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ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Business and Management
ATHE Level 5 (Equivalent to the 2nd year of a bachelor degree)
The ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Business and Management is an advanced qualification designed to help students deepen their understanding of business strategy, leadership, and organisational performance. Equivalent to the second year of a UK bachelor’s degree, this programme provides the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to progress into Level 6 study or a full university degree in the UK or internationally.
This qualification builds on the foundation developed at Level 4 and introduces learners to more complex business concepts, including operations management, business strategy, financial reporting, marketing planning, leadership and organisational development. Students will engage with real-world case studies, analytical tasks, and applied research projects that reflect current industry challenges.
The ATHE Level 5 Diploma prepares students to think critically, solve business problems creatively, and make informed decisions in fast-changing environments. By the end of the course, learners gain the confidence and competence required for senior academic study or entry-level managerial roles.
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual and recognised by a wide range of UK universities for progression into the final year (Level 6) of a business-related degree.
Course Modules:
To achieve the ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Business and Management, learners must complete a total of 120 credits. This is made up of:
- Four mandatory units
- Plus four optional units, chosen to tailor the programme to the learner’s interests and career goals
This structure ensures students gain a strong core understanding of business and management principles while also having the flexibility to specialise in areas that support their academic progression or professional ambitions.
Mandatory Units
– Business Organisations in a Global Context
– Research Project
– People Management
– Finance for Managers
Optional Units
– Managing Communication
– Marketing Principles and Practice
– Manage Sustainability in an Organisation
– Small Business Enterprise
– Planning a New Business Venture
– Business Law
– Operations Management
– Information for Strategic Decision Making
– Organisational Analysis and Change
– Financial Systems and Auditing
– Business Ethics
Why choose this course:
This qualification is designed for students who want to develop strong managerial, analytical, and leadership skills to progress further in business education or employment.
Key Benefits
- 🎓 Equivalent to the second year of a UK university degree
Upon completion, students can progress to ATHE Level 6, or directly into the final year of a bachelor’s degree at many UK universities. - 🌍 Internationally Recognised Qualification
Regulated by Ofqual, trusted by universities and employers globally. - 💼 Career-Focused Curriculum
Gain practical knowledge in operations management, marketing, human resources, business strategy, accounting, and leadership. - 🧠 Develop Advanced Business Skills
Strengthen your ability to analyse problems, make decisions, manage teams, and plan strategically. - 🧾 100% Coursework – No Exams
Ideal for learners who prefer project-based assessment. - 🚀 Excellent Progression Routes
Complete ATHE Level 5 and move confidently into the final year of university or start work in a management role. - 📈 Enhance Your Employability
Graduates gain the skills needed for roles such as team leader, supervisor, business executive, operations assistant, or marketing coordinator. - 🤝 Supportive Learning Environment
Study with experienced tutors who guide you throughout your qualification. - 🇬🇧 Study in a Top UK Education Destination
Gain access to British-quality education and international opportunities in business.
Assessment
The ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Business and Management is assessed entirely through coursework — there are no written exams. This allows students to focus on real business application, research, and problem-solving rather than memorising for tests.
How You Will Be Assessed
Students complete a series of assignments, projects, reports, case studies, and practical tasks for each unit. All work is assessed internally by qualified tutors and moderated by ATHE to ensure consistency and quality.
Each unit has clear Learning Outcomes (LOs) and Assessment Criteria (ACs). To pass the unit, you must meet all required criteria. Higher grades are awarded based on the depth, accuracy, and critical thinking shown in your work.
Grading Structure
| Grade | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pass | All Pass criteria for the unit are met. |
| Merit | Pass criteria + Merit criteria are met. |
| Distinction | Pass + Merit + Distinction criteria are achieved. |
| Fail | Pass criteria are not fully met. |
No Exams – 100% Coursework
There is no external examination. ATHE provides sample assignments for each unit, and tutors may adapt these to suit your learning experience. Some assignments include extension tasks, allowing students to aim for Merit or Distinction.
What Students Can Expect
You will demonstrate your skills through:
- Written business reports
- Strategic analysis
- Research and evaluation
- Presentations
- Case-study investigations
- Practical decision-making tasks
This hands-on approach prepares you for university study at Level 6 or entry into management-level employment.
Final Qualification Grade
When you complete all required units, your points are combined to award you an overall grade of:
Pass, Merit, or Distinction
If you do not complete the full qualification, you can still receive unit credits for any units you have passed.
Visa Requirements for Foundation Pathway Programme UK
Tier 4 visas
The Tier 4 (General) student visa is suitable for international students studying a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught programme lasting longer than six months. When applying for a TIER 4 visa, you must ensure that you can evidence to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you meet all the academic and financial requirements. BSMI will support you during the process of your Visa application, but you need to be aware of all the relevant information that you need to provide to us at the time of your application.
UKVI use a points-based system for visa applications, and you will need 40 points to qualify for a Tier 4 visa. Points are awarded as follows:
30 points for having a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) statement
Once you have an unconditional offer from us and we have received your 25% tuition fee deposit and you have successfully undertaken a credibility interview with members of BSMI staff, we will send your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies statement (CAS).
Your CAS will include the following details:
- Your unique CAS reference number
- Your name, date of birth and passport number
- Your offer – the title and length of the course and the college details
- Why we have accepted you – the certificates you have provided, your English language ability and if you have studied in the UK before
- The course tuition fees and how much you have paid already
- Our Tier 4 sponsor license number
It is important that you use the same documents to apply for your visa that you did to make your application. This is to ensure that all the information you provide to us is accurate and that your CAS is correct. You will need to apply for your visa using the same information and documents you used for your BSMI application.
UKVI may not award the points if:
- The information on your CAS does not match the information in your visa application
- You are using a CAS to apply for a visa more than three months before the start of
your course - You have used the same CAS before. Each CAS has a unique reference number and can only be used once; if you are making a new Tier 4 visa application, you will need a
new CAS statement
10 points for having enough money to support yourself and pay for your course
Course fees
You must show you have enough money to pay the fees for the first year of your course (or the whole course, if less than a year) in an appropriate account for a sufficient period of time. Your CAS will show any money you have already paid to BSMI. This can be taken off the total amount you need to show in your bank account.
Living costs
As BSMI is located outside of London you will need to show £1,015 per month to cover your living costs. You must show you have enough money to cover your living costs for nine months (or the length of your course, if it is less than nine months).
Paying for UK healthcare as part of your student visa application
Students that want to apply for a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK will need to pay a fee to use the National Health Service (NHS) – this is called a ‘migrant health surcharge’.
Important information about the migrant health surcharge:
- paying the surcharge gives you access a wide range of healthcare services, including
doctors’ consultations - as a student visa applicant, you will need to pay £300 per year in the UK on a Tier 4
visa - you must make the payment before you submit or send your visa or immigration
application - you need to make your payment online (https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-
immigration-application/pay) - you cannot obtain a tier 4 visa without making this payment.
How to show you have the required money
UKVI will accept any of the following (or a combination) as proof of the required amount of money:
- Cash funds must be held in a bank account (including advance notice savings and
current accounts) for a consecutive 28-day period (finishing on the date of the
closing balance) ending no more than one month before your application. - A letter from a regulated financial institution confirming a loan
- An official financial or government sponsorship
You can use money held in an account owned by your parent(s) or legal guardian(s), providing you show evidence that you are related to them, and you have their permission to use this money. More information can be found at the following link: PDF ATTACHMENT for Financial guidance for Tier 4 (General) applicants
UKVI may not award the points if:
- The money is from a credit card or overdraft
- The money is held with a financial institution that cannot be verified by the UK Home Office. UKVI has a list of these financial institutions
- The money has not been in the account for a full 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before the date of your application
- The amount of money shown is not enough when converted to pounds sterling. UKVI will use the exchange rate on the OANDA website on the date of the closing balance shown on the document provided
- The money is in an account that is not in your name or the name of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) whose permission you have. (For example, money held in a businessaccount.)
Tuberculosis Certificate:
- Applicants will need to obtain a TB certificate if they are studying for over 6 months and have been present in one of the countries listed in Appendix T of the Immigration rules for more than 6 months immediately prior to the visa application: https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa/countries-where-you-need-a-tb- test-to-enter-the-uk
Pre- Cas Questionnaire
Once all the submitted documents are assessed and validated by BSMI, we will ask students to complete a PRE-CAS Questionnaire, which will be rigorously checked and compared with the answers given during the Credibility Interview held by BSMI. Please note: If you fail the credibility interview taken with BSMI, you will not be issued a CAS to study your course in the United Kingdom. Please complete the PRE-CAS
questionnaire in an honest and clear way as your answers will be cross- checked with the Credibility Interview to ensure your intentions to study at BSMI is genuine.
Credibility Interviews
- In addition to the 40 points, you must gain for your CAS and financial evidence, you will be expected to take a Tier 4 credibility interview, either in person at the visa
application centre via Skype or both. The interview will discuss the course that you wish to study in the UK, where you will be studying, why you have decided to study your chosen course, your personal and financial circumstances, and your future plans after graduation. - The interview will also determine if your English language ability is of a suitable standard. These interviews give you the opportunity to demonstrate that you are a genuine student, committed to studying in the UK with a clear understanding of what, why and where you will study.
- At the interview, you should answer in an honest and clear way. The questions that will be asked should relate to you and your decision to study the course you have
chosen. Your interview is likely to be between 8 and 30 questions long, depending on what information the interviewer thinks they need from you. - Prior to issuing a CAS, all students must attend to BSMI’s credibility interview, which will last about 45 minutes. During this time, BSMI will ask you all the questions relevant to your chosen studies and how studying this course will help you with your future plans
- In addition to the 40 points, you must gain for your CAS and financial evidence, you will be expected to take a Tier 4 credibility interview, either in person at the visa
.
Essential Reading and Information
Tier 4/Student visa route student visa – https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
Fees and Dates for Foundation Pathway Programme UK
Intake
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Jan / May / Sept
Duration

52 Weeks
Fees
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£18995
Entry Requirements for ATHE Level 5 Pathway Programme UK

Our ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Business and Management is designed for learners aged 18 and above who are ready to progress to the next stage of their business studies. We welcome applications from both UK and international students, and we are committed to offering equal opportunities to everyone who is capable of achieving the qualification.
Who Can Apply?
You can join this course if you have one of the following:
- Prior study in business, management, or a related subject at Level 4 or higher
- A Level 4 qualification, such as the ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Business and Management
- Other equivalent international qualifications
We also welcome mature learners, who may have relevant work experience, professional training, or previous achievements. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may allow exemptions from parts of the qualification if appropriate.
Our Commitment to Fair Access
We believe that education should be accessible to everyone. This means:
- No unnecessary barriers to joining the course
- A fair and supportive admissions process
- Consideration and support for learners with disabilities or specific needs
Before enrolment, our admissions team will review each applicant’s qualifications and experience to ensure they are prepared for study at Level 5.
English Language Requirements
Students must have a suitable standard of English to confidently understand course materials and complete assignments.
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of one of the following (or an approved equivalent):
- IELTS 5.5
- CEFR Level B2
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) – 162+
- Pearson PTE Academic – 42–49
Initial Assessment
All students will complete an initial assessment to ensure they have the right knowledge, study skills, and support in place to succeed at Level 5. This allows us to provide the right academic guidance from day one.
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