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The ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Business Management is an Ofqual-regulated qualification that represents the second year of a UK bachelor’s degree. This program is designed for students who have completed Level 4 (or equivalent) and want to advance their business knowledge, management skills, and academic progression opportunities.
Through industry-relevant modules, research-based assessments, and real business case studies, this qualification prepares students for leadership roles and enables direct entry into a Level 6 Top-Up degree at leading UK universities.
ATHE Level 4 Diploma in Business or equivalent
Intermediate / A-Levels (with bridging if needed)
Adequate English proficiency (IELTS recommended for Top-Up)
Standard Pathway
Duration: 6-8 months per level
Ideal for students who prefer a steady, structured pace with regular support and guidance.
Fast-Track Pathway
Duration: Based on prior educational background
Eligible students may complete the level in a shorter time.
Learning Modes Available
On-Campus Classroom Sessions
Learn in a structured environment with face-to-face teaching, peer interaction, and classroom support.
Online / Distance Learning
Flexible, self-paced learning through our online platform-perfect for working professionals or students outside the city.
Blended Mode (Hybrid)
A combination of online learning and on-campus sessions.
Ideal for students who want flexibility without compromising in-person support.
Business Organizations in a Global Context 15 Credits Mandatory
This unit develops learners understanding of the issues organisations face operating within a global context. This understanding will allow learners to review the issues currently impacting on business organisations.
Research Project 15 Credits Mandatory
The aim of this unit is to develop the skills required for the learner to formulate an appropriate research question and to design and undertake a research project to answer that research question. The learner will also need to interpret the outcomes of their research and present them to an audience.
People Management 15 Credits Mandatory
This unit will enable learners to understand how to manage individuals and teams. They will study organisational factors and how these impact on and influence individual and team behaviour, as well as learning management tools and techniques to help them effectively manage individuals and teams.
Finance for Managers 15 Credits Mandatory
The unit aims to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of the sources and use of finance in organisations and how to evaluate and interpret financial data.
Managing Communication 15 Credits Optional
This unit aims to develop knowledge and understanding of communication within and between organisations. Learners will also review their own communication skills in an organisational context.
Marketing Principles and Practice 15 Credits Optional
To develop knowledge and understanding of general marketing principles and their application in business.
Manage Sustainability in an Organization 15 Credits Optional
This unit will enable learners to acquire the knowledge and understanding of sustainability, as it relates to organisations. This includes the legal and regulatory requirements and how to achieve relevant quality standards. The unit will also enable learners to develop skills required to audit sustainability.
Small Business Enterprise 15 Credits Optional
To provide the learner with an understanding of the importance of small business enterprises in today’s business environment. Also, an understanding of the development, management and administration of small business enterprises.
Planning and New Business Venture 15 Credits Optional
This unit will develop knowledge and understanding of new business ventures and skills associated with planning a venture. By studying this unit, learners will develop an understanding of business types and the factors that determine the success or otherwise of a new business venture. They will also learn how to determine the market potential of a new business and develop an associated business plan.
Business Law 15 Credits Optional
This unit aims to enable learners to develop knowledge and understanding of some of the main aspects of business law which impact on organisations.
Operations Management 15 Credits Optional
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of the nature of the operations function and the role of those managing it. Learners will gain an understanding of the operations function in terms of its impact on business success, the tools and techniques that enable managers to achieve business success and the ethical consideration faced in terms of the supply chain.
Information for Strategic Decision Making 15 Credits Optional
This unit will provide the learner with an understanding of the role, value and sources of information needed in order to make strategic decisions. Learners will also gain an understanding of how this information is gathered and used.
Organisational Analysis and Change 15 Credits Optional
The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand the range of performance measures needed to analyse and determine organisational performance, and the change processes that can then be used to improve organisational performance.
Financial Systems and Auditing 15 Credits Optional
Learners will develop an understanding of the management of financial accounting systems and the reporting processes required when conducting an audit.
Business Ethics 15 Credits Optional
This unit will enable the learner to develop knowledge and understanding of business ethics and the effects ethics can have on organizations, including planning and the management of their goals and activities.
After completing ATHE Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas, students become eligible to progress directly into the final year of a UK Bachelor’s degree (Top-Up Year). This allows learners to complete a full UK BA/BSc (Hons) degree in a fast, affordable pathway.
Students commonly progress into final-year programs such as:
Business Management
International Business
Marketing
Finance
Entrepreneurship
Human Resource Management
Digital Business
Project Management
Most top-up programs are completed in 12 months, after which students officially earn a UK Bachelor’s (Hons) degree awarded by the university.
Graduates of the Level 4 → Level 5 → UK Top-Up pathway can pursue a wide range of business and managerial roles, including:
Business Administration
Marketing & Sales
Human Resource Management
Accounting & Finance Support Roles
Operations & Logistics
Customer Experience Management
Digital Business Coordination
Project Management
Entrepreneurship / Start-Up Management
Business Development Executive
With an internationally recognized UK degree, students gain access to:
Global job markets
Multinational companies
Remote and international roles
Postgraduate pathways (MBA, MSc, etc)
Our students progress to a wide range of internationally recognized universities across the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, and Africa.
Some popular top-up destinations include:
Bangor University (UK)
University Canada West (Canada)
Anglia Ruskin University (UK)
Arden University (UK)
Bloomsbury Institute London (UK)
Cambridge Education Group (UK)
Carlow Institute of Technology (Ireland)
Central University (Ghana)
Crandall University (Canada)
Glyndwr (Wrexham) University (UK)
Limerick Institute of Technology (Ireland)
Southern Cross University (Australia)
University of Sunderland (UK)
University of Westminster (UK)
No Exams - Assignment-Based Assessment
Learn through real-world business case studies, projects, and research instead of traditional exams.
Choose On-Campus ,Online, or Blended Learning based on your lifestyle and commitments.
Affordable & Accessible
Study the UK pathway locally with a cost-effective structure and flexible payment options.
Dedicated Academic Support
Our mentors and instructors guide you throughout your learning journey - from your first class to your UK top-up application.
EdSkills offers flexible and affordable fee options for ATHE Level 4, Level 5, and UK Top-Up pathways.
Flexible Payment Options
Monthly installments
Quarterly payments
Discounts for full upfront payment
Scholarships and early-bird offers (subject to eligibility)
What’s Included
Tuition & learning sessions
Online learning portal access
Assignment support & tutor guidance
Student services and admin support
Convenient Payment Methods
Bank transfer
Online payment
Credit/Debit card (where available)
1. What is the BS Business (UK Pathway) program?
This pathway allows students to complete ATHE Level 4 & Level 5 in Pakistan (equivalent to 1st & 2nd year of a UK bachelor’s degree), followed by a Level 6 Top-Up year at a UK university to receive a full BA (Hons) Business degree.
2. Is ATHE recognized internationally?
Yes. ATHE is an Ofqual-regulated awarding body in the UK, and its qualifications are widely accepted by universities globally.
3. Is this qualification equivalent to the first two years of a UK degree?
Yes.
Level 4 = Year 1 of a UK bachelor’s degree
Level 5 = Year 2 of a UK bachelor’s degree
4. Do I need IELTS to enroll in Level 4 & 5?
Not necessarily. EdSkills may offer English proficiency alternatives depending on your background. IELTS is usually required only for the UK Top-Up year (university dependent).
5. What is the duration of the program?
Level 4: 8–12 months
Level 5: 8–12 months
UK Top-Up: 12 months
Total duration: Approx. 2.5–3 years
6. Is the program fully online or on-campus?
EdSkills offers online, blended, and flexible learning modes, making it suitable for working professionals and international students.
7. Are there exams in Level 4 & 5?
No. Assessment is based on assignments, projects, research work, and case studies.
8. Can I complete Level 6 Top-Up online instead of going to the UK?
Yes. Many partner universities offer 100% online Top-Up programs, allowing you to earn the same UK degree remotely.
9. Can I start Top-Up online and later transfer to the UK campus?
In many cases, yes. Several universities allow students to begin online and move to on-campus studies later (subject to availability and visa rules).
10. Which UK universities accept ATHE Level 5 for a Top-Up degree?
Multiple universities accept ATHE Level 5 graduates, including:
Bangor University
University Canada West
Anglia Ruskin University
Arden University
Bloomsbury Institute
Cambridge Education Group
Carlow Institute of Technology (Ireland)
Central University (Ghana)
Crandall University (Canada)
Glyndwr University
Limerick Institute of Technology
Southern Cross University (Australia)
University of Sunderland
University of Westminster
11. Will my BA (Hons) Business degree be issued by the UK university?
Yes. After completing the Top-Up, the final degree is awarded directly by the UK university, not by EdSkills or ATHE.
12. What are the career prospects after completing this pathway?
Graduates can pursue roles in:
Business management
Marketing and sales
Banking and finance
Entrepreneurship
HR and administration
International business development
13. Can international students enroll in this pathway?
Yes. Both local and international students are welcome to apply.
14. What is the fee structure?
EdSkills offers flexible and affordable payment options. Students can request a detailed fee plan via WhatsApp or a counseling session.
15. Can I get help with university selection and the UK visa process?
Yes. EdSkills provides end-to-end support, including:
University selection
Application submission
Documentation preparation
Visa assistance
Pre-departure guidance