Business Studies A Level - Level 3
Overview
Having an understanding of business is becoming increasingly important in a fast-paced, technological world.
This course will provide the grounding needed to cope with today’s business environments. You will focus on the issues involved in a business start-up and look at how established businesses can improve effectiveness. You will also use mathematical skills to interpret quantitative data
What does it combine with?
What will I study?
In the first year you will start by studying businesses in a variety of contexts focussing on the issues involved in a business start-up in relation to decision making. Consideration needs to be given to research, raising finance, employing people, leadership and budgeting, as well as the factors that determine success. You will follow this by focussing on how an established business with marketing, operations, human resource and finance departments is able to improve its effectiveness. You will look at the importance of decision making in many different contexts for businesses such as technological impact, stakeholders influence and use of quantitative and qualitative data.
In the second year you will build on your knowledge base by considering more complex business scenarios. You will focus on larger businesses which may be trading in international markets and how managers might measure the performance of the business and make strategic decisions. You will study external factors such as the economic, political and technological environments and assess how they act as catalysts for change in relation to a range of real life businesses. You will also look at how firms are influenced by issues such as Corporate Social Responsibility.
Throughout both years of the course you will carry out calculations, interpret and analyse data, apply knowledge to unfamiliar situations, develop arguments and make judgements and decisions.
Entry requirements
You will need a total of 5 GCSEs at level 4 or above including:
- English Language (Grade 4)
- Maths (Grade 4)
- Plus, three other GCSEs at grade 4.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
As an entry requirement on some of our courses, you will need a GCSE in both English and maths with at least a grade 4/C (please see entry requirements above).
If this isn’t displayed under the entry requirements and you don’t currently have a GCSE in both English and maths at grade 4/C or above before joining us, you will then study English and maths as part of your programme with the aim of achieving a qualification with at least a grade 4/C. This is to help improve your chances of employment once you leave us.
In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, all students aged 19 and under and studying a full-time course with us will take part in our study programmes.
How long is the course?
2 years.
How will I be assessed?
This course is assessed solely by examination, with exams scheduled for May/June at the end of the second year.
What does the course lead to?
Careers are often pursued as an accountant, advertising media buyer, business advisor, franchise owner, marketing professional and more.
What can I progress onto?
Further study at university-level in a range of subject areas including, economics, management and enterprise, accountancy, project management, law-related degrees and finance-related degrees.
Careers are often pursued as an accountant, analyst, advertising media buyer, business advisor, franchise owner, marketing professional and more.
Careers
How do I apply?
You don’t need to apply for each A Level course you are interested in individually.
Once we have received your application form we will invite you into college where we will be able to discuss every aspect of the courses you have chosen as well as any alternatives you may be considering.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the areas of the college used for your course choices.
Apply online