AS/A Level Business Studies

The A level business course consists of four units, 2 AS units and 2 A2 units. 

The subject content enables you to investigate different types and sizes of organisations in various business sectors and to draw on local, national and global contexts, including data which relates to the Welsh business environment. You will develop a holistic understanding of business and enterprise and be aware of the opportunities and threats of operating in a global marketplace. 

Topics include: 

• Finance - analysing  investment information, measuring performance and financial decisions.
• Marketing Strategies - selecting successful marketing strategies, developing marketing plans.
• Operations Strategies - operational issues, location, innovation and improving operational efficiency.
• Human Resource Strategies - workforce planning, adapting organisational structures, successful employee relations.

Students who have successfully completed their A-level in business have gone on to higher education to study a range of degree courses including, business and management, business and French, business and fashion, accountancy, marketing and business Law. They have secured places in a number of universities, including Cardiff, Birmingham and Leeds which are members of the prestigious Russell Group Universities. 

Other students have completed apprenticeships in a range of areas, including chartered surveying, real estate management, retailing and banking. 

In addition, some students have taken up the opportunity of management training courses based in the retailers where they have worked part-time during the A-level course. For example, H&M and Tesco. 

Units are externally assessed

• AS Unit 1  Written examination 1 hour 15 minutes  (60 marks)
• AS Unit 2  Written examination 2 hours   (80 marks)
• A2   Unit 3  Written examination  2 hours 15 minutes  (80 marks)
• A2   Unit 4  Written examination  2 hours 15 minutes  (80 marks)

All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.

You will need to provide your own stationery and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.

A minimum of six GCSEs at grades A*-C To include: GCSE English and Mathematics at a grade C or above.

To provide you with an insight into the dynamic world of business:

Every day of our lives we are affected by different aspects of the world of business. This course provides you with an insight into the world of the entrepreneur and local, national and global markets within which businesses operate.

You will also learn about the business issues relevant to the welsh business environment including environmental, ethical and legal factors.

You will investigate the decision-making and problem-solving tools available to businesses.

To grow:

Every single day businesses make key decisions and you will have the opportunity to explore the impact of these decisions on key business stakeholders.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to utilise and improve on a range of key skills including numerical, communication, time management and leadership. Business a level combines effectively with the study of many subjects including, science, mathematics, english, foreign languages and law.

To create:

The world of business is constantly evolving in wales and beyond. You’ll learn about the importance of this dynamic world and its impact on all parties concerned.