Course Overview

Explore the world of entrepreneurship, finance, and strategy with our A level Business course.

Explore the fast-paced world of business with our online A level Business course. Covering key topics like marketing, finance, operations, and strategy, this course develops your analytical and decision-making skills while examining how digital marketing and global trends shape modern enterprises.

With real-world case studies and flexible distance learning, it’s ideal preparation for university or careers in business, economics, or entrepreneurship.

  • 100%
pass rate in 2024

  • elearning icon

    Interactive course

  • 1:1 tutor support

A level Biology at a glance

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Exam board

AQA 7132

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Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

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Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

Discover more about our Exam Support in our Exam Handbook

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

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Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

AQA A level Business for AS, I Marcousé, A Hammond and N Watson, Hodder Education, 2015

AQA A level Business for A level, I Marcousé, A Hammond and N Watson, Hodder Education, 2015

 

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course requirements icon
Requirements

Maths Skills for A level Business Studies, D Mansell, Oxford University Press, 2014

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

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UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course exam board icon
Exam board

AQA 7132

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

AQA A level Business for AS, I Marcousé, A Hammond and N Watson, Hodder Education, 2015

AQA A level Business for A level, I Marcousé, A Hammond and N Watson, Hodder Education, 2015

 

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

Discover more about our Exam Support in our Exam Handbook

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course requirements icon
Requirements

Maths Skills for A level Business Studies, D Mansell, Oxford University Press, 2014

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course exam board icon
Exam board

AQA 7132

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

Discover more about our Exam Support in our Exam Handbook

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

AQA A level Business for AS, I Marcousé, A Hammond and N Watson, Hodder Education, 2015

AQA A level Business for A level, I Marcousé, A Hammond and N Watson, Hodder Education, 2015

 

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course requirements icon
Requirements

Maths Skills for A level Business Studies, D Mansell, Oxford University Press, 2014

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

Why study A level Business

Future opportunities

  • Studying business at degree or higher level.
  • Strengthen your position to pursue a career in a wide range of professions including management, marketing, finance, accounting, banking, retailing, manufacturing and local government.
Course content

What you’ll learn…

Section 1

What is business?

  • The nature and purpose of business
  • Different business forms
  • The external environment
Section 2

Management

  • Management, leadership and decision-making
  • Management decision-making
  • Role and importance of stakeholders
Section 3

Marketing performance

  • Setting marketing objectives
  • Understanding markets and customers
  • Making marketing decisions
  • Using the marketing mix
  • Influences on the marketing mix
Section 4

Operational performance

  • Setting operational objectives
  • Analysing operational performance
  • Increasing efficiency and productivity
  • Improving quality
  • Managing inventory and supply chains
SECTION 5

Setting financial objectives

  • Setting financial objectives
  • Analysing financial performance
  • Making financial decisions
SECTION 6

Human resource performance

  • Setting human resource objectives
  • Analysing HR performance
  • Organisational design
  • Improving motivation and engagement
  • Improving employer-employee relations
SECTION 7

The business environment

  • Mission, corporate objectives and strategy
  • Assessing financial performance
  • Assessing business performance
  • Political and legal issues
  • Economic change
  • Social and technological issues
  • Competition
  • Investment appraisal
SECTION 8

Choosing strategic direction

  • Strategic direction
  • Choosing how to compete
SECTION 9

Strategic change

  • A change in scale
  • Innovation
  • Internationalisation
  • Digital technology
SECTION 10

Managing strategic change

  • Managing change
  • Managing organisational culture
  • Managing strategic implementation
  • Strategic problems

    Affordable study

    Flexible payments and financial help

    • As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
    • NEC’s fees for A levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
    • Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
    • Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.

    Visit our Fee information page or

    Talk to an advisor
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    Monthly instalments

    Study now, pay your way

    It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.

    To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.

    The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.

    Course fee £730
    Deposit £73
    Amount of credit £657
    Monthly payment £54.75
    Duration 12 months
    Total repayment £730
    Cost of credit £0.00
    Rate of interest 0% APR representative

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.

    Tutor sitting at her desk and smiling into the camera
    With you every step of the way

    Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor

    You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.

    “I am passionate about business, both from an academic and practical point of view. I have been since I was the MD of a Young Enterprise company when I was 17. Since then I have had many jobs in industry, have helped many charities, and more recently taught the subject. I have been in the classroom for over 10 years, but also continue to support many small and new businesses to prosper. I believe that detailed feedback and encouragement to improve in small steps is the way to achieve educational potential which is the appeal of 1:1 online tutoring. My qualifications include a BSc in Business Studies, MA in Organisational Behaviour, PCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) and the graduate diplomas from several professional bodies, including the Institute of Marketing.”

    Linda, Business Tutor
    MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS
    Help when you need it

    Additional support for under 18s

    We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.

    Our approach to home study
    Need help choosing?

    Talk to one of our course advisors

    Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?

    Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.

    • Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
    • Or contact us today by phone or email.

    We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.

    Talk to a course advisor

    Frequently asked questions

    Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.

    NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.

    You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.

    Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.

    Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.

    Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.

    We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.

    Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.

    Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.

    Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.

    If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.

    Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

    If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

    Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:

    Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.

    Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.

    Our team is happy to help you explore your options.

    People who study A level Business also take…

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.