Business and related subjects (such as the ‘FAME’ group – finance, accounting, management and economics) are among the most popular fields of study at universities worldwide, particularly at graduate level. You might have some vague ideas about why this is the case – business graduates are in high demand worldwide, business touches on pretty much every aspect of modern human society, careers with a business degree are diverse and often highly paid – and these assumptions are likely to be largely true …

Source: www.topuniversities.com/courses/business-management-studies/why-study-business

AIMS

Business Studies students will discover how businesses operate and will learn about their key functions. This knowledge is invaluable to those students who wish to pursue careers in a wide range of areas including management, marketing, human resources, project management, business accounting, management consultancy, and business journalism.

We offer a range of GCSE and GCE Specification:

• GCSE Business Studies;
• GCSE Business & Communication Systems;
• GCE Business Studies;
• OCR Cambridge Technicals in Business Level 3
• BTEC Business

GCSE Business & Communications Systems

Business and Communication Systems is an exciting and practical subject that recognises how ICT is in the foreground of all business activities.

Topics Covered:

In this course you will: study business activity and how ICT has changed the business environment. You will learn how to use different types of software applications.

These include: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access & PowerPoint), Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver.

You will also study:

• Business Ownership
• Marketing
• Human Resources

Skills Developed:

Practical ICT skills, Communication, analyse, evaluate and make reasoned judgements and present conclusions, problem solving and working with others.

How you will be assessed:

Careers:
Business Studies can open up a wide range of opportunities for further and higher education or on to a rewarding career such as Accountancy, Law, Banking, Systems/Business Analysis, Management, Insurance, Media, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Investment, Teaching, ICT and Economics and/or self-employment in one’s own business enterprise. Many degree courses also contain a Business Module as a core element.

GCSE Business Studies

This specification supports the aim of the Northern Ireland Curriculum to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives, as well as its objectives:

• to develop the young person as an individual;
• to develop the young person as a contributor to society; and
• to develop the young person as a contributor to the economy and environment.

Skills Developed:

This specification gives students the opportunity to develop and generate evidence for assessing the following nationally recognised Key Skills: Application of number, communication, improving own learning and performance, information and communication technology, problem-solving; and working with others.

Assessment:

Career Opportunities:

Business Studies can open up a wide range of opportunities for further and higher education or on to a rewarding career such as Accountancy, Law, Banking, Systems/Business Analysis, Management, Insurance, Media, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Investment, Teaching, ICT and Economics and/or self-employment in one’s own business enterprise.  Many degree courses also contain a Business Module as a core element.

A-Level Business Studies

This qualification engages students in the study of a range of business topics impacting on today’s society. Students will take a holistic approach to studying the diverse nature of business organisations. The qualification is underpinned by 3 core business issues: globalisation, digital technology and stakeholder influence. The qualification will require students to develop decision marking skills and engage in critical thinking and analysis of core business functions, which will equip them for further study and employment in business-related areas.

Aims

The specification aims to encourage students to:

• Develop a lifelong interest in business;
• Gain a holistic understanding of business and the international marketplace;
• Develop a critical understanding of organisations and their relationship with key stakeholders;
• Evaluate the role of technology in business communication, business operation and decision-making;
• Generate enterprising and creative solutions to business problems and issues;
• Understand the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and business decision markers;
• Develop advanced study skills that help them prepare for 3^rd level education and
• Acquire a range of relevant business and generic skills including decision making, problem solving and interpretations of management information.

Assessment

Career Opportunities

Business Studies can open up a wide range of opportunities for further and higher education and lead to a rewarding career such as accountancy or law, banking, city markets, systems/business analysts, insurance and the media. Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics, Biomedical Sciences, Finance, Quantity Surveying, Property Investment and Development or Management. It also assists students with a wide range of degree courses which may contain a business related module or you may of course decide to use the knowledge and skills gained through studying this course with a view to starting up your own business.

OCR Cambridge Technicals in Business Level 3 Extended Certificate

Cambridge Technicals offers students the opportunity to explore the world of business. Students study five units over the two years, three of which are mandatory. Created in collaboration with leading businesses, the qualifications explore all aspects of the business world including practical activities – ideal for a wide range of learning styles.

The qualification is made up of two exam units (Unit 1 and Unit 2) and three coursework units, and therefore suit all learning styles. They include hands-on practical experience based upon real life scenarios. They cover all core business functions – planning, HR, production, marketing.

Students studying this course will complete the following modules.
Unit 1: The Business Environment (M)
Unit 2: Working in Business (M)
Unit 4: Customers and Communication (M)

Unit 7: Marketing Campaign (O)
Unit 8: Introduction to Human Resources (O)

M – Mandator Unit     O – Optional Unit

How you will be assessed

This course is 50% exam and 50% coursework.

Exams will be sat in January

The grading for the course is Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction *.
Further details about the course can be found at: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge‐technicals/business/#level‐3