AS/A2 Level: Accounting | Business Studies | Economics | Law
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AS/A Level - Business Studies
Entry Requirements:
GCSE grades in line with College admissions requirements.
A Grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language is desirable.
About the Subject:
Business Studies at AS and A Level employs an investigative and problem solving approach to studying the elements of business activity. The emphasis is on the synoptic nature of the subject. Students are encouraged to examine real business situations drawing on personal research and a range of other information sources. In this way a better understanding of the value and application of business theory is developed. The course aims to develop knowledge and critical understanding of the way businesses are organised, structured, financed and operated. Students should therefore develop an understanding of business structure and behaviour, as well as the problems that arise and the decisions that need to be made.
Suitable Subject Combinations:
Business Studies combines well with a wide range of subjects. Many students have a strong vocational interest and study either Accounting or Information Technology with this subject. Other students see value in the breadth of career options it can offer. The most popular combinations taken with Business Studies include Mathematics, Law, Psychology, Media Studies and Physical Education. You should note that Business Studies and Economics can be taken together.
Course Content:

‘In the first year students will study 2 units i.e.

Unit 1 Developing New Business Ideas
This unit focuses on exploring business opportunities and the entrepreneurial skills needed to be successful. It examines business ideas in practice using cases studies related to many well known businesses and considers the economic context within which these businesses operate.
Unit 2 Managing the Business.
This unit is concerned with the main functional areas of business including, Marketing, Finance, People and Business Operations. Students will study the importance of product marketing and consider how businesses budget for the use of resources. There is a strong focus on the importance of good management helping to motivate staff and the unit explores how operational processes can aid efficiency

In the second year students will study 2 further units i.e.

Unit 3 International Business
This unit explores how business target international markets, considers the impact of “globalisation” and poses issues related to the control of International Business.
Unit 4 Making Business Decisions
This unit explores corporate strategy and decision making as well looking at the role of Government. There is a consideration of the ethical dimension of business activity.


Special features of the course:
Students are actively encouraged to participate in a range of internal and external conferences, visits to business locations and a European residential. These activities are designed to enhance the learning experience and encourage a wider view of the business world
Assessment:

AS
Both units are examined by papers lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes
Unit 1 Comprises 2 sections.
Section A consists of supported multiple choice questions carrying 32 marks.
Section B requires answers based on a business case study or data presentation and carries 38 marks.
Unit 2 Comprises 2 sections.
Section A consists of supported multiple choice questions carrying 24 marks.
Section B requires answers based on a business case study or data presentation and carries 46 marks.

A2
Unit 3 is examined by a paper lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Unit 3 Comprises 2 sections.
Section A has questions based on “data” and carries 35 marks.
Section B requires answers based on a business case study and carries 45 marks.
Unit 4 is examined by a paper lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Unit 4 Comprises 2 sections.
Section A has questions based on “data” and carries 30 marks.
Section B requires answers based on a business case study and carries 50 marks.
Progression:
Many students progress to study the subject at Degree level, sometimes combining it with a language or with Information Technology. There is a wide range of courses available and the choice expands each year. Employers also value the subject and many students apply for trainee management positions. Careers in Finance are popular as either a pre or post University option.