Business Studies AS / A Level

Summary: This subject introduces you to the challenges and issues of starting, running and leading a business.








Course description: The course is divided into four units covering:

planning and financing a business

managing a business

strategies for success

the business environment and change
During the course, you will draw on general business principles and current events in the world of business to understand and evaluate the decisions organisations make. There is a strong emphasis on the practical application of what you learn. A lot of the work is based on data and case studies, where you will be asked to analyse a variety of business problems and situations.
To succeed on the course you will need to have an enquiring and logical mind and a general interest in what goes on in business, as well as good communication skills and confidence in handling data and numbers.
Business Studies can be combined with a wide variety of other subjects. Some students take it with subjects that can be useful in business such as Law, Psychology or Media Studies, while others prefer Mathematics or Science courses.









Entry requirements: Applicants should have five GCSEs at grades A* - C including English and Mathematics and GCSE average points score of at least 5.0.
You do not need to have studied Business Studies before, but if you have, you will need to have a GCSE at grade A*-C or equivalent.









Objective: On this course you will explore many aspects of business operations and leadership, including the management of people, operations, finance and marketing.









Assessment: Assessment is through exams with varied question types, including data response and essays. There is no coursework.









Academic progression: An A Level in Business Studies can lead on to a degree or foundation degree at a Higher Education institute









Career progression: An A Level in Business Studies can lead on to careers in any industry, including general management, with specialisms such as accounting and finance, marketing or human resources. You could also start up your own business using the skills you have learned during the course.