Business Studies - AS/A2 AQA
Why choose Business Studies?
This course is a challenging, dynamic and stimulating subject which can help you understand the world in which we live. You will investigate real life businesses and have the opportunity to discuss your own experience of the business environment. It will help you develop a wide range of skills such as communication, analysis, presentation, problem solving and decision-making, that will help you succeed in the world of work.
What can I expect to learn?
In AS Business you will study Unit 1, Planning and Financing a Business and Unit 2, Managing a Business. In Unit 1 you will study the challenges of starting a business venture, exploring where business ideas come from, and how to research the market to assess the likely success of these ideas. You will also study how to raise the finance needed to start a business venture, how to calculate profit and other aspects of finance. In Unit 2 you will study how managers organise the day-today activities of the business, manage their workforces so they are motivated, and market the business and its products so that it attracts customers.
In A2 you will study Unit 3, Strategies for Success and Unit 4, the Business Environment and Change.
How will I learn?
You will study real life case studies whenever possible encouraging discussion. Business Studies involves a good deal of group work so enabling you to share your knowledge and experience with other class members. You will also have the opportunity to watch relevant and current DVDS, participate in roleplays and use ICT software to support your learning.
How will I be assessed?
AS - 2 written exams (Unit 1 and Unit 2) 100% examination.
A2 - 2 written exams (Unit 3 and Unit 4) 100% examination.
Exams are taken in January and June. There is no coursework in Business Studies.
What subjects combine well with Business Studies?
Business Studies can be combined with any subject and there is no typical combination that is better than another. Therefore, you can successfully combine this subject with sciences, languages, social sciences, arts or humanities.
Where does this lead? What can I do next?
Knowledge and skills gained in this subject will prepare you for a broad range of employment opportunities, whatever your initial choice of employment or progression to higher education. Some students enjoy the subject so much that they choose to take a degree in a business related subject or combine business studies with another subject e.g. with a foreign language.
What background, skills and achievements do I need?
No specific prior Level 2 qualification is required in Business Studies but you must be capable of doing coursework and in working with others. Where Business Studies has been studied at GCSE, a minimum grade C will be required.
"You must go after your wish. As soon as you start to pursue a dream, your life wakes up and everything has meaning."
Barbara Sher
