A/AS Business Studies

A/AS Business Studies

What is Business Studies?
Business Studies combines academic study with awareness and understanding of the business world around you.

You will study a range of topics including starting a business, finance, people in business, operations management, marketing, strategies and change management. If you are interested in the business news headlines, or in how businesses are created and grow, about how they are managed and the skills required in the management process, you should find the subject interesting and stimulating. You may find you are able to draw upon any work experience you have done.

Is Business Studies suitable for me?
Current students have singled out the topic on marketing as particularly enjoyable because they can relate it to the items they buy. They also enjoy finding out current trends in the business world. They have commented that lessons are interesting and fun because of the real life subject matter and teaching methods used.

However, there is a lot of material to learn with formulae and theories, which can prove challenging for some. Theories learned in class must be applied to a business context and students are expected to make judgements about business issues.

How will I learn?
Lessons are varied and involve using case studies, videos and articles to apply theory learnt in class. Calculations and numerical work are practised regularly. Independent work and group work methods are used. The focus is on the logical organisation of notes and the development of examination skills.

The homework set amounts to 4 to 5 hours per week of private study. This would typically involve answering examination style questions and summarising articles or set textbook chapters. Homework is especially important since there is no coursework project in this subject.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework Year 1-0%; Year 2 - 0%.

AS - Short answer and data response questions based on unseen case studies.

A 2- Unseen case study, questions based on pre-released research and an essay.

Progression
By studying Business Studies you will be able to extract relevant information, weigh up both sides of an argument, then come to an informed judgement. You will be able to interpret and calculate financial and numerical data. These skills, and an awareness of how organisations work, will be valuable in Higher Education and employment. Many students go on to study Business Studies or related subjects, such as Management Science and International Business, at university.

Hannah studied Business Studies with English Language and Sociology and found that these subjects complemented each other well. She went onto Lancaster University to do a degree in International Management. Anna combined Business Studies with Communication Studies, Mathematics and Psychology and is studying Management Science at Warwick University.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbooks, stationery, computer discs and calculators (where appropriate). Any further costs are outlined below:

Essential:£32 for textbooks.

Optional: Maximum of £45 for trips, business dictionary and magazine.

If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: AQA 1131/2131

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