relationship with organisational performance. Learners explore techniques used to make operational decisions and improve the management of business activities.
Managing Quality- 15 Credits
Explores approaches to quality management, quality control and quality assurance. Learners consider how organisational culture influences quality management and the delivery of consistent standards.
Digital Communications- 15 Credits
Develops understanding of digital communication technologies and their impact on organisations. Learners explore accessibility, security, portability, blogging and digital content management within modern business communication.
Successful completion of the ATHE Level 4 Diploma in Business and Management can support progression to higher-level business and management qualifications, including larger Level 4 programmes and Level 5 study.
ATHE also maintains university progression arrangements for its business and management qualifications. Entry to a particular university degree or advanced-entry route remains subject to the credit requirements, unit combinations and admissions criteria of the receiving institution.
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