Our sixth form centre is brand-new for the city of Birmingham and the surrounding areas
Close links with the Business School, offering access to state-of-the-art resources and support with progression pathways
An understanding of business is beneficial in a wide range of careers, from accountancy to financial advice through to sales management and consultancy, while it is also invaluable in setting up your own business and working in senior management and strategic roles across the sectors.
Through the study of business at A-level at our sixth form centre at University College Birmingham, you will develop knowledge and skills that can be beneficial in a range of different industries. This understanding of business will help you to make sense of the world and will support you throughout your working life and whether you choose to work in the private sector or in public services, principles of business and finance are at the heart of what can be and what is achieved.
Within this course, you will learn about business objectives and strategy, marketing, accounting and finance, people and teams in organisations and more about their roles, operations management, external influences, business analysis and change within organisations to give you a good foundation to take you forward onto university, into an apprenticeship or directly into the world of work and a rewarding career.
Why choose A-levels at our sixth form centre?
- PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
- AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
- OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level
Course breakdown
To achieve your Business A-level, you must study the following topics:
Topics you will study:
- Business objectives and strategy
- Marketing
- Accounting and finance
- People in organisations
- Operations management
- External influences
- Business analysis
- Change
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- You will need 4 GCSE at grade 5 or above, including Grade 5 in Maths and English (Language or Literature) to study this A-level.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through three written exam papers in the Summer of your second year. These exams will assess:
- Your knowledge and understanding of business, concepts, theories, methods and models
- Your ability to apply your knowledge and understanding to a range of business contexts
- Your ability to analyse, business issues, demonstrating an understanding of the impact of internal and external factors
- Your ability to evaluate qualitative and quantitative data to reach informed decisions and propose evidence-based solutions
Your class work and directed learning are designed to prepare you well for your exams and to help you develop a range of skills that will help you in your future studies and work.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Centre of opportunities
Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.
We are creating something unique and special for Birmingham and I am delighted you are considering us for your next steps. Studying A-levels requires discipline and determination, but it is also incredibly rewarding, offering you a deep insight into the subjects you choose to study. Sixth form is also an opportunity for you to discover what’s important to you and how you want to make your mark on the world. Our aim is to support and challenge you through this, while developing your character and widening your horizons so you flourish, professionally and personally.
What will this course prepare you for?
The study of business at A-level will prepare you well for a business-related degree including our Business Enterprise, Business Management, Marketing Management and Finance and Accounting undergraduate degrees.
An understanding of business operations is highly beneficial in a wide range of private and public sector roles and if, at the end of your studies, you are keen to enter the world of work, you could also explore apprenticeships in a range of different fields.
Accountant
Average Salary: £40,000
Project manager (graduate)
Average Salary: £39,197
Marketing officer
Average Salary: £32,000
Business manager
Average Salary: £50,000
Finance assistant
Average Salary: £24,000
Business support
Average Salary: £29,000
Our new sixth form centre
University College Birmingham is to begin offering a range of A-level courses as part of a major multi-million-pound investment in a brand-new sixth form centre.
