AS / A Level Business Studies

Key facts

Full or part time, for one or two years, level 3 course.

A Level study is primarily intended to provide entry to Higher Education. Subject choices are vital for many degree subjects so students should research university entry requirements if they have specific degree subjects in mind.

Course overview

The Business Studies A Level aims to encourage candidates to develop a critical understanding of business organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value. In addition, candidates will develop an awareness of the impact external factors, such as economic, ethical, governmental and legal issues have on businesses. They will also acquire a range of skills, including decision-making, problem solving and an ability to evaluate where appropriate.

Entry requirements

Five higher tier GCSEs at Grade C or above to include English, Mathematics and/or Science dependant upon the subjects chosen. Additionally learners will normally be required to have a minimum GCSE grade B in the subject or related subject being studied at A level.
Federation learners will be admitted to individual subjects as normal after satisfying the entry requirements of their own school.

For mature applicants

Direct admissions to programmes for applicants who have been out of full time education for more than two years will be considered based on previous learning or experience. Each application will be considered on individual merit. We recommend an interview with one of our Careers Advisers before submitting your application.

What you will learn

AS Level

Unit 1, Planning and financing a business: This unit provides an overview of the activities involved in setting up a small business and the importance of finance to the successful running of the business. It will provide candidates with an opportunity to carry out financial calculations and to make decisions based on the interpretation of the results. Consideration will also be given to the location of businesses and the factors influencing start up location decisions, the types of employees required and the training opportunities needed to ensure success.
Unit 2, Managing a business: In the study of this unit candidates will develop an understanding of the financial measures required to establish how well a business is managed and should be able to understand the actions that can be taken to improve financial performance. Candidates will be expected to carry out calculations and to be able to interpret their results. This section builds on “Financial Planning” in Unit One. This unit will also enable students to understand the issues that managers face in relation to managing staff to make the business more effective. Candidates should appreciate the value of these techniques in tactical decision making.

A Level

Module 3, Strategies for success: This unit will involve a study of the strategies businesses can adopt for success and will focus on larger businesses which may be trading in international markets. It will also consider how managers might measure the performance of the business and will include an understanding of how functional strategies adopted by larger businesses may enable them to achieve their objectives. It will enable students to build on material learnt at AS level.

Module 4, The business environment and managing change: This unit is the synoptic paper and draws upon all other units of the course including the AS units. It considers the relationship between businesses and external factors. It examines how external factors can impact upon businesses and the responses they may take. The unit examines a number of themes which are important in the strategic management of businesses, for example, leadership and corporate culture. Candidates should consider how businesses can manage change successfully.

How you will be assessed

AS Level

Unit 1: 1 hour 15 minute exam, 20%
Unit 2: 1 hour 30 minute exam, 30%

A Level

Unit 3: 1 hour 45 minute exam, 25%
Unit 4: 1 hour 45 minute exam, 25% - pre release research tasks will be provided leading to the first section of a two section exam. The second section will consist of a choice of essays. All questions will be essay style and synoptic therefore drawing upon knowledge from all four units.