What Is IGCSE Business?

Do you ever wonder why some businesses like Apple or Coca Cola thrive, while others disappear overnight? Or how small local shops compete against giant supermarkets? If questions like these spark your curiosity, IGCSE Business may be for you!

This internationally recognised qualification, designed for students aged 14–16, teaches you how businesses work in the real world. Whether you dream of becoming an entrepreneur, working in finance, or simply want to understand the businesses around you, IGCSE Business will give you the knowledge and skills you need.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the core topics of IGCSE Business, including business activity, marketing, operations, HR, finance, and external influences, with real-world examples to enhance learning.

• Recognise the differences in exam format and assessment style across Cambridge, Edexcel, and AQA exam boards to tailor your revision strategy.

• Develop practical skills such as problem-solving, analysis, and applying theory to real business scenarios for better exam performance and future career readiness.

• Use active revision techniques, past papers, and scenario-based practice to strengthen understanding and exam technique for top marks.

Tip: Use Save My Exams IGCSE Business for topic summaries, case‑study practice, and past papers. Perfect for stress‑free revision!

Core Content in IGCSE Business

The heart of IGCSE Business is understanding how businesses are created, managed, and grown. Across Cambridge (0450), Edexcel, and AQA, you will cover these six core areas:

1. Business Activity & Objectives

   • Learn why businesses exist, from profit‑making to providing social value.

   • Understand different types of organisations, from sole traders to multinationals.

   • For example: Why did Tesla start, and how does its mission shape its decisions?

2. Marketing

   • Explore how businesses research markets, set prices, and promote products.

   • Learn about product life cycles, market segmentation, and advertising.

   • For example: How does McDonald’s use marketing differently in the UK vs Japan?

3. Operations Management

   • Understand how goods and services are produced, including quality control.

   • Learn about lean production, efficiency, and supply chains.

   • For example: How does Amazon deliver millions of packages so quickly?

4. Human Resources (HR)

   • Recruitment, selection, and training of employees.

   • How motivation affects performance and the use of organisational charts.

   • For example: Why does Google invest so much in employee perks?

5. Finance & Accounting

   • Topics include cash flow, break‑even, profit calculations, and sources of finance.

   • You will learn to interpret business documents like income statements.

   • For example: If a start‑up needs £20,000, should it take out a loan or sell shares?

6. External Influences

   • The impact of the economy, government policies, globalisation, and technology.

   • For example: How does inflation or a new tax law affect businesses like Primark?

Tip: Use real world companies in your exam answers. Linking theory to real examples can boost your evaluation marks!

Explore Save My Exams IGCSE Business Notes to revise each topic in depth.

IGCSE Business Assessment: Cambridge, Edexcel & AQA

Although the core knowledge is similar, the exam format differs by exam board:

What You Need to Know

• Duration: Most papers are 1 hr 30 min each.

• Coursework: Cambridge offers a coursework option; Edexcel and AQA are exam‑only.

• Grading: International schools may choose A*–G or 9–1 for Cambridge.

Exam Tip:

• Cambridge rewards clear structure and case‑study application.

• Edexcel tests decision‑making across small vs large business contexts.

• AQA loves scenario‑based reasoning so read the question carefully!

Why Choose IGCSE Business?

Studying IGCSE Business gives you:

• Real‑world understanding: Learn how companies like Netflix decide what to produce and how to grow.

• Problem‑solving skills: Analyse data, make recommendations, and justify decisions.

• A head start for future studies: Perfect for A Level Business, Economics, or vocational business courses.

• Employability skills: Communication, analysis, and decision‑making are valued in any career.

Use the (opens in a new tab)Cambridge syllabus (opens in a new tab) and Save My Exams resources to see which pathway is right for you.

IGCSE Business vs Other Qualifications

IGCSE vs GCSE Business

• IGCSE: International focus with slightly more emphasis on global case studies.

• GCSE: UK centred, often using UK law and business context.

IGCSE vs BTEC Business

• IGCSE: Academic and exam based, ideal for students who enjoy structured study.

• BTEC: Coursework heavy, with projects, presentations, and less final exam pressure.

Progression Routes

• A Level Business or Economics

• IB Business Management

• BTEC Level 3 Business

• Careers in marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, or management

How to Succeed in IGCSE Business

1. Learn Actively

• Make flashcards for keywords like “margin of safety” or “market share”.

• Create mind maps linking topics, e.g. how finance supports marketing campaigns.

• Watch business documentaries like Inside the Factory or Dragons’ Den for real‑world insights.

2. Practise Exam Technique

• Use past papers from your exact exam board to get used to question style.

• Practise timed answers as paper 2 case studies can be time‑intensive.

• Highlight command words like Analyse, Evaluate, and Discuss.

Common Mistake to Avoid:
Writing generic answers without linking to the scenario in the question. Always apply your answer!

3. Test Yourself Regularly

• Teach a topic to a friend, as it’s the best way to check you really understand it.

• Use Save My Exams’ topic questions and mark your work against the mark scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is IGCSE Business harder than GCSE Business?

A: Not really: IGCSE has a global approach, while GCSE is more UK focused.

Q: How many exams are there in IGCSE Business?

A: Usually two exams, each 1 hr 30 min, across all three exam boards.

Q: Can I study IGCSE Business without coursework?

A: Yes! Both Edexcel and AQA are exam‑only, and Cambridge offers that option too.

Q: What careers can IGCSE Business prepare me for?

A: Marketing, finance, management, entrepreneurship or any career that benefits from business understanding.

Final Thoughts

IGCSE Business is a practical, engaging, and globally relevant subject. It helps you understand how businesses succeed, prepares you for further study, and gives you skills valued in the workplace.

To succeed:

1. Master the content with active revision.

2. Practise exam techniques using past papers.

3. Apply your knowledge to real‑world examples for top marks.

Next Step: Download your exam board syllabus and start revising with Save My Exams IGCSE Business Resources

References & Useful Links

• Save My Exams: IGCSE Business

• Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies 0450 (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs (opens in a new tab)

• OxfordAQA International GCSE Business (opens in a new tab)