Economics

Economics will give you the tools and knowledge to understand the global and local issues that affect us all, from higher food prices; the changing price of second hand cars; increases in the cost of borrowing money; the delivery and resource challenges facing the NHS. Armed with an understanding of key economic drivers you will soon find yourself making reasonable predictions on national employment rates, inflation and Bank of England interest rates.

Within the next two years you will be starting higher education or going straight into work. Whichever route you choose, an Economics A Level will help you succeed in some of the most interesting and well paid careers including retail management, marketing, banking, finance and accountancy.

Economics will make use of your mathematical and written skills. During the course you will develop your ability to analyse data, combine different economic models and viewpoints and present your ideas with valid conclusions.

Two of the most popular A Level choices with Economics are Maths and History. However, Science A Levels combine well with Economics too. If you aspire to manage scientific or technical projects in the future, an Economics A Level will help you understand the economic and commercial background in which you operate. Regardless of your subject choices, Economics will provide you with insights that you will draw on for the rest of your life.

What will I study? 

Microeconomics teaches you how to think analytically and use models to illustrate and generalise how companies, organisations and individuals behave in different commercial and market situations. You might look at what determines local house prices or how the government might nudge people into buying electric vehicles or even what crops or livestock local farmers decide to keep.

Macroeconomics covers the national issues in the news like inflation, unemployment, economic growth and trade with other countries. A deep interest in current affairs is almost a pre-requisite for students of Economics. You will be expected to apply economic methods and analysis to recent news and determine how the national and international economy might be affected in the short, medium and long-term.

Entry requirements and skills needed: Grade 6 in Maths, Grade 5 in English.

Assessment: There are three 2-hour exams. These include some multiple-choice questions, some data response questions based on snippets of text and graphs and some open-ended essay questions.

Progression: Economists often have well paid careers like Investment Banking, Stockbroking and Futures markets including Foreign Exchange. Many other careers are open to Economists too including accountancy, corporate finance, environmental consultancy, project management, retail management, scientific research management, international relations, civil service careers, journalism, teaching and many others.