Business A Level

This course encourages the practical application of business concepts by exploring events in the business world and relating these to theories and practice. The course is assessed purely by examination and covers real-life business issues, such as how to lead and manage a successful business and the decision-making involved in order to improve business performance.  Students will also look at the wider influences on businesses through strategic planning, finance and the economy. They will have the opportunity to complete group work and conduct independent research ahead of the final year exam, enabling them to develop the transferable, academic skills required in higher education.

Business goes well with the majority of subjects, particularly:

• Mathematics
• English
• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Travel & Tourism
• Media Studies
• Politics

Many students go on to study degree courses in Business Management or related areas such as Management Science, Accountancy, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources and Banking. An A Level qualification in Business can help set students apart from other applicants and provide them with essential knowledge that will help prepare them for the world of work.

See what some of our former Business A Level students have gone on to do.

This course covers a wide range of business topics including:

• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Entrepreneurs
• Operations Management
• Finance & Accounting
• The external environment and how it influences business
• Business Strategy and Decision-making
• Global Business

Course Specific Trips & Visits

In recent years, A Level Business students have had the opportunity to take part in a variety of course related trips, including:

• A trip to Prague
• A trip to Madrid
• A trip to Thorpe Park

In addition to course specific experiences, students also have the opportunity to get involved in the College’s Activities Programme.

All students need to gain an experience of the work place during their time at College and for students studying vocational courses it should ideally be linked to one of their subject areas.

This is a two year course which is 100% examination based. Students will sit three external examinations in June of the second year. 

The exam board for this A Level is Pearson Edexcel.

All students need to have at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (and a satisfactory school reference) in order to be accepted on an A Level/BTEC Level 3 Programme. 

In addition, students should meet the following minimum GCSE requirements:

Grade 4 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language

GCSE Business is not a requirement.

There is a significant financial element to the A Level course. Strong numerical skills and the desire to learn how to calculate financial information and interpret financial data is therefore essential.

Students will enjoy this course if they are able to:

• Research and discuss key business issues
• Develop an understanding of how businesses work
• Explore the difficulties facing entrepreneurs and businesses

Students should have a desire to find out how businesses work and have an interest in current business affairs. They should also have good interpersonal skills and enjoy communicating their opinions through writing and discussion.

What is the difference between A Level and BTEC Business? 

There is no assessed coursework for A Level Business, whereas for BTEC Business there is a mixture of both assessed coursework and external exams. 

There is more essay writing in A Level Business under timed conditions. 

There is a much broader range of topics studied in the A Level specification, whereas BTEC Business involves more independent research and the application of concepts to real businesses.

Do I need a GCSE in Business to do the A level course? 

There is no requirement to have studied Business at GCSE level. The A level covers the basic concepts studied at GCSE and quickly goes into more depth and detail. 

What’s the difference between Business and Economics? 

Business students study individual businesses, in terms of what they need to do to improve their performance. We examine the effects of legislation, competition and the economic environment on businesses.

Business students must be able to weigh up the different actions a business could take to improve its performance and competitiveness.

Economics looks at the causes of and solutions to many of the issues that you may hear about in the news concerning the whole economy or country, for example the rising cost of living, environmental problems and unemployment. 

Can you study both Economics and Business at Reigate College? 

Yes, both subjects can be studied – either both at A Level or BTEC Business with A Level Economics.

Do you have to be good at Maths to do well in A Level Business?

You need to be able to perform basic calculations including percentages and percentage change. Students must be able to draw and interpret graphs and diagrams and be able to use formulae to perform calculations.