Course Overview
This qualification is part of a full-time programme, studying 3 or 4 A-Level subjects and/or AAQs.
A-Level Business will demonstrate the interrelated nature of Business using different business models, theories and techniques to support analysis of the modern business environment, issues and situations that impact on business. Our content is designed to engage students through topics and scenarios that are relevant in today's society.
This A-Level is awarded by AQA. You will complete the AS Level in the first year and the A2 in the second to form a full A-Level.
In Year 1 students will study business in a variety of contexts; large and small businesses, UK focused along with global businesses in both services and manufacturing. We will focus on the strategies that are needed for success in each of the key functional areas: Marketing, HRM, Operations and Finance, whilst also looking at how businesses are set up and managed.
The focus in Year 2 is on the study of strategic decision making at the highest levels of management, where you will consider: the impact of the external environment on strategic decision making, strategies for successful growth, the value of leadership and planning, successfully managing change and why strategies sometimes fail.
As an Business student, you can also take part in national competitions such as the Stock exchange challenge and Young enterprise scheme. Guest speakers and trips are arranged in tandem with BTEC Business as a whole department - trips have included - Krakow, Prague, Budapest.
There are written examinations in each year, which cover the content of the specification. The 1st year examination doesn't count towards the final grade; however it does set a good basis for your continuation on the course for your second year.
To ensure you are picking a suitable course, I would suggest that you read up on Business studies with this suggested reading list. A range of books are given below covering different areas we would cover on this course. This will not only kick-start your understanding of the topic area. But also give you an idea of the course as a whole.
1) The Infinite Game: How Great Businesses Achieve Long-Lasting Success - Simon Sinek
2) This is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn To See Paperback - Seth Godin
3) Amazon: How the World's Most Relentless Retailer will Continue to Revolutionize Commerce - Natalie Berg and Miya Knights
4) The Creative Curve: How to Develop the Right Idea, at the Right Time - Allen Gannett
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, which must include Maths, and English Language at Grade 6.
After Your Course
The majority of students go on to university, where Business represents the largest single subject in the university sector.
For potential employers, Business, with its broad study base and balance of numerical and written skills, is an ideal foundation for the recruitment of students for managerial positions and offers all the skills employers have recently said are lacking in new recruits.
Fees
£1987.00
The current fee information is related to the 2025/26 academic year.
The fee displayed is the course fee. Course fees are charged per course for part-time students. You can pay in full or spread the cost by paying 25% on enrolment and setting up a direct debit mandate for 3 further equal payments. An Advanced loan is available to students enrolling on this course.You may qualify for financial support to cover the cost of this government-funded qualification if any of the below apply to you:
- You are aged 16 to 18 on 31st August of the relevant academic year and are not studying at another school or college
- If you do not already have a Level 3 qualification and are under 24 on 31st August of the relevant academic year
- Have a gross annual income of less than GBP25,000 (means-tested benefit or salary)
If your employer is paying the course fee and would like to be invoiced, please let us know.
