Is HSC Business Studies Right for You?

If you’re thinking about taking Business Studies for your HSC but aren’t 100% sure what it’s all about, you’re in the right place! Business Studies is a super popular subject that gives you practical skills and knowledge you can actually use in real-world business situations. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know.

What’s the Business Studies HSC course all about?

In Business Studies, you’ll dive into the inner workings of businesses—everything from how they’re started to how they operate and grow. It’s the perfect pick if you’re keen to learn how companies make money, manage people, and build successful brands. The course is split into four main topics:

• Operations – Learn about how businesses produce goods and services, manage quality, and stay efficient.
• Marketing – Explore branding, advertising, and market strategies that help businesses stand out.
• Finance – Understand how companies manage money, from budgeting and investments to making profit.
• Human Resources – Study how businesses find, train, and keep great staff, and create a positive work culture.

What's the HSC exam like?

The Business Studies HSC exam has two sections, and it’s all about testing your understanding of business concepts and applying them to real-life scenarios.

• Section I (Multiple Choice): 20 questions that test your knowledge of the course’s key topics. This is usually worth 20 marks.
• Section II (Short Answers): A mix of short-answer questions where you’ll apply business terms and concepts. This section typically tests practical knowledge and is worth about 40 marks.
• Section III (Business Report): You’ll be given a scenario about a hypothetical business and asked to write a business report, often covering areas like marketing, operations, or human resources. This part tests your ability to problem-solve using business strategies.
• Section IV (Extended Response): This final part is an essay-style question on one of the core topics. It’s a chance to show off what you know by linking theory to real-world business examples.

Why choose Business Studies?

Here are some reasons why Business Studies is a great HSC subject choice:

• It teaches practical skills you’ll use in the real world.
• You’ll learn a mix of theory and hands-on business strategies.
• It’s a popular subject that can scale well if you perform strongly.
• Great for students interested in pursuing business, economics, or management in the future!

If you’re ready to learn how businesses operate and want a course that’s both practical and insightful, Business Studies could be a fantastic choice for you.