Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies 0450: Your Complete Guide

Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies (0450) develops understanding of how businesses work: organisation, marketing, finance, operations, and human resources. This guide covers papers, case study, calculator use, and how to prepare.

What is IGCSE Business Studies 0450?

0450 covers business concepts and application through short-answer questions and a case study. It is widely used for entry to A-Level, IB, and business-related degrees.

Papers you need

0450 has two papers:

• Paper 1 (Short answer and data response): Questions on business concepts and short scenarios.
• Paper 2 (Case study): Extended questions on a pre-release case study.

Both papers are required. There is no Core/Extended split; all candidates take the same papers.

Calculator use

Calculators are allowed where calculations are needed (e.g. profit, percentages, ratios). You must show working. Business Studies 0450 uses numbers but is less calculation-heavy than Economics in many questions.

How hard is 0450? Is it popular?

• Difficulty: 0450 is demanding: application of concepts to scenarios and the case study. Writing clearly and using business terminology are important. Time management in the case study paper is a common challenge.
• Popularity: 0450 is one of the most popular IGCSE business codes globally.

Top revision tips for 0450

1. Practise past papers for Paper 1 and Paper 2 under timed conditions.
2. Know the pre-release case study for Paper 2 — read it carefully and plan possible questions.
3. Learn key terms — marketing mix, cash flow, organisational structure, etc.
4. Apply concepts to scenarios — use examples and business language in your answers.

How Tutopiya supports IGCSE Business Studies 0450 students

Tutopiya specialises in IGCSE and supports Business Studies 0450. Our resources platform includes 200,000+ past papers, AI practice, and revision notes developed over 8+ years. Our tutors include ex- and current international-school teachers and IGCSE board examiners (subject-dependent). You can use the platform for 0450 past papers and revision, and book a free trial with an IGCSE business tutor for concepts, case study technique, and exam strategy.

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This guide is for information only. Check the latest syllabus and case study with your school and Cambridge International.