Business (A-Level)
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Blocks
1
Level
A-Level
Course Length
2 Years
Timetable
Full Time
Key Skills:
Reasons to study Business (A-Level)
It offers insight into a range of issues and business behaviour affecting organisations today.
Develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions – all skills that are needed for further study and employment.
Find out what it takes to become a manager or entrepreneur.
Discover topics and issues that are relevant in today’s
society – including contemporary developments such as digital technology, impact on the environment, business ethics.
Develop a critical understanding of business activities on a local, national and global scale.
Gain an understanding of the business decision-making process.
What you will study
Year 1 (AS) – What is business, marketing & finance. Managing operations and people.
Year 2 (A-Level) – Managing business culture, business and society, business and the external environment, and business strategy.
What you will need
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for your chosen pathway
GCSE English and Maths minimum Grade 4 (Min Grade 5 recommended)
Ability to use and analyse data
Interest in current affairs
Willingness to carry out background reading and to work independently
Confidence to take part in discussions
How you will be assessed
Year 1 (AS) – two 1.5-hour exams
Year 1 (A-Level) – three two-hour exams
Exams will be a mixture of short answer questions and extended questions based on real world case studies.
Priestley extra
Business trips including; Manchester Metropolitan University, Edge Hill University, Ernst & Young and Amazon.
Residential Business trips including; Dubai and Barcelona.
Guest speakers from Primark, The Bank of England, CapGemini.
Conferences and simulations.
Opportunities to demonstrate innovation, leadership and teambuilding skills.
Progression
Achieving an A-Level in Business equips you with the strategic mindset and essential skills highly valued in today's economy, providing a versatile foundation for a wide range of careers. This qualification opens diverse progression routes, whether you aim to enter higher education—pursuing degrees such as Business Management, Economics, Accounting, Marketing, Events Management, or Fashion Retailing—or step straight into employment via corporate apprenticeships and AAT training schemes. By focusing on financial planning, product innovation, and market dynamics, the course also delivers the ideal framework for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch their own businesses. Ultimately, the analytical and decision-making skills you develop pave the way for rewarding professional roles in management consultancy, marketing, financial management, human resources, and event planning.
How to Apply
Demand for places at Priestley College has been exceptionally high in recent years. We recommend you apply for your place early to avoid disappointment.Â
Study Programme
A-Level and Vocational (Level 3) students are expected to follow a full study programme of three plus one AS-Level courses/equivalents. Your study programme can, however, include a Specialism as one of your choices.

