Business (A Level)
Details
Qualification
GCE A Level in BusinessExamination Board
Edexcel A Level Business SpecificationSpecification
What Do I Need To Study This Course?
- Grade 6 or above in GCSE English and Maths
- An interest in current affairs, enterprise, and the world of business
- Prior study of Business (e.g. BTEC (Distinction+)) or GCSE (Grade 6+)) is helpful but not essential
What Will I Study?
A Level Business provides a broad and in-depth understanding of how businesses operate in local, national and global markets. The course focuses on real-world business contexts, encouraging students to think commercially and critically.
You will explore how businesses start up and grow, examining key areas such as:
- Marketing – identifying and meeting customer needs, market research, branding, and promotional strategies
- Finance – budgeting, cash flow, profit, break-even, and understanding financial documents
- Operations – production methods, quality assurance, and supply chain management
- Human Resources – recruitment, motivation, leadership, and organisational structure
- Strategic Decision-Making – analysing market conditions, managing change, and evaluating business performance
You’ll learn to assess the external influences that affect business decisions, such as the economy, legislation, competition, and globalisation. There is a strong emphasis on using data to make reasoned judgments and to understand the implications of business actions.
This course is highly analytical and encourages debate, evaluation, and independent thinking.
How Will I Be Assessed?
There is no coursework. The A Level is assessed entirely through three written exams at the end of Year 13:
- Paper 1: Marketing, People and Global Businesses (35%)
- Paper 2: Business Activities, Decisions and Strategy (35%)
- Paper 3: Investigating Business in a Competitive Environment (30%)
- Based on a pre-released context each year (e.g. a specific industry or market)
Each paper includes a mixture of data response, essay-style questions and real-world case studies.
What Next?
A Level Business opens doors to a wide range of progression routes, including:
- University – Business, Management, Economics, Marketing, Law and more
- Higher/Degree Apprenticeships – In sectors such as finance, retail, consultancy or digital marketing
- Employment – Particularly in roles where commercial awareness and analytical thinking are valued