6 in Mathematics required
6 English Language required
6 in Economics required (if taken at GCSE)
Why economics?
Studying A level economics will allow you to understand how scarce resources are allocated and the choices that consumers and firms make within a market.
You’ll discover how markets work and the positive and negative outcomes produced by the workings of such a market (microeconomics). You’ll be exposed to strategies the government uses to deal with issues such as unemployment, inflation, debt and international trade (macroeconomics), and learn to interrogate these strategies and understand the impact they have on the consumer and the firm.
You will have the opportunity to apply for a place on our Career Ready programme which will include talks by guru lecturers, visits, work experience and links with mentors in the world of work. A degree in this subject is a traditional route to a range of careers in finance, banking and insurance. Many of our students go on to study economics or related degree courses at Russell Group universities and Oxbridge.
Course content
The course encompasses three main components: microeconomics, macroeconomics and globalisation/trade and development. You will develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories, problems and economic institutions that affect everyday life. You will learn about the roles of the key players in any economy – the firm, the consumer and the government. You will develop a critical approach to economic models as well as the strategies used to solve some of the current economic problems in the UK. All students will develop analytical skills in selecting, interpreting and using data from a range of sources.
Mark scheme
Exam - 2 hours - 35%
Microeconomics
- Short answer and calculation
questions
- Data Response
- Essay
Exam - 2 hours - 35%
Macroeconomics
- Short answer and calculation
questions
- Data Response
- Essay
Exam - 2 hours - 30%
Synoptic
- Section A: Data Response and Essay
- Section B: Data Response and Essay
Please click on the headings below.
What's the difference between economics and business?
Economics looks at the whole economy while business is more focused on individual companies
Is it a disadvantage if I have not studied economies for GCSE?
No
What careers will economics lead to?
Wide range of careers in finance, banking, journalism, law and education.
What skills are needed to be successful in economics?
Good with numbers; able to tell a story with data; analytical; good business writing - few adjectives, concise and precise, problem solving mind
How good does my maths need to be to succeed on economics?
Good GCSE maths is essential for A level economics.
However, if you want to go on to study for a degree in economics you are strongly advised to do maths A level
Which subjects does economics go well in combination with?
Maths, history, politics, geography, psychology