Business Studies Fast Track A Level (Full AS+A2)

Business Studies A Level

About A Levels

A levels are subject-specific qualifications normally studied after GCSEs or International GCSEs, though they are appropriate at any age to gain a qualification in a subject in which you are interested.

The qualification is made up of two levels: the AS level and the A2 level. The AS level is the first half of a full A level and is a qualification on its own. The A2 level builds on the knowledge gained from both the AS level, as well as the GCSE level. Both the AS and A2 levels and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

Students usually take 1 year to complete the AS and a further year to complete the A2 - so a full A level usually takes two years. This fast track A level, however, lets you complete the course in half the time (i.e. one year instead of two years). The fast track A level works in exactly the same way and you get the same certificate as you would on the two-year course.

A levels are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. They are at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework and they carry UCAS points, which will be awarded according to the grade achieved (A = 120, B = 100, C = 80).

Many courses at university or college will require you to take A levels in certain subjects. We recommend you check the requirements for those courses and take the appropriate subject A levels.

About Our A Level Business Studies Course

The course has been designed to provide students with an understanding of the following: how businesses work; how the world around them affects decision-making within a business; what leads to change and how businesses respond to these issues; and the range of perspectives that can be taken on business activities.

It also helps develop a range of important and transferable skills: data skills; presenting arguments and making recommendations on the basis of the available evidence; and problem solving.

What Can I Do After Completing This A Level in Business?

Getting A levels can provide you with a variety of options, such as work, further study or an apprenticeship.

After successful completion of this course, you could apply to university, a BTEC Higher National, NVQ, a BTEC Apprenticeship or a mixture of these qualifications.

If you are applying to a UK university you are likely to apply through the University and College Admission Service (UCAS). You can find out more about UCAS and how A levels are valued by Further and Higher education institutes on the UCAS website.

Financing Your Business A Level

While our 'Fees' tab below shows only full payment options, we do offer alternatives for financing your A level course. You can either pay everything up front so you don't have to think about it again, or we have an instalment payment plan available, whereby you pay a deposit of £100.84 plus 5 monthly intalments of £60.84.

To take advantage of our monthly instalment plan, you'll need to contact us directly to enrol at +44 (0) 1288 356300, or info@stonebridge.uk.com.

Syllabus

The course is divided into four units, each of which is divided into several lessons. All of the lessons have references to the textbook and selected websites. At the end of each lesson is a set of self-check questions. After studying the lesson you should be able to answer these questions. If you struggle with any of them, go back and re-read the relevant section. There are also a number of assignments. At various points you will be asked to complete one of the assignments and send it to your tutor for marking.

Each unit corresponds to a unit as set out in the syllabus and an examination. The lessons also correspond to sections of the units in the syllabus. It is important that you study the lessons in the right sequence. However, you should be aware that business studies is very much an integrated subject – try and see the links between topics as you go along, and remember that this is certainly something the examiner will expect. The knowledge and understanding contained in AS units is also assessed through the A2 course – do not see these AS units as wholly separate.

The units are divided up as follows:

Unit 1- Planning and Financing a Business

Starting and Business

Financial Planning

Unit 2 - Managing a Business

Finance

People in Business

Operations Management

Marketing and the Competitive Environment

Unit 3 - Strategies for Success

Functional Objectives and Strategies

Financial Strategies and Accounts

Marketing Strategies

Operational Strategies

Human Resource Strategies

Unit 4 - The Business Environment and Managing Change

Corporate aims and objectives

Changes in the Business Environment

Managing Change

For more course and assessment details, see this Business Studies A Level Syllabus.

The full syllabus can be found on the AQA exam board website at www.aqa.org.uk, together with other useful material such as example exam papers. (The syllabus used is the one that is new in 2008 – please make sure you look at this rather than the previous syllabus).

Recommended Textbook

Although the course material provides explanations of the whole syllabus you are strongly advised to purchase a copy of the following AS level textbook:

Hall, Jones and others, Business Studies, AS (AQA) 4th edition, (2008), Causeway Press. ISBN 978-1-4058-9220-9

Sections of the book will be set out as recommended reading in places within the course material.

Studying Business Studies

Business studies is a contemporary and “real world” subject. Business studies students can benefit greatly from drawing on experience of employment, experience as consumers and what they see in the media.

Students need to have GCSE level mathematics skills to do well on the course. There is no difficult mathematics but there is a need to have a go at interpreting figures and performing simple calculations.

Study Hours

Approximately 300 hours.

Qualifications

Qualification: AS/A2 - A level in Business Studies

On successful completion of this course you will receive a AS/A2 A level in Business Studies from AQA. Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level. Specification: AQA (Full A Level) 2130, AQA (AS) 1131 and AQA (A2) 2131

AQA is a leading provider of GCSE and A level qualifications and support services for teachers and students. It provides qualifications that are valued by employers and higher education and enable students to progress to the next stage in their lives.

A levels are at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework, and they carry UCAS points, which will be awarded according to the grade achieved (A = 120, B = 100, C = 80).

Requirements for Entry

Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Benefits

What's Included

Online learning documentation, online resources, plus priority tutor support for 1 year.

More Information

January 2013 will be the last January exam period. All future exams will be held during the May - June exam period only.

Students are required to arrange and pay for their examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.