About this course
This course is ideal for students who are curious about how the world works and enjoy exploring the decisions made by individuals, businesses and governments.
Economics examines some of the biggest challenges facing society today, including inflation, unemployment, inequality, economic growth, climate change and the impact of government decisions.
Economics combines theoretical understanding with real-world application. Students learn key economic concepts and models before applying them to current events, news stories and real economic data from the UK and around the world. This makes the subject highly relevant, helping students understand issues such as interest rates, taxation, the cost of living, international trade and government spending.
The course encourages students to question ideas, consider different viewpoints and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of economic policies. Students will develop the ability to analyse information, interpret data and create evidence-based arguments.
Economics provides a balance between numerical analysis and written evaluation, making it suitable for students who enjoy both problem-solving and discussion. Lessons involve exploring real-world economic issues, interpreting graphs and diagrams, and considering how economic decisions affect individuals, businesses and societies.
What will you learn?
Throughout the course, students will explore how markets operate, how governments influence economies and how economic decisions affect people, businesses and countries.
Topics include:
Theme 1: Introduction to Markets and Market Failure
Understanding the fundamental economic problem of scarcity and resource allocation.
How markets work through supply and demand.
Consumer and business behaviour.
Price elasticity and how it affects decision-making.
Why markets fail and the consequences of market failure.
Government intervention through:
Taxation
Subsidies
Regulation
Price controls
Theme 2: The UK Economy – Performance and Policies
Measuring economic performance.
Economic growth and national income.
Inflation and unemployment.
Aggregate demand and aggregate supply.
Government economic objectives.
The use of:
Fiscal policy
Monetary policy
Supply-side policies
How governments attempt to manage the economy.
Theme 3: Business Behaviour and the Labour Market
How businesses make decisions.
Business growth and objectives.
Costs, revenues and profits.
Different market structures and levels of competition.
Labour markets and wage determination.
Government policies to improve productivity and employment.
Theme 4: A Global Perspective
Globalisation and international trade.
Exchange rates and financial markets.
Poverty and inequality.
Developing and emerging economies.
Causes and consequences of financial crises.
The role of governments in promoting sustainable economic growth and development.
Students will also develop the ability to apply economic concepts to current events and evaluate the impact of economic decisions on different groups within society.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at students who enjoy understanding why individuals, businesses and governments make the decisions they do. It is suitable for learners who are interested in current affairs, global issues and the factors that influence everyday life, from the prices of goods and services to government spending and taxation.
Students who enjoy analysing information, interpreting data and discussing different viewpoints will find Economics particularly rewarding. The subject is ideal for learners who like questioning assumptions, solving problems and applying knowledge to real-world situations.
Economics is a strong choice for students considering careers in finance, business, government, law, data analysis or international organisations. It develops skills that are valued across many industries and provides excellent preparation for university-level study.
Students do not need to have studied Economics previously, but they should have an interest in the wider world and be willing to engage with economic news, research and debate.
Students should have achieved GCSE Grade 5 in English Language and Grade 5 in Maths, with an average GCSE points score of 5.3 or above. This course is best suited to students with a strong interest in understanding how the economy works, both nationally and globally. Students should be prepared to undertake wider reading on current economic issues, government policies and international economic developments. A willingness to analyse data, evaluate arguments and engage with real-world economic debates is essential.
Assessment takes place through three written examinations at the end of the second year, each lasting 2 hours. Students will complete a range of question types, including multiple-choice questions, calculations, short-answer questions and extended essay responses. Assessments will test students’ ability to apply economic theories, analyse data, evaluate policies and construct well-supported arguments.
Students will develop skills in:
Analytical and Evaluation Skills
Analysis and evaluation
Applying economic theory to real-world examples
Interpreting data and evidence
Evaluating different viewpoints
Making informed judgements
Academic and Communication Skills
Extended writing
Constructing arguments
Using technical economic language
Exam technique
Research and wider reading
Personal and Professional Skills
Numeracy
Problem-solving
Creativity
Time management
Organisation
Self-confidence
Independent learning
Motivation and resilience
Responsibility and focus
These skills are highly valued by universities, employers and professional organisations.
Progression routes
A Level Economics provides an excellent foundation for progression into higher education, apprenticeships and careers across finance, business, government and many other sectors.
Possible progression routes include careers in:
Economics
Finance and Banking
Accountancy
Business Management
Data Analysis
Investment and Financial Services
Management Consultancy
Government and Public Policy
International Organisations
Journalism and Research
Students may progress to degree courses in:
Economics
Finance
Business Management
Accounting
Politics
Law
International Relations
Geography
Data Science
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Economics is also highly valued for degree apprenticeships and professional pathways in banking, finance, consulting and the public sector. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed throughout the course provide excellent preparation for both university study and the workplace.
Related Courses
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