AS/A Level Business Studies

A-Level Business is aimed at those who wish to explore how a business runs and the activities within it. The course specifically looks at key functional areas Human Resources, Operation, Finance and Marketing.  Students will explore key characteristics of each functional area and learn the key benefits and limitations of anything from Marketing to Global Business which then support further analysis. 

The course is split into two years and students will study Theme 1 Marketing and People alongside Theme 2 Managing Business Activities in year 12.  Year 13 covers Theme 3 Business Decision and Strategy and Theme 4 Global Business as well as a research theme.

Currently all students are examined at AS and A-level via external exams. 

Finance and financial calculations make up a substantial amount of the specification and students are expected to be able to perform calculations fluently.

This course would be suitable for those looking for a career in Finance, HR, Law, Accountancy and Marketing.

Year 1 - AS Level

Theme 1: Marketing and People

You will develop an understanding of:

• meeting customer needs
• the market
• marketing mix and strategy
• managing people
• entrepreneurs and leaders.

Theme 2: Managing Business Activities

You will develop an understanding of:

• raising finance
• financial planning
• managing finance
• resource management
• external influences

There are two exams at the end of this year.

Year 2: A Level

Theme 3: Business Decisions and Strategy

This theme develops the concepts introduced in Theme 2. You will develop an understanding of:

• business objectives and strategy
• business growth
• decision-making techniques
• influences on business decisions
• assessing competitiveness
• managing change

Theme 4: Global Business

This theme develops the concepts introduced in Theme 1. You will develop an understanding of:

• globalisation
• global markets and business expansion
• global marketing
• global industries and companies (multinational corporations)

There are three exams at the end of this year. They will cover all themes studied over the two years including one exam paper which is based around a research theme.