Business Studies

Courses

GCSE - AQA Business Studies Specification B (full course)

AS/A2 - AQA Business Studies

More details of these specifications can be found by following the links below:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/bus_b.html (GCSE)

http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gceasa/bus.html (AS/A2)

Key Stage 4:

Throughout the course pupils study the main business areas of marketing, personnel, finance and production as well as considering the wider environment that businesses operate in. Examples of the type of issues explored are:

Advertising; why and how it is carried out, should advertising aimed at children be allowed and how are advertising campaigns developed
Setting up and running your own small business
An introduction to managing a large business and its staff
Accountancy - a basic introduction
Business ethics. For example, is it right for McDonalds to sponsor junior football?
Financial forecasting; profit predictions, break-even analysis and cash-flow forecasting

Examination of the course is through three final examinations

AS Level

Each year students take three modular examinations each year (one in January and two in June.) Each module examines between two and four areas of the syllabus and the final two modules also contain a synoptic element where students must bring together elements from the course as a whole.

Year 1

Module 1 - AS Marketing and AS Accounting & Finance

Module 2 - AS People and AS Operations Management

Module 3 - AS Objectives & Strategy and AS External Influences

Year 2

Module 4 - A2 Marketing, A2 Accounting & Finance, A2 People and A2 Operations Management

Module 5 - Business report and essay (this module is in place of coursework)

Module 6 - A2 Objectives & Strategy and A2 External Influences

In each module students must demonstrate four key skills:

The ability to recall knowledge
The ability to apply their answers to a given business scenario
The ability to analyse and explain answers
The ability to evaluate and make reasoned judgements

In the earlier modules there is greater weighting to the first two, simpler skills but the situation is reversed as the modules progress.

14-19 Careers/ Educational Opportunities

Through studying Business Studies a host of opportunities are opened up to students.

Those taking the subject at GCSE gain an introduction to the world of work and modern economic life that is valuable whichever path they take at 16. The course is specifically helpful to those who are interested in self-employment, a business profession e.g. accountancy or a career in management.

Of those students completing the A level course the majority go on to university and well over 50% of them opt for a business related degree course. In terms of university entry Business Studies is a very useful subject as it bridges the gap between arts and science subjects. The key skills developed on the course such as research skills, development of argument and the ability to make reasoned judgements are vital to all undergraduates. Upon graduation, or at 18, a qualification in the subject offers direct relevance for those who wish to pursue a management career but is also helpful across a range of careers. The skills the subject develops, such as problem solving, team working, analytical evaluation of data and research are highly prized by the majority of employers.