What is the course about?

Business Studies is an exciting and dynamic subject that is relevant and intriguing to students. It has a strong academic thread and prepares students extremely well in a vast range of transferable skills. Every day there are important news stories to which you can relate the theories and techniques you have studied. This ensures the subject is energetic and vibrant, stimulating students and broadening their understanding of the business world.

For the AS level you will study:

The AS focuses on small to medium-sized businesses operating within the UK economy. Unit One covers the issues involved in a business start-up such as research and planning as well as the factors that determine success. Unit Two focuses on how established businesses might improve their effectiveness by making tactical decisions relating to marketing, accounting and finance, people and operational aspects of the business.

For the A2 level you will study:

The A2 considers more complex business scenarios and focuses on strategy. Unit Three examines the strategies multinational businesses may adopt to achieve their objectives. Unit Four assesses the impact of economic, social, political, ethical, legal, environmental and technological factors on these corporations. The Unit also examines the ways in which businesses can manage change successfully when responding to competitive forces.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment is by written examination only. Units One and Two combine data response and extended case study based questions. Unit Three and Unit Four are essay based examinations.

What skills will I need and develop in this course?

You will develop a range of invaluable skills including interpreting and analysing data, carrying out calculations, making and presenting arguments, making and justifying business decisions, identifying problems and proposing solutions, research and challenging assumptions. Above all Business Studies encourages you to develop mature and rational decision-making skills.

Subject combination advice:

Theories, techniques and skills inherent within Business Studies make it one of the more varied and diverse subjects available providing you with an opportunity to explore areas that might impact on your future careers. Therefore Business Studies combines well with a very wide range of subjects including mathematics, science, languages and humanities based A levels. Pure science and arts students may wish to consider AS level Business Studies to complement their core subject choice. A very limited number of universities prefer students not to study Business Studies and Economics (mainly Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol) but students who have studied both at A level have gone on to leading universities such as Exeter, Durham and London School of Economics. Some university courses prefer Business Studies to be studied alongside Mathematics A level.

What can the course lead to in terms of higher education and future careers?

As many degree courses relate to the business world it is no surprise that A-level Business Studies students continue to take business related courses such as Management, International Marketing and Accountancy and Finance at university. A number of our students opt to study non-related subjects such as Law, Mathematics, Politics, Psychology, IT and Sciences at university. Business Studies prepares you for a variety of careers ranging from marketing, banking, accountancy and finance, management consultancy, law and actuarial work. If you combine Business with a language, this can lead to many opportunities working abroad. The A/AS level allows students to apply for a variety of graduate recruitment schemes offered by major blue chip companies.

What are the formal entry requirements for this course?

Aside from the general entry criteria that the College requires, you will also need a grade C in GCSE English Language; GCSE Mathematics grade C is also required. If GCSE Business Studies is taken, a grade C is required.

What extra support / enrichment activities are on offer?

Students are provided with a range of support both in and out of the classroom to enable each individual to realise their potential. The department offers Young Enterprise for students who are keen to set up and run their own small company and who wish to develop financial acumen, team working skills and leadership ability. In addition, the department has run a number of trips in both the first and second year and Wider Skills Week.

What is the difference between Business Studies and Economics?