Economics

A level Economics

Exam board: AQA

Why A level Economics?

Economics is like no other subject you study; bringing together the logical reasoning of mathematics and the critical thinking of social sciences to predict and interpret the events of today and the future. Economics is about choice and the impact of our choices on each other. It is the study of how consumers, firms and governments make decisions that together determine how resources are allocated. Economics has an enormous impact on our daily lives through the principles of supply and demand, influencing our spending power and even our quality of life. At every level of our society, an understanding of economics and the application of theories is essential to success. Economics plays a part in all our lives. 

What will you study?

A level Economics comprises a range of units covering Markets and Market Failure, The National Economy, Business Economics and the Distribution of Income, and The National and International Economy. The variety of contexts studied open themselves to the exploration of the inter-relationships between microeconomic (people and businesses) and macroeconomic (entire industries and nations) principles in managing and sustaining economies.

University degrees that require or often prefer Economics include

Economics, Business Studies, Accountancy, Actuarial Studies and Management Studies.

Possible careers:

Directly related: Financial analyst, actuary, statistician, accountant, banking, stockbroker, insurance and sales/marketing, accountancy, professional economist.

Further afield: Company lawyer, management consultancy, civil servant and quantity surveyor.

Entry requirements:

Minimum grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics plus a 6 in a subject requiring good literacy skills (English Language or History).

‘The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as escaping from old ones.’

John Maynard Keynes