Business offers a detailed investigation of contemporary business through a combination of coursework and more traditional exams. One of the main attractions of the course is that it is not overtly theoretical, but based in research of real business. On the assignment tested modules students select a business of their choice - ranging from a relatively small family business, to some of the largest household names - and then research its performance. The assignments themselves can be substantial, running to many pages, although the lessons are developed to give comprehensive individual support during both the research and writing up phases. As well as gaining a relevant and up to date insight into business practice, students will learn to do research, and to work independently, - essential skills at university or in the world of work.

The course divides into three modules each year. Two of these are assessed by course work and one by a traditional style written exam at the end of the year.

Module One: Business Objectives. This first module is designed to give an overview of business and it considers the extent to which the business uses its various departments such as finance, production, management styles, ICT and quality control to achieve its objectives. Business objectives include, profits, survival, producing a quality product and staff development. Students will choose a real business and assess the extent to which it is functioning efficiently to achieve its stated objectives.

Module Two: The Competitive Business Environment. Of course no business exists in isolation, and this taught module attempts to look at the external environment in which businesses operate. This will include not only the immediate competitors that a business battles with for its market share, but also the role of the UK and EU governments in regulating the economy and ensuring fair play.

Module Three: Marketing. This is a popular module as its requirement for students to develop a marketing strategy for a new product gives scope for imaginative and creative work. It looks at how a business will launch a new product and involves developing sophisticated questionnaires and analysing the data to support the price, promotion and design of the new product. Students will also consider SWOT and PEST analysis to see how suited their product is to the market at present in the UK.

The second year of the course has three modules. Human Resource Management looks at how businesses plan for their staffing needs and how they recruit, train and motivate staff. The finance module is exam based and considers how the financial accounts of a business give an understanding of profitability and facilitate planning for the future. The final module is always the favourite, and it draws on all the previous modules in requiring the student to develop a business plan for their own business.

AS level
A-level
EDEXCEL