Business - A Level

"I have really enjoyed learning about how real-life business organisations operate and the factors that affect them.”

Entry Requirements

Three GCSEs at grade 4 plus a grade 5 in English Language

Subject Intent

Business will encourage our learners to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. It provides insight into, and experience of, how businesses work, stimulating our learners’ curiosity and helping to make informed choices about further study and about career choices. Our students will also have the opportunity to put their ideas, opinions, independence of thought and initiative to practical use in addition to developing a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s needs and wants and understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives.

In addition to students being aware of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and individuals will work on the development of transferable skills which are relevant to the world we live in including problem-solving, creative thinking, research, evaluation, communication, personal development and decision-making.

Course Introduction

What is the key to a successful business? Is it hiring the right people, an inspiring marketing campaign or simply keeping an eye on the finances and always watching the bottom line? How much of an affect do external factors and the economic environment have on business performance? By taking A Level Business you will explore these questions in detail and discover why some businesses survive and others sink at the first sign of a recession.

The A Level is mainly exam based. It takes business theory and explores how this works in practice. You will learn how to use a number of contemporary business tools and models and apply them to modern businesses.

You will study a wide variety of topics including enterprise, human resources, environmental factors, marketing, accounting and finance, production, ethics, international trade, the digital age, law, economics and change management.

A Level Business goes well with a range of other courses and is a great choice if you are thinking about a business-related career.

Course Modules

First Year Overview

The first year provides an introduction to the subject. Students will learn how businesses are classified and how and why they set objectives. They will also learn about the many external influences that have an impact on the success of a business. For example, students will consider the impact of the law and the economic environment on business performance. In the second part of the year students will learn about the four key functional areas of business. These are: marketing, accounting and finance, human resources and operations management. Students will learn how these functional areas can effectively work together to make a business successful.

Second Year Overview

In the second-year students will develop their understanding. This will include consideration of the local business environment, the UK business environment and finally the global business environment. Students will be able to evaluate the application of complex business theories to a range of business scenarios and recommend strategies for improvement and/or growth.

Assessment

The course is assessed through examination.

Course Fact

Students will have the opportunity to meet local businesses and higher education providers, during the two-year course.

Example Career Opportunities

Entrepreneur | Business Analyst | Marketing Manager | HR Manager | Market Researcher | Personal Assistant
Public Relations | Investment Banker | Chartered Accountant