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About the course

This course covers a wide range of business topics, provides a broad overview of how business works and will increase your knowledge and understanding of the modern business world. Topics covered include: business classifications; objectives and influences; business functions; finance; cash flow and insolvency; strategic management; marketing management and managing teams.

Entry requirements

Average score of 5 or above from 7 GCSEs including Maths, English and Science. 

GCSE Maths & English Language or English Literature at a score of 5 or above.

How much does it cost?

Free to those aged 16-18

There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including: Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries and employer support.

You will be expected to pay for stationery and textbooks

Awarding body

AQA

Why study?

Business Studies will enable you to become a strategic and innovative thinker. You will come to understand how the external environment influences decision and problem solving.

The course covers a range of topics, starting in the AS Level with an introduction to what Business is. This is followed by the importance of decision making, linking in each of the four key functional departments, finance, marketing, operations and human resources. The second year – making the full A Level – looks further into the strategy of business, along with strategic positioning, strategic direction and how to pursue strategies and strategic change. There is an emphasis on the importance of integrating all aspects of business and identifying how different aspects can affect each other.

Practical things will you get up to in each module:

  • Decision making.
  • Problem solving.
  • Group work.
  • Presentations.
  • Report writing.
  • Numerical tasks and interpreting financial data.
  • Development of analytical and critical thinking.
  • Video activities.
  • Examining and analysing multinational business case studies

Educational visits will you go on:
Bank of England school/museum trip.

Guest speakers:
Working Options in Education

Where will this course take me?

If you have an ambition to work in the commercial world, if you wish to join a global blue chip company, work in an entrepreneurial sector or one day start your own business, an A Level qualification in Business provides you with the theory, knowledge, critical thinking skills and some level of management understanding.

Business students can progress into apprenticeships and employment, although the majority progress to university, often to study Business Management or similar undergraduate degrees. Careers available include marketing, sales, finance or human resources or project management.

Possible careers:

  • Accountant 
  • Advertiser 
  • Public Relations Related Jobs 
  • Sales 
  • Retail Management

Core modules

Units 1- 6 during AS covering: What is business?, Managers, leadership and decision making and decision making in the four functional areas, marketing, operations, finance and human resources.

Units 7-10 during A2 covering: the strategic positions, strategic direction, strategic methods and managing change.

How will I be assessed?

AS: 2 x 1 hour and 30 mins exam

A Level: 3 x 2 hour exams

Will I have to provide anything?

You will have to provide paper, pens, folder and calculator, plus course texts and revision guides.

What should I do now?

Call 01279 868100 and talk to an Admissions Adviser
Ask Us a question about this course

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Funding Your Course

If you're aged 19 or over and you want to study A Levels, an Access to Higher Education Diploma, or a Level 3 to 6 Vocational Qualification, you could be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.