Business Studies at A level starts by teaching students the practical steps of starting up a small business. It finishes by discussing the detailed issues involved in running a large corporation like Dell Computer plc. Along the way, students learn to identify good business ideas that have the potential to succeed and look at why some people excel as entrepreneurs. The course answers fundamental questions about marketing new products, motivating staff, managing cash and raising capital. Having done the course, students will have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to write an effective business plan for their own business. They will also be able to discuss the problems of real businesses as reported in the media and offer constructive solutions.

What is Business Studies @ DLD?

At DLD, Business Studies is taught through individual and group presentations by students as well as class notes and assignments. Video materials and news articles are used as the basis of discussion and the emphasis is always on the practical application of theory. Students are encouraged to challenge the content of what they read and offer their own opinions whenever appropriate. The aim is to emphasize to students that running a business involves a series of decisions which are usually made with incomplete knowledge and that there is often no 'right' answer. We try to make learning dynamic and interactive.

What do I need?

The most important quality that a student can bring to the subject is a genuine curiosity for and enthusiasm about commercial matters. In the department, we are trying to set students on the road to becoming entrepreneurs. Therefore, we are looking for students with a positive attitude who are willing to participate in class, perform independent research under guidance and, above all, learn from their mistakes.

Good subject combinations

Students from DLD have gone on to top universities having taken (among other subjects), Art, Media Studies, Psychology, Economics and Mathematics together with Business Studies. Therefore, there is no standard profile for a potential Business Studies student and anyone thinking of taking the subject should take time to discuss their options with the relevant tutors and other staff before making a final choice. A minority of universities prefer students not to take Economics and Business Studies in combination especially when applying for Economics as undergraduates, but students should discuss this is depth with their future tutors at the outset. If students are studying Finance at university, it is recommended that AS Mathematics should form part of their A level combination.

After DLD

The theory taught in Business Studies A level is useful in all walks of life since most of us who do not become entrepreneurs work as employees. A working knowledge of the way businesses operate will always be helpful in assessing the prospects of particular firms and therefore in career planning. However, there are now a range of business related degrees available to undergraduates, many of which are joint honours degrees involving another subject such as ICT or a modern language. These are particularly valuable in the modern business world as are business degrees involving an international dimension in the form of an internship abroad. While most DLD students do follow the path of higher education, a sizeable minority go straight into the workplace as trainees in family businesses or in certain aspects of the financial services and property industries. Therefore, a Business Studies A level can be a staging post for both  university and the working world.

Questions

Can I do the course in one year? YES
Is Easter Revision available? YES
Can I use the A Level to apply for a gap year internship? YES