A-level Business

Delve into the fascinating world of marketing, leadership and strategic decision-making with A-level Business.

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  • Overview
  • What you'll learn
  • Extra info
  • FAQs

Are you ready to change your world?

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All Oxbridge home learning courses are delivered to a high-quality standard with full access to course materials. If you prefer a printed copy of your course material, choose our print option. Note: extra charges will apply.

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Overview

Want to become an entrepreneur? Find marketing fascinating? Great with numbers? Whether you see yourself becoming the next Elon Musk or the Chancellor of the Exchequer, our AQA-accredited A-level Business course will give you the skills you need to blossom in the business world!

In this engaging A-level Business online course, you'll develop a critical understanding of different business forms, the markets they serve and the process of adding value. You'll gain the tools and information required to understand how businesses are founded, managed and become successful. This course will also benefit anyone wishing to start their own company or become a leader in an organisation.

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - What is business?

This module will give you a foundation of the nature and purpose of business, developing your understanding of common business objectives and different forms of business. You’ll cover the difference between sole traders, public limited companies and the private sector while understanding that businesses operate within an external environment which can affect cost and demand.

Unit 2 - Managers, Leadership and Decision Making 

All great businesses are made up of teams led by great managers! So, this section of the A-level Business course will teach you exactly what a manager does day-to-day and how effective decision making and leadership styles impact a business.

Unit 3 - Decision making to improve marketing performance 

To be successful in business, you need to be able to do marketing research and set objectives so that you can improve performance. This module will teach you all about how developments in technology influence decision-making and marketing activities, giving you the data to make decisions on targeting, segmentation and sampling.

Unit 4 - Decision making to improve operational performance 

This section will teach you how to increase efficiency and labour productivity by setting operational objectives and analysing performance. You will learn about ethical and environmental influences on operational decisions and understand how decisions in operations improve the competitiveness of a business.

Unit 5 - Decision making to improve financial performance 

Now it’s time to learn about how decisions in finance improve the competitiveness of a business. You will learn about all the factors that influence financial decisions. You’ll also understand the concept of a return on investment, the distinction between cash flow and profit and the difference between gross profit, operating profit and profit for the year.

Unit 6 - Decision making to improve human resource performance 

Motivation is key to employee engagement and this is managed through human resources. Decisions in human resources, such as changing the ways of working (such as teleworking), are implemented based on several internal and external influences which you will learn about at this point of the Business A-level syllabus. You’ll also cover human resource objectives, which include employee engagement and involvement, talent development, training and diversity.

Unit 7 - Analysing the strategic position of a business  

For a business to grow, it needs a clear mission, corporate objective and strategy. In this module, you’ll discover how to assess the impact of strategic positioning by understanding Porter’s five forces; particularly, you’ll focus on the implications of these forces for strategic and functional decision making and profits.

Unit 8 - Choosing strategic direction

This module teaches how to choose markets to compete in, what products to offer, and the factors influencing those decisions. You’ll learn about the reasoning behind selecting different strategic directions based on factors such as market penetration and development and diversification.

Unit 9 - Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies 

Next, you will learn about the value of innovation and product and process innovation types that support strategies for business growth. This section also covers the reasons for targeting, operating in and trading with international markets. You’ll cover the methods of entering international markets, such as exporting and licensing.

Unit 10 - Managing strategic change

Finally, you will learn about the reasons for and problems of changing organisational culture and how to effectively implement a strategy for change. This module will cover the types of change in business, which can be internal or external, incremental or disruptive and teach you how to manage the outcomes of organisational change.

Extra info

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Fast Track - In a rush? You'll have the option to complete this course within a year.
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Exam Pass Guarantee - We're so confident, that if you don't pass the first time, we'll support you to the next exam for free

Awarding Body

aqa@8x

AQA qualifications are internationally recognised and taught in 30 countries around the world, highly valued by employers and universities and enable young people to progress to the next stage of their lives. AQA qualifications suit a range of abilities and include GCSE courses, IGCSE courses and A-level courses.

Recognised through UCAS

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This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to University courses and other Higher Education, through the UCAS system.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive an A-level in Business (7132), issued by AQA, the leading awarding body.  Your certificate is identical to that issued to students at any other school, college or university.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You can enrol now for A-level Business examinations for Summer 2024.

You'll be required to complete three standard A-level written exams:

  • Paper 1: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 100 marks.
  • Paper 2: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 100 marks.
  • Paper 3: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 100 marks.

These exams contain a mixture of short and long answer questions and extended response questions.

Entry requirements

A general education up to GCSE level or equivalent is recommended for this Business A-levels course. This is an online course, so you will also need access to the internet. This course is a difficulty level three: the equivalent difficulty of an A-level or BTEC, usually suitable for most learners of all ages.

FAQs

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How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them – find out more.

Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you’re not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date – all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

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Can you provide a reference for my UCAS application?

Oxbridge is able to provide an academic reference for you however, we cannot provide a personal reference as this needs to be someone who knows you personally.

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Can I get predicted grades for my UCAS application?

Absolutely! We can process a predicted grade for you once you have completed a total of four assignments – this can be sent over to you via email or letter which can then be passed on to UCAS for your application.

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Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you’ll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule.

Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

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Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don’t worry – everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn’t get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

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Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.

Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it’s important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low – there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps…

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What can I do with my A-levels?

A-levels are a universal way to demonstrate academic competency in a multitude of disciplines. A-levels are subject-based qualifications that lead to either university, further study, training, or work. A-levels serve as a standardised way to demonstrate your academic ability and are very common entry requirements to most higher-level courses.

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Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you’re not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

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Can I study this AQA A-level course if I do not live in England?

Yes! All of our learning is online, however, you will need to sit your exams in England. Find out more about exams.

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Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn’t one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

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Why study an online A-level course from home?

A-levels can be studied from home with Oxbridge, using our online platform. On average we find that students receive 20% higher grades and pass around 30% more quickly than in a traditional college.

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How long does it take to study an A-level?

It’s possible to study an A-level course both full-time and part-time. Normally students would study for two years, but with Oxbridge, you can also fast-track your course to complete it in one year.

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Are business courses worth it?

Definitely, business and management courses can be used to advance up the ladder by proving to your employers that you’re dedicated and eager to learn.

They can also be used as evidence to prospective employers that you’d be a valuable addition to their team.

Finally, if you’re contemplating launching your own company, business and management courses can help you find your feet, hone your skills and become a success.

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Why study business and management courses online with Oxbridge?

We offer a huge selection of business-focussed courses such as Business GCSE and Level 3 Diploma in Skills for Business and nationally recognised project management qualifications, including Agile and Prince2.

Whether you’re self-employed, climbing the ladder or struggling to get a foothold, showing initiative and gaining additional business qualifications can set you apart from the competition.

When you opt to study online with Oxbridge, you also gain tons of additional benefits such as: Not having to quit your job to navigate set lesson timetables; studying around your social life, at times that best suit you; one-on-one time with a qualified tutor who specialises in the subject you’re studying; top-quality learning materials, including quizzes, videos and e-books; the potential to achieve a pass rate that’s 20% higher than the national average and more.

If you’d like to find out more about studying business and management with Oxbridge, speak with one of our learning advisers via live chat.

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What A-Level courses should I take?

If you’re planning on going on to a degree, your chosen university will usually publish their entry requirements for each course on their website. See how these subjects feel and decide if you would enjoy them as they will form much of the base knowledge for your degree.

If you’re not entirely sure what to study, there are some standard subjects that many students choose to help them secure a place at a prestigious university, such as one of the Russell Group universities. These courses are known as the ‘facilitating courses’ and include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Further Maths, Modern Languages and Classical Languages.

Generally speaking, taking two facilitating subjects will allow you to keep your progression options open. For further help and guidance, we have written a detailed guide on How to Choose A-Levels.

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How many UCAS points is an A-level course?

A-levels are the most common way to access university in the UK. The system in which this is done is called UCAS. This stands for: “the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service”. See the A-level UCAS tariff points breakdown below:

  • A* – 56
  • A – 48
  • B – 40
  • C – 32
  • D – 24
  • E – 16
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What are the different types of management courses?

Management is a far-reaching subject and involves the study of a variety of managerial practices. Whether you’re investigating how you can better serve your team and employer or are expanding your skills to run your own business, an online management course offers flexibility that you won’t find in a more traditional educational setting.

Managerial courses vary depending on the industry you are working in. Some of these courses include:

Team Leading Skills and Principles of Management.

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What are the different types of business courses?

Business is one of the most popular fields of study worldwide. In today’s ever-increasing competitive job market, you can ensure that you stand out from the crowd with an accredited, industry-recognised business course.

There are a variety of online business courses available to study, depending on your goal. Just a few of the courses you could invest in include: Workplace Law,  Starting Your Own Business, and more.

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What are A-Levels?

A-levels (also known as Advanced level qualifications) entail in-depth study of a chosen subject in order to open doors to further study including University, training, and work.

A-levels courses tend to focus on specific academic subjects such as Mathematics, English and the Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course material and the exams you take will be the same everywhere.

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Courses Taught by Experts

Sarah

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My 30-year stride in education started with childminding, to working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I then tutored in a national reading programme and went on to become a Higher-Level TA. I’m elated to say I graduated with a First-Class BA Honours Degree when I was 50 – living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams!

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I always knew that a career focused around helping people achieve their goals was perfect for me. That’s why I became a tutor. I love to see my student’s confidence flourish as they progress through their courses. It’s important to help them fit their learning goals around their personal commitments so they have the best chance of success! 

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Faye

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Beginning my career as an early years practitioner inspired me to step into the world of teaching. I have since elevated my skillset through a range of qualifications including L3 in Assessing Vocational Achievement, L3 in Education & Training and L4 in Internal Quality Assurance. I’m a big kid at heart; I love Disney movies and also dabble in photography.  

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Laura

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For 10+ years, my passion for helping learners develop and grow has driven my career as a teacher. To help me progress even further, I am currently studying to achieve the IQA award. I love reading and I’m a self-professed Harry Potter fan. Talk to me about all things history, rock music, tattoos and true crime podcasts. 

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Penny

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Marine biology, jellyfish conservationist, hairdresser, fitness instructor… I have an eclectic backstory! Art is my passion and one of my proudest moments was achieving my Masters in Fine Art. I then requalified as an Art teacher to share my knowledge with my students. For most of my career, I’ve supported vulnerable students with additional needs such as SEMH and SEN.

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Are you ready to change your world?

We appreciate being bold is easier said than done. This is why the team at Oxbridge aim to help you feel confident and rest assured in taking your next steps. Our friendly, knowledgeable Learning advisers are always on hand to offer you the best guidance.