Business AS/A Level

This in as AS/A Level course which can be combined with others to make up a full programme of study.

This course is ideal if you enjoy finding out about how and why some businesses perform well or what the consequences are of certain strategic decisions. Lessons are suited to those who enjoy debating and developing arguments about business issues.

This course is ideal if you enjoy debating business issues, such as leadership, corporate social responsibility and branding, using and interpreting data to analyse financial and management accountancy problems, discussing alternative courses of action and keeping up-to-date with national and international trends.

The final A Level qualification will be achieved by completing three examinations at the end of the two year course. All learners are given the opportunity to also gain an AS Level at the end of their first year to help you to know that this is the right course for you.

On this course you will:

• Develop ideas around the market, explore marketing and people functions and investigate entrepreneurs and business start-up
• Develop an understanding of how businesses identify opportunities and explore how businesses focus on developing a competitive advantage through interacting with customers. You will develop an understanding of how businesses need to adapt their marketing to operate in a dynamic business environment
• Explore how businesses recruit, train, organise and motivate employees, as well as the role of enterprising individuals and leaders. You will explore how established businesses might improve their effectiveness by making tactical decisions. You will learn about finance and operations functions, and investigate external influences on business
• Have the opportunity to take part in visits from various business organisations

Course assessment is through short tests, essays, and case studies. Final assessment is through external examinations.

A Level Business builds on the AS units by considering more complex business scenarios, developing your understanding of business strategy and decision-making. You will investigate businesses that trade on a global scale and develop an understanding of the globally competitive environment. You will consider ethical and moral dimensions of global business activities.

What topics will I study?

• Marketing and people
• Managing business activities
• Business decisions and strategy
• Global business

This course can be combined with others and goes particularly well with Politics, Sociology, Economics, Geography, Social Sciences and History.

Next steps: Business is excellent preparation for a Business degree or a degree in subjects such as Economics, Accountancy, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Social Sciences. Possible career choices for A Level Business students include Apprenticeships in accountancy, stock broking, banking, retail, product management, general management, not for profit organisations.

You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above).

Subject bespoke Learning Resource Centre (LRC) support, computer suite for research, lecture theatre and board room.

There are no additional costs of materials and resources.