AS/A2 Business Studies (level 3)

Is it for me?

The course suits those who enjoy problem solving from a business perspective and who have an interest in the global economy and the wider world of business and current affairs. Most units are examined through case studies, research tasks and essays.

This course is assessed by externally set exams taken in January and/or June.

What’s involved?

Planning and Financing a Business

In this unit you will learn about the range of activities involved in setting up a small business. You will look at enterprise and the role of the entrepreneur, how to protect business ideas, analysing the resources needed to set up a business and developing a business plan.

Managing a Business

You will examine the four functional areas of business: Finance, People, Marketing and Operations Management and how a firm can successfully combine these areas to keep itself in business and grow.

Strategies for Success

Study how businesses set corporate objectives and the strategies they use to achieve them. This unit covers Marketing, Financial, Human Resources and Operations Management strategies.

The Business Environment and Managing Change

This unit considers the relationship between businesses and external factors. There will be an emphasis upon how these factors can impact upon businesses and the responses they may take. It looks at how a business can manage change.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C with at least one of these in English Language. Grade C or above in Maths preferred, with minimum of Grade D and resit required if not gained C grade yet.

Which courses go well with this?

Can be combined with Maths, Statistics, Computing, Travel & Tourism, Accounting, Languages. Business Studies is also a broadening subject so could be combined with Humanities or Science subjects.

Progression:

Specialist business courses at university or joint degrees with other subjects such as Science and Languages. Students have pursued successful careers in Management, Marketing, IT and Finance.