Business

Subject content

Businesses of all sizes and types are studied, from sole traders to multi-national conglomerates, such as TATA, and the influences on their decision making processes. The internal influences are marketing, human resource management and finance. The external influences are political, economic, social, technological, legislation, ethics and competition. The content is designed to engage students through topics and issues that are relevant in today’s society, such as e-commerce and globalisation.

You will learn about a range of business techniques, including using calculations to assess the viability of a business, the importance of marketing to satisfy customer requirements, how to motivate employees to maximise their output and how every business decision has financial implications. The course also provides a focus on the contemporary business world that allows students to examine current news stories and case studies in relation to the theoretical knowledge and skills that they are developing.

This course is an award of AQA. Read the Course specification.

Learning methods

You will learn through a variety of methods such as case studies, activities, group work, lectures, debates, focus groups, multimedia, virtual learning environments and individual study.

Specific entry requirements

GCSE Grade 5 or above in Mathematics.

Assessment

A Level Business is assessed at the end of the second year by examinations over three papers.

Progression opportunities

Higher Education courses are available in many universities. Degree level programmes include: business management, business and finance, logistics and supply chain, personnel management, events management and enterprise.

Higher Apprenticeships are also available, leading to business or business administration careers.

Opportunities for graduates include business ownership, sales and marketing executive positions, chartered accountancy, human resource management, logistics and supply chain management, systems analyst positions, retail management, insurance underwriter positions, public relations, teaching and events management.