Business A Level

Qualification: GCE A Level in Business
Exam board & Specification Code: AQA; 7132; Specification
Course Entry Requirements: 4 English Language GCSE and 4 in Maths GCSE.
Please make sure that you have understood the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college.
Length and size of qualification: 2 year single course, equivalent to 1 A level
Timetable hours: 4.5 hours per week
Assessment method: 3 x 2 hour exams
BHASVIC Department: Business and Economics

Head of Department Andrew Shepherd

 

What will I study?

You will develop a critical understanding of business behaviour and the business environment by investigating and analysing real-life business successes and failures. You can then use this invaluable knowledge to succeed in any career! Before and throughout this course, all Business students are encouraged to read up on businesses (brands, events, organisations, individuals, etc.) that you are each interested in. We also expect students to take an interest in current affairs so that you all can begin to understand and evaluate the causes and effects of consumer, business, and Government behaviour. You will study leadership, attracting customers, nurturing employees, managing finances, developing strategic plans, and managing change. You will also develop your skills of communication, working independently, teamwork, problem solving, and evidence-based decision making, all through a collaborative and empathetic approach.

Is this course right for me?

You need a genuine interest in the world outside of education and business. You need to be able to work individually or collaborate in groups to research or discuss a particular business situation, questioning at every opportunity. Business is a subject that requires students to learn theories, identify, and assess them in business case studies, within an inclusive environment. There is a substantial element of reading and writing. Analysing data and communicating using written, numerical, visual, and verbal methods are all part of the course. Students are expected to study given basic business theory every week so that we can use this self-taught knowledge in lessons and exams to explore real business case studies and effectively answer exam questions. Developing these skills is essential to growth both professionally and personally. Business complements all subjects because every student will be an employee at some point, whether as a dancer or as an engineer, so will benefit from critiquing businesses with understanding and empathy.

Listen to what our students have to say about Business

Frequently asked questions

The content is very similar and they’re both level 3 qualifications which means that, for example, they are both awarded the same UCAS points. The main difference in the two qualifications is in how they are assessed. The Business A Level is assessed through three 2-hour exams at the end of the second year, whereas the Business National BTEC is assessed through one coursework assignment and one externally assessed unit during each year you study the course.

We only ask for a grade 4 in Maths GCSE because Business and Economics students will be analysing data using basic arithmetic. There’s nothing more complicated than arithmetic in our subjects!

All and any of them! Always choose subjects that you are genuinely interested in. If you want to study an Economics BSC degree at university then you do need A Level Maths. Economics and Business BA degrees don’t require Maths A Level.

We expect a minimum of 4 hours of independent study per subject per week, as does every other BHASVIC subject.

Where next?

This subject can take you in many different directions, such as Marketing, HR, Finance, Management, and International Relation. It can provide you with a considered understanding of the functions that are relevant to all employment routes and sectors of the economy. Whatever your skill set, there is a role within a business to suit you, from customer-facing roles to financial analysis. The skills you gain on the course will allow you to make a valuable contribution to businesses in the future. Degree apprenticeships also exist for students to progress on to after BHASVIC. Useful websites to research careers and wider progression options could include the All About Careers, The Apprenticeship Guide, and the Chartered Institute of Management. This course will encourage you to create a supportive and positive social and professional network for your career journey.

Career and university opportunities - https://twitter.com/BHASVICBusEc

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Higher Education - Business

Last year, 145 BHASVIC students went on to study Business at 54 different universities.

Due to the wide range of degrees available crossing Management, Marketing, Finance and Accounting it remains year on year one of our top two subjects for University study. Examples of degrees chosen by students included International Wine Business, Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying, International Business Management and Spanish and Sports Business Management. Entry to University can be through studying Business A level or BTEC.

Should I study Business at degree level?

There is huge range of business degrees available, from business or business management to more specialised degrees. Teaching methods on a business degree can include lectures, seminars and case studies. Options can include a placement year with an employer and study abroad. Modules included in business degree can include business law, marketing, accounting and finance, personal skills development, business analytics /quantitative methods for business (maths-based analysis).

You can choose to study Business or a closely related subject, for example

· business management

· business administration

· accounting

· human resource management

· marketing awareness

· business analytics

Entry Requirements

You don’t usually need specific subjects. For some related subjects, such as Economics, Maths A level is sometimes required.

Top Universities for Business

St Andrews, Kings College, Warwick, Bath, Loughborough Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, York – all very high student satisfaction scores UCL, Exeter, Glasgow, Birmingham - all with top graduate prospects

Many of our students choose a combined degree - applications from our students have included

· International Business and Management

· Banking and Finance

· Marketing and Management

· Finance and Investment

· Equine Performance and Business Management

Example entry requirements (please check):

A-Level/BTEC equivalents:

Exeter AAB (A level) / DDM (BTEC) Essex BBB (A level) / DDD (BTEC) Bristol UWE (foundation) DD (A level) / MM (BTEC)

Why not try a foundation degree or higher apprenticeship?

For example: Civil Service fast track

Some examples of Business & Finance degrees that our BHASVIC students have gone onto study in the past few years are:

· Accounting, Finance and Economics (with Integrated Foundation Year)

· Banking and Finance

· Business and Events Management

· Business and Law

· Business Management / Spanish

· Business of the Creative Industries

· Fashion Marketing and Consumer Behaviour

· Finance, Investment & Risk- 4 years with sandwich year

· International Business Management with a Year Abroad

· Law with International Business

· Marketing & Advertising with Business Experience

· Marketing Communications with Public Relations

· Music Business

· Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management (with Foundation Year)

· Sports Business and Entrepreneurship

· Sports Marketing