Business Studies

All of us, no matter what our background or future plans, rely on the ability of businesses to create and supply us with the goods and services we need. This course aims to give you a clear understanding of an important, fascinating and wide-ranging field.

You should choose A-level Business Studies if you have a genuine interest in the business world. You will be encouraged by your teachers to contribute actively to classroom discussions relating to a variety of business problems.

Exam Board:  AQA
No coursework

Course structure

We try to teach as much of the course as possible by analysing business case studies. You will look into the dilemmas and struggles faced by many firms and you will be expected to come up with your own opinions of what you would do if you were running a business yourself.

We begin by introducing you to some basic business concepts. You will then learn about the heart of any business – marketing. You will discover, for example, how businesses research their market, about product strategies and how firms arrive at and then analyse pricing decisions. Aspects such as cost control and policies to increase profit are focused on. Later in the course you will also learn how to interpret accounts and to analyse the many sources of finance for firms.

You will learn about the human side of business through the topic on personnel. We also study the way in which the economy and government policy affect business activity as well as other external factors such as changes in technology. You will also learn about the various ways in which businesses organise their production and about the factors taken into account when deciding where to locate the business.

You will take two AS units at the end of the lower-sixth, and two A2 units at the end of the upper-sixth. There will be an opportunity for you to take some of the units halfway through the second year of your course. The exams consist of a mixture of data response and case study questions on integrated business issues.

The five major areas of Business Studies are marketing, accounting and finance, production, people and the external environment. These areas are examined at both AS and A2 level, although at A2 more complex topics are tested and the more advanced analytical skills are required.

The one-year course

One-year courses are also assessed entirely by examination. You will face examination units both halfway through and at the end of the academic year.

The same amount of material is covered as on a two-year course, so you will find it an intensive but potentially highly rewarding experience!

Background needed

The nature of the subject is such that you should have a reasonable flair for English and not be afraid of numerical work. You will need to develop the ability to solve problems creatively and be able to analyse the implications of your solutions. You do not need to have studied the subject before. The most important thing is that you show a dedicated approach to a subject which we are sure you will find interesting.

Suitable combinations

Most other disciplines! Students have successfully taken the subject with Maths, Modern Languages and the Humanities.

After A-level

Business Studies fits in with most other A-levels and is accepted by all universities. Not only does the A-level help with the early stages of the subject at degree level, but it can provide useful background to any other professional discipline.