The A level business course introduces you to all you need to know about working in business, providing a solid foundation for further study. There is a focus on helping you become a good decision maker, learning essential managerial skills, alongside techniques to help you become an analytical problem solver. All skills being highly sought after and valued in a range of careers.

Studying A level business can provide an excellent foundation if you would like to study business, finance or management at university. However, whatever you choose to do in the future you will find that the things you learn on this course will help. For example, you will likely work with lots of different people in the future, therefore knowledge of motivational theory will help you work well with others to achieve their potential.

Course content

1 What is business?

2 Managers, leadership and decision making

3 Decision making to improve marketing performance

4 Decision making to improve operational performance

5 Decision making to improve financial performance

6 Decision making to improve human resource performance

7 Analysing the strategic position of a business (A-level only)

8 Choosing strategic direction (A-level only)

9 Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies (A-level only)

10 Managing strategic change (A-level only)

Course Structure

Paper 1: Business 1

Three compulsory sections:

• Section A has 15 multiple choice questions worth 15 marks.
• Section B has short answer questions worth 35 marks
• Section C and D have two essay questions worth 25 marks each

Paper 2: Business 2

Three data response compulsory questions worth approximately 33 marks each, made up of three or four part questions

Paper 3: Business 3

One compulsory case study followed by approximately six questions

All papers are assessed as follow:

Written exam: 2 hours

100 marks

33.3% of A-level

Career Pathways

Business Studies opens up a range of career possibilities such as business analyst, financial advisor, sales manager, estate agent, event planner and many more!

Entry Criteria

Grade 6 or above in Mathematics