Faculty of Technology

Business Studies

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Guide to A Level Business Studies (AQA)

Minimum recommended entry requirements:
GCSE English Grade B plus GCSE Mathematics Grade B

This course provides a detailed introduction to the business world and is good preparation for anyone thinking of a business career. It combines well with the arts or the sciences and provides a good basis for those hoping to follow a range of degrees in Economics, Accountancy, Hotel Management, Law or Business and European Studies, to name a few. Business Studies A Level increases students’ career choices and provides a background which is useful whatever career path is chosen.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

The course is very varied, covering the different types of businesses and how they are organised; how to set up and develop a business; production; accounting; marketing and advertising; management, recruitment and training of employees; human resource management; trade unions; laws regulating businesses and protecting employees and consumers; other outside influences on business – government economic policy, inflation, interest rates, foreign trade, the European Union.

Advanced Level (A2)

The A Level revisits areas studied at Advanced Subsidiary at greater depth. This is a more integrated approach in preparation for papers 2 & 3. Coursework is a problem-solving investigation into a business approximately 2000 words in length.

It is not always necessary to have studied the subject at GCSE to follow this A Level course, although those who have will find it very helpful.

AS Paper 1 1¼ hours Marketing, Accounting and Finance.
Paper 2 1¼ hours People and Operations Management.
Paper 3 1½ hours External Influences and Objectives and Strategy.

A2 Paper 4 1½ hours Case Study on all areas of syllabus.
Paper 5W 1½ hours Business Report and Essay
OR or
Paper 5C Coursework.
Paper 6 1½ hours Case Study – External Influences and Objectives and Strategy.

Expenditure will include: