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Key Details

Course Area:

A Levels

Student Type:

16 - 18 | A Levels

Course Type:

A Level course

Course Introduction

Whether you hope to one day be Chief Executive of a multinational company or you’re looking for an A Level that will give you a great understanding of how the world works, Business Studies is a great option.

The course has had considerable exam success over the past 20 years and our students have progressed onto a wide range of higher education courses.

You’ll learn all about the inner workings of the businesses you see around you every day, from your corner shop to global brands such as Nike. You’ll learn how businesses plan for the future, how they stay ahead of the competition, how they manage their resources and what people bring into the mix.

You will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.

A Level Business is a dynamic and engaging subject with a holistic approach to business. You will study models, theories and techniques to help you develop a deeper understanding of business issues relevant in the modern world. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions – all skills that are needed for further study and employment.

Topics include:

  • An introduction to business and objectives
  • Financial control
  • Operational control
  • Marketing decisions
  • Human resource management.

You will also gain a greater understanding of strategic choices and the importance of issues such as globalisation.

Aged 19 or over?

If you don't already hold a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to at least two A Levels, or a Level 3 vocational qualification), you may be able to study this course fully funded!

The Government’s new National Skills Fund programme has created new opportunities for adults, aged 19 and over, to access fully funded full-time learning.

For more information, view our Funded Courses for Over 19s page.

If you are aged 16-18 without having achieved a Level 3 qualification, you will also be eligible for full funding.

Course Information

A Level Business

Level 3

2 year A Level Programme:

  • To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths and preferably grade 5 or above in English Language.
  • To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSE’s at grades 9-7 including Grade 7 or above in GCSE Maths and English Language

If you have studied Business GCSE you should have a grade 5 or above.

The programme of study is for 2 years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year 1 to progress to your 2nd year.

Applicants who choose 4 subjects but only have the entry requirements to study 3:

If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements to study 4 A Level subjects, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer for all 4. At your ‘Get Ready for College’ day you will undertake tasters in your subjects and at this point you can discuss your options with subject staff at the event, to help you finalise your subject choices. Final A Level choices however will be made at enrolment in August when your GCSE results are confirmed.

You will take written examinations.

You could progress to a range of business, economics and accountancy degrees, or degrees in psychology, sociology, maths and history. Our students have also moved on to Higher Apprenticeships with companies such as Rolls Royce.

The subject allows a career in management in retail, marketing, accountancy, HR, event planning, logistics, supply chain management – and many other areas of business.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.