Business Studies
Business Studies
WJEC A-level Business
Plan on joining the world of work and industry? Whether it’s setting up your own small business or working for a global multinational, many of the key areas of understanding and useful skills are introduced within this course.
Is this course right for me?
The Business Studies A-level aims to encourage learners to develop a critical understanding of business organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value.
Today, business is ‘big business’. To be successful every organisation needs a business strategy that will see them not just grow their market share but do so in a profitable manner. It has also become increasingly important that businesses are ethical in their handling of not only their employees but also their environmental processes.
What are the entry requirements?
- Five GCSEs at grade C or above (may include one relevant equivalent) to include English Language/First Language Welsh and Mathematics
- English Language/Literature/First Language Welsh grade B and Maths/Numeracy grade B
- Please check the AS Level Options Grid to see if this subject fits into your chosen programme
- Each application is considered on individual merit
- Entry is subject to attending a course information session or informal interview
Current student - what are the entry requirements?
- Successful completion of relevant programme (including skills) and decision from progression board meeting
What will I learn?
As part of the course you will develop an awareness of the impact external factors, such as the economy, governmental and legal issues have on businesses. You will also acquire a range of skills, including decision-making, problem solving and an ability to evaluate where appropriate.
Units to be studied include:
- Planning and financing a business – develop an understanding of the functional areas of a business, including marketing, human resources and production and how they contribute to the competitiveness of a business
- Managing a business – 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
- Strategies for success – a study of the strategies businesses can adopt for success and will focus on larger businesses which may be trading in international markets
- The business environment and managing change – examine how external factors can impact upon businesses and the responses they may take
Will I need to study additional English & Maths skills?
- the course you are taking at College
- what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language
If you are studying a construction/trade course (brickwork, carpentry, electrical or plumbing):
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications
All other courses:
- Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST) in upskilling / Lessons in Financial Education
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course
- A one year GCSE START upskilling course
Can I do this course in Welsh?
How will I be assessed?
- Written examination
What can I do next?
This course can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities in a varied range of businesses including: Actuarial analyst, Arbitrator, Business adviser, Business analyst, Business development manager, Chartered Management Accountant, Corporate investment banker, Data analyst, Data scientist, Forensic accountant, Insurance underwriter, Management consultant, Project manager, Risk Manager, Stockbroker, Supply chain manager.
Do I need to bring/buy any equipment?
- Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
- Textbooks - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course, most textbooks are available to loan from the college library or online libraries
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Are there any additional costs?
- No tuition fee
- We are waiving the Administration Fee for the academic year 2025/26
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Additional information
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Sports Academy: While on this course you may be able to join our Sports Academy, if you have a talent for sport, find out what we offer on our Sports Academy page.
