Level: 3

Awarding body: ATHE

Diploma in Small Business and Social Enterprise Start-up is a 60 credit Ofqual regulated qualification. This qualification will give learners the opportunity to research, plan, run and review the operation of a small enterprise. Learners may operate the business or social enterprise as a sole trader or in a partnership with another student. Following completion of the qualification, learners may decide to continue the enterprise independently or use the experience to help them to start their own small business at a future date.

Mandatory Units

•  Market Research
•  Business and Financial Planning
•  Quality Assurance
• Presenting a Business Plan
• Running and Monitoring A Small Enterprise Start-up
• Reviewing Performance of an Enterprise Start-up

Entry Criteria

The typical minimum requirements for learners who have recently been in education or training is likely to include one of following:

• 5 or more GCSEs at grades C and above or Grade 4 and above
• other related level 2 subjects
• other equivalent international qualifications.

The varied profile of achievement of more mature learners is likely to include relevant work experience (paid and/or unpaid), participation and/or achievement of relevant qualifications. This may be used for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Learners may also hold RQF qualifications which will enable them to claim a credit transfer from part of the qualification. For further information please see the ATHE RPL, Credit Transfer and Exemptions Policy in the student information section on the Policies page of our website.

English Language Requirement

For those whom English is not their first language we recommend the following standards of proficiency in English language skills or an approved equivalent for this qualification:

• IELTs 5.5
• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B2
• Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) 162 or above
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 42-49

If an international learner does not have formal certification in English, we offer him/her four weeks of free English language classes to enable him/her to meet an appropriate standard in English for this qualification.

At London School of Social and Management Sciences duration of the ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Small Business and Social Enterprise Start-up is 4 months. The School runs three academic sessions in a year. Learners can join any session of their choice and convenience. 

Academic Year 2020

Session 1: 6 January to 24 April 

Session 2: 27 April to 14 August 

Session 3: 17 August to 4 December