ABE Business Information Systems

ABE BIS is a globally recognised professional qualification which prepares you for a career in Business Information Systems and allows you to gain advanced entry to degree courses.

Blending Business and IT

This qualification allows students to acquire skills in two key areas of modern business. The units give sufficient scope for career progression in both the management and IT sector – there are units as diverse as systems analysis, quantitative methods and business law. Students completing the Advanced Diploma can expect to progress to roles including database manager and webmaster. Students can also progress to the final stages of a Bachelors degree.

Course Structure

ABE is divided into Certificate, Diploma 1 & 2 and Advanced Diploma levels. You study four modules to complete Certificate and Diploma 1, and five modules to complete Diploma 2 and Advanced Diploma. You may be able to obtain an exemption for some levels based on qualifications you already have, allowing you to start your course at Diploma or Advanced Diploma level.

Course progression

ABE Exams

ABE exams are offered twice a year (in the first week of June and December) and students must register with ABE and pay an annual subscription fee and exam fees. Exams are organised by ABE externally at various locations in London. We strongly recommend students to take exams at every sitting.

Course Length

Modules at Certificate are studied for 22 weeks and Diploma 1 9 to 12 weeks. Modules at Diploma 2 and Advanced Diploma for 7 to 10 weeks. Certificate level can be joined in January or July, while Diploma 1, Diploma 2 and Advanced Diploma can be joined in January, March, June, August or October.

Business Skills for ABE Course

All students joining at certificate level will study a three month preparation course for the ABE programme. This course is designed to give you the necessary skills and language to complete the ABE programme. The course will run from Monday to Friday and will include 16 hours of classroom study. Students can join the course at any time. English at intermediate level is the only entry requirement.

Course Times

The ABE course includes 16 hours tuition per week. Classes are typically held between 12.15pm and 7 pm on Monday and Tuesday, and 12.15 to 3.30 on Wednesday at Certificate and Diploma 1 levels. Diploma 2 and Advanced level courses are 3.30pm to 7pm on Wednesday and 12.15 to 7pm on Thursday and Friday.

Revision Period

The week before each ABE exam sitting is reserved as a revision period where WLBC offers revision classes to help students prepare for the exams. These classes are an important part of your course and are included in the course fee.

Course Cost

Business Information Systems course fees are £1550 per year. ABE registration, subscription and exam fees are not included in the course fee and must be paid directly to ABE. Students pay an initial registration fee of around £35 for Certificate, £50 for Diploma and £150 for Advanced Diploma, and in subsequent years pay an annual subscription of around £25 for Certificate/Diploma and £30 for Advanced Diploma. Exam fees are around £25 per paper at Certificate, £30 at Diploma and £35 at Advanced Diploma.

Attendance Requirements

You may lose your place if you do not attend a minimum of 80% of your lessons.