Business (AQA)
About this course
Business is the study of how businesses operate and make decisions. It is a broad subject area which explores the marketing, human resource, finance and strategic functions of business operations. You will learn how business is influenced externally and internally while developing critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
A level Business is often viewed positively by universities and employers. It can be combined with other Social Science subjects and Maths for entry to a wide range of programmes including Economics and Finance at university.
It develops your understanding of how organisations function, how resources are allocated and how humans behave in professional contexts. You develop your communication skills and problem-solving skills through assessing trends, forecasting and decision-making.
An A level qualification in Business provides a foundation for further study in Business and other Social Science subjects.
What you will study/learn
A level in Business covers the following units:
- What is Business?
- Managers, Leaders and Decision Making
- Marketing Management
- Operational Management
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
- Analysing the Strategic Position of a Business
- Choosing Strategic Direction
- Strategic Methods: How to Choose Strategies
- Managing Strategic Change
Assessment:
The AQA A Level in Business assessment comprises three externally examined papers.
- Paper 1: a two-hour exam – general course questions-33.3% of A level
- Paper 2: a two-hour exam-data response questions - 33.3% of A level
- Paper 3: a two-hour exam- case study -33.-3% of A level
Entry requirements
Students applying for A Level programmes must have the equivalent of 4 GCSEs with a grade 5-8 (A-C grade) or better, or have taken A Levels previously, with unsatisfactory results, and level B2 English according to the CEFR for Languages; either IELTS 5.0 or better, or Cambridge FCE Grade C or above (this only applies to applicants whose first language is not English).
Students may also apply for A Level programmes if they have a satisfactory high school leaving certificate, or secondary school exit qualification, which is not equivalent to the A Level for UCAS purposes.
There are no specific previous learning requirements for AQA Business.
Awarding Body
AQA
Career Prospects and further study
Business courses at universities are amongst the most popular options for students who choose to specialise in economics, finance, marketing or take a more general course. They can also be combined with other courses such as technology or law. There are many careers within the business world which are open to students with Business A levels including Project Management, Sales, Accounting, Marketing Executive and Financial Management.