Business Studies A Level
Course Overview
Business A Level lifts the lid on business organisations and investigates what makes them tick. You will learn how functions such as marketing, human resources, product development and finance all have to work closely together in order to achieve the aims and objectives of the business. You will also look at influences outside the business that affect it, such as the economy.
In your first year, you will learn what it takes to set up and run a business and the types of business organisations there are. You will then look at the financial aspects of business along with the human and operational areas.
The second year of the course considers a broader overview of business strategies, economic influences on the business, and how the different parts of the business react to these issues, as well as learning tools to analyse and judge the success of a business.
Business students find that there is a huge range of opportunities for them, whether this is through a traditional university route, where you may want to specialise in a particular area of business, or through an apprenticeship route. You might consider employment, or even developing that fantastic business idea you had in the first term of your studies!
Year 1 Modules
- Business Opportunities
- Business Functions
Year 2 Modules
- Business Analysis & Strategy
- Business in a Changing World
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at Grade 5 including:
- Grade 5 in GCSE English Language
- Grade 5 in GCSE Maths
- Grade 5 in GCSE Business, or a Merit in Business Level 2, if taken
Assessment
- 100% Exam
- Exam Board: WJEC
281
Total students
19
Average class size
Why choose this course?
This course is for you if you have an interest in current affairs, like strategising, and can think laterally. The subject is based on logic and how to solve issues raised through your subject knowledge. It’s important that you are interested in the economy and how political decisions can impact on businesses. Solid mathematical ability will help you considerably and a willingness to share your ideas with other members of the group and work hard is essential.
Trips vary on an annual basis, e.g. this summer it will be Thorpe Park to learn about their marketing mix. We have a range of speakers from companies such as Deloitte and Price, Waterhouse Cooper. These are often run by young members of their staff, and they will give you an insight into the different ways to get a job there and what their day-to-day existence is. We also have activities run by external companies that are more interactive and project based. Workshops are available for extra support or for developing skills such as personal finance or interview techniques.
Skills you'll gain
- You will be able to cost out a product, calculate and analyse the financial performance of a range of businesses.
- You will learn how to assess the best course of action based on your analysis.
- You will learn how to calculate a wide range of financial & business performance formulae and how to apply your calculations in context.
- You will also have the opportunity to improve your written and oral communication skills through presentations and group work.
After Long Road
Progression routes are university, apprenticeships or employment. The destinations include apprenticeships at ARM, Deloitte, Price Bailey, Grant Thornton and other local businesses.
Students go to a wide variety of destinations for university and popular business courses are Nottingham Trent, UAE and Sheffield Hallam.
Plenty of students progress to Russell Group universities to study business related courses such as the Universities of Manchester and Leeds.
I like the way the subject is current. You learn about how business helps to support society and how they really work.
