A level Economics

Please apply via PS16. Any applications received by 31/1/25 are guaranteed an interview in February - April 2025, as long as minimum entry requirements are met. Offers are made after interview.

What will I be studying?

Individuals, firms, markets and market failure

1. Economic methodology and the economics problem

2. Individual economic decision making

3. Price determination in a competitive market

4. Production, costs and revenue

5. Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly

6. The labour market

7. The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality

8. The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets

The national and international economy

9. The measurement of macroeconomic performance

10. How the macro economy works: the circular flow of income, aggregate demand/aggregate supply analysis and related concepts

11. Economic performance

12. Financial markets and monetary policy

13. Fiscal policy and supply-side policies

14. The international economy

Core Mathematics

As this subject contains elements of mathematical content within its specification and assessments, we strongly advise that you should also elect to take the Core Mathematics course to support your studies (if not already taking A Level Mathematics). The Core Mathematics course is a one-year course specifically designed for this purpose. You would still need to pick three main Level 3 subjects plus Core Mathematics. Please see the Core Mathematics information sheet for more details.

Paper 1: Markets and market failure

What's assessed: Content 1–8 above

• 2 hour written exam

• 80 marks

• 33.3% of A-level

• Section A: data response questions requiring written answers, choice of one from two contexts worth 40 marks

• Section B: essay questions requiring written answers, choice of one from three worth 40 marks

Paper 2: National and international economy

What's assessed: Content 9–14 above

• 2 hour written exam

• 80 marks

• 33.3% of A-level

• Section A: data response questions requiring written answers, choice of one from two contexts worth 40 marks

• Section B: essay questions requiring written answers, choice of one from three worth 40 marks

Paper 3: Economic principles and issues

What's assessed: All content 1–14 above

• 2 hour written exam

• 80 marks

• 33.3% of A-level

• Section A: multiple choice questions worth 30 marks

• Section B: case study questions requiring written answers, worth 50 marks

GCSE Grade 5 in Economics. If you have not studied this subject at GCSE level you will need GCSE Grade 5 in English Language or English Literature and GCSE 4 Maths

This course teaches you apply your knowledge & analyse & evaluate evidence.

You could take a degree or apprenticeship in economics itself or a related area such as management, business, finance, accountancy and marketing. This A level can help you onto other courses too such as Law or Business with a modern foreign language. Your options are wide open with regard to a career. Options include retail, management, marketing, sales, personnel management, marketing, finance and accountancy etc.