Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
International GCSE Business specification 4BS1.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE · Specification 4BS1
Online IGCSE Business Studies Course
Study Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Business at home through
structured online lessons covering business activity, people, finance,
production and marketing. Start at any time and work at a pace that
fits your plans.
Immediate access to the online course
22 lessons across five Business modules
Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials
Start your Business course
£14.99 / month
Today’s payment:
£24.99
Includes:
- Course materials subscription
- Academic induction session and booking fee
Then
£14.99 per month
🔒 Minimum 6 months subscription applies.
Course overview
Business IGCSE course at a glance
Prepare for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Business through a structured home-study course that develops business knowledge, numerical skills and confidence in applying ideas to real organisations and commercial decisions.
Course structure
5 modules · 22 lessons
Study business activity, people, finance, production and marketing.
Recommended study time
Approximately 200 hours
Work through the course at a pace that suits your timetable and intended examination date.
Enrolment
Start at any time
There is no fixed term date, so you can begin when it suits your study plans.
Assignments
10 assignments
Eight tutor-marked assignments followed by two complete practice examination papers.
Assessment
2 written papers
Both papers last 90 minutes and contribute 50% of the qualification.
Applied business skills
Knowledge used in context
Apply business ideas, calculations and judgement to realistic small and large business scenarios.
Assessment and grading
Linear · Grades 9–1
Both examinations are taken at the end of the course, with Grade 9 representing the highest achievement.
A course connected to the real business world
The course encourages you to apply ideas to real organisations, follow current business issues and understand how decisions in finance, people, marketing and operations are connected.
How it works
How your IGCSE Business course works
Study through a clear sequence of online lessons, activities and
assessments designed to build your business knowledge steadily
and prepare you for the final examinations.
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Enrol and start online
Enrol at any time and receive immediate access to your online course. Your included academic induction session helps you understand the course and plan your studies.
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Work through structured lessons
Each lesson sets out clear aims and combines course notes, activities, business examples and links to the Pearson Edexcel 4BS1 specification.
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Check your understanding
Lessons conclude with self-assessment tests or tutor-marked assignments. Suggested answers help you review your work and identify areas to revisit.
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Prepare for your examinations
Complete two full practice papers to develop your timing, calculation skills, case-study analysis and ability to make reasoned business judgements.
Flexible additional support
Add personal support when you need it
The course can be studied independently using the lesson materials and suggested answers. Tutor marking, mock-exam marking, email support, one-to-one tutorials and printed materials can be purchased separately when useful.
What you’ll study
Explore the IGCSE Business course content
The course is organised into five modules and 22 structured lessons, moving from the foundations of business activity through people, finance, production and marketing.
Module 1 Business Activity and the Changing Environment Explore business ownership, objectives, growth, location, external influences and the ways business success is measured. 9 lessons
- Business in the Community and its Environment
- External Factors affecting Business
- Types of Business Organizations: Ownership and Operation (1)
- Types of Business: Ownership and Operation (2)
- Comparing Businesses
- Business Objectives
- Growth
- Location Decisions
- Judging Success
Module 2 Human Resources Study organisational structures, management methods, workplace problems and the role of personnel management. 4 lessons
- The Structure of Organisations
- Methods of Management
- Problems of Management
- The Role of Personnel Management
Module 3 Accounting and Finance Learn how businesses raise and use finance, plan ahead, maintain financial records and assess performance. 4 lessons
- Sources and Uses of Finance
- Business Planning
- Financial Records
- Profitability, Liquidity, and Performance
Module 4 Production Examine production processes, quality, customer service, efficiency and the strategies businesses use to compete. 2 lessons
- Production, Quality and Customer Service
- Production Strategies
Module 5 Marketing Finish with market research, the marketing mix, business ethics, environmental responsibilities and the law before completing your practice papers. 3 lessons
- Market Planning and Research
- The Marketing Mix
- Ethics, the Environment and the Law
Practice Exam — Paper 1
Practice Exam — Paper 2
A connected view of how businesses operate
The five areas of business are closely related. The course helps you understand how decisions about finance, employees, production and marketing influence one another and affect business success.
Exams and assessment
How the IGCSE Business course is assessed
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Business is assessed through two written examination papers. Both papers can draw on the whole specification and require students to apply business knowledge to realistic organisations and commercial situations.
Paper 1 · Investigating small businesses
4BS1/01
90 minutes
Exam duration
80 marks
Available marks
50%
Of the qualification
Paper 1 uses scenarios involving small businesses with up to 49 employees, generally operating in local or national markets. Questions may draw on any part of the specification.
Paper 2 · Investigating large businesses
4BS1/02
90 minutes
Exam duration
80 marks
Available marks
50%
Of the qualification
Paper 2 uses scenarios involving large businesses with more than 250 employees, often operating in multinational or global markets.
Content coverage
The whole specification
Both papers can assess business activity, people, finance, marketing and business operations.
Question structure
Four compulsory questions
Each paper contains four compulsory questions worth 20 marks each.
Question styles
Data and case-study responses
Questions include multiple-choice, short-answer, data-response and open-ended tasks.
Calculator use
Calculators are permitted
Students may use an approved calculator for financial and other numerical questions in both papers.
Arranging your examination
Exam entry is arranged separately
Home-educated students normally enter as private candidates at an approved examination centre. Examination entry and centre fees are not included in the course subscription.
Support and add-ons
Add extra Business support when you need it
Your course subscription provides the structured online materials needed for independent study. Additional tutor support, marking and printed materials can be purchased separately whenever they would be useful.
Written feedback
Assignment marking
Submit individual course assignments for marking and receive detailed tutor feedback on your business knowledge, calculations, analysis and written conclusions.
Exam preparation
Mock exam marking
Complete full examination-style papers and receive feedback focused on case-study application, timing, evaluation and how marks are awarded.
Ongoing guidance
Email Tutor Support
Ask subject questions by email while working through the course and receive help when a business concept, calculation or activity needs further explanation.
Live tuition
One-to-one tutorials
Book an individual online session with a tutor to work through difficult topics, practise calculations or prepare for an examination.
Printed materials
Business course pack
Add a printed, spiral-bound copy of the course materials if you prefer to study, annotate and revise away from the screen.
Flexible by design
Choose only what you need
Add-ons are optional. Study independently, purchase support for selected assignments or combine several services as your needs change.
Explore your options
See all available learning support
Prospective students can compare the different support services. Existing students can purchase course-specific add-ons through their account.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the IGCSE Business course
Find answers about starting the course, studying Business at home, examination papers, course materials and the additional support available.
Can I start the Business course at any time?
Yes. There are no fixed term dates, so you can enrol and begin studying when it suits you. You can then work through the course at a pace that fits your intended examination date.
How long does the course take to complete?
We recommend allowing approximately 200 hours of study. The actual completion time will depend on your previous knowledge, weekly study schedule and chosen examination date.
Which examination specification does the course cover?
The course prepares students for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Business specification 4BS1.
Is the subject called Business or Business Studies?
Pearson Edexcel officially calls the current qualification International GCSE Business. The subject was formerly commonly called Business Studies, and both names are still widely used.
Do I need to buy a textbook?
No. The Oxford Home Schooling study pack is designed to provide complete preparation for the examination, so there is no compulsory supporting textbook.
How is the course organised?
The course contains five modules and 22 lessons. It also includes eight tutor-marked assignments and two complete practice examination papers.
Is tutor marking included in the subscription?
Tutor marking is not included in the monthly course subscription. Marking can be purchased separately for individual assignments or as a marking bundle.
Can I get help from a tutor?
Yes. Optional support includes assignment marking, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one online tutorials. You can add support when it becomes useful rather than paying for it throughout the course.
How are the examinations structured?
There are two 90-minute papers, each worth 80 marks and 50% of the qualification. Paper 1 focuses on small businesses, while Paper 2 focuses on large businesses. Calculators may be used in both examinations.
Should I follow current business news?
Yes. Business conditions, technology, markets and legislation change frequently. Following reliable business and financial news will help you relate the course to real organisations and current commercial decisions.
Course materials
No compulsory textbook required
The Oxford Home Schooling study pack is designed to provide complete preparation for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Business. All of the core teaching material needed for the course is included.
Keep your business knowledge current
Business changes quickly, so students are encouraged to follow reliable business and financial news alongside the course. Current examples will help you understand how organisations respond to changes in markets, technology, legislation and the economy.
Ready to begin?
Start your online IGCSE Business Studies course
Enrol at any time and begin working towards the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Business qualification through a structured, flexible home-study course.
- Start studying at any time
- Immediate access to the online course
- Work at a pace that suits your examination plans
Start your Business course
Return to the enrolment panel to review today’s payment and add the course to your basket.