Business Studies
an introduction to Business Studies A-level
A brief overview from our A-level teachers.
What does it involve?
In the first year students look at all of the main functional areas and how they work including Marketing, Human Resources, Production and Finance. Students will also gain an insight into business entrepreneurship and how people start up their own businesses, and they begin to appreciate the wider business environment and how this can affect a business’s chance of success. In the second year the course starts to focus on national and international businesses and considers the issues that global businesses face. Students will learn about decision making techniques such as decision trees and sales forecasting, and they will also study globalisation and international trade to consider some of the most complex issues facing businesses in the modern world.
How is it assessed?
The subject is assessed through 3 two-hour exams. These are made up of a range of written and numerical questions, and will be based on case study businesses.
Which skills or qualifications do I need?
Although taking the subject at GCSE will be an advantage, there is no requirement that it will have been studied before. Students will need to be able to read case study information, write extended written answers, and be able to carry out complex calculations, therefore they will need to have a good GCSE grade in Maths and English. They also need to have an interest in business issues and the world that we live in.
University or employment prospects?
Many students who take A Level Business Studies go on to study it at University. The most popular degree is Business Management, however there are opportunities to specialise in any of the areas of the course such as Marketing or Accountancy. Business Studies also works well with a whole range of other courses such as Psychology, Fashion Management, Global Development, International Relations, and more. This course is also suitable for those who are considering an apprenticeship or going straight into employment.