A-Level Business Studies

Course Code: BA137

Gain the knowledge and the qualification to pursue your calling in the fascinating field of Business!

This course is perfect if you wish to work towards a university placement or if you are hoping to work within the field of business in a role that doesn't require a graduate degree.

A-Levels form the main pre-requisites for many employers and university courses so are useful for a number of entry levels; whether you need extra UCAS points or a qualification for employment!

This course provides a fascinating insight into the world of modern business and commerce techniques.
Business students can benefit greatly from drawing on experience of employment, experience as consumers and what they see in the media.
Gain an understanding of how to identify whether or not a business is performing well financially, the strengths and weaknesses of the business, and how to communicate the results.
Develop a range of important and transferable skills: data skills; presenting arguments and making recommendations on the basis of the available evidence; and problem solving.

Special discount until 29th February - Enrol on 2 A-levels and get additional A-Level courses for £125 each.*

*- Offer available on a selection of A-levels, please check course page for details.

What units will I study?

AS Level

Unit 1: Planning and Financing a Business: Starting a Business and Financial Planning
Unit 2: Managing a Business: People, Operations Management, Marketing and Competition

A2 Level

Unit 3: Strategies for Success: Financial Strategies and Accounts, Marketing Strategies, Operations Strategies, HR Strategies
Unit 4: The Business Environment and Managing Change: Mission, Aims and Objectives, External Influences and Managing Change

How long do I have to complete my course?

We provide you with a full 18 months to complete your home learning course, this is a lot more time than you need so that you can study at your own pace and in your own time without the pressure of tight deadlines – this course is truly flexible and aimed at being adaptable around your lifestyle.

How do I study and how am I assessed?

This course is designed for study by distance learning so you can learn from the comfort of your own home. You will be required to submit assignments to your personal tutor by post or email, which are marked and returned to you with feedback.

You will be required to sit two written examinations for the AS level qualification and two written examinations for the A2 level. You must arrange and pay for these examinations yourself, which your tutor will advise you about. There are many examining centres up and down the country.

What qualification will I achieve?

This course prepares students for AQA A-Level Business Studies examination for 2011 and later years. Once you have successfully completed the examinations you will receive an A-Level in Business Studies. This is the same A-Level that you would achieve from higher education in a 6th form or college.

Do I need any previous knowledge?

It is recommended that you have a reasonable GCSE grade in Business Studies to enrol on this course. However this is not essential.

Is there a required reading list?

We recommend the following text books to help you with your studies, however, they are not essential for completion of the course:

AQA Business Studies for AS by Marcouse, I, Gillespie, A, Surridge, M, Brewer, M, Watson, N,Birchall, N and Hammond, A, Hodder Education, 2008 (ISBN 9780340958643).
AQA Business Studies for A2 by Marcouse, I et al, Hodder Education, 2009 (ISBN 9780340973578)

Textbooks can be purchased from any good bookshop or you can purchase them directly from us.

Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, you will need to take the standard A-Level examinations in order to fully complete this course. The examinations run on specific dates which can be obtained by visiting the AQA website. You will be required to book these examinations yourself, however we can provide a list of A-Level test centres around the country.

Unit 1: Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes
Unit 2: Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Unit 3: Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
Unit 4: Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes

Are there any additional costs?

You will need to purchase the books listed above and you will generally be required to pay a small fee to take your examinations at the examining centre that you choose.

What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study this A-Level course but must take the examinations within the UK as this is the only guaranteed way to access examining centres.