Economics (AQA)

About this course

Economics helps you to understand how individuals, business, government and communities manage their resources to improve living standards and quality of life. You learn how to predict trends, interpret data and consult industry and government. Students do not need to have studied GCSE Economics to study A Level Economics. A reasonably good level of mathematics is required, however, as students need to interpret data and understand graphs.

A level Economics provides a strong grounding for further study in business, humanities and social science:

  • It can be combined with maths, business, finance, AI, psychology and sociology for a broad education in social science.
  • It develops your knowledge and understanding of the forces behind investment, inflation, unemployment, trade and prosperity.
  • An A level qualification in economics qualifies students for further study and careers in business, government, education and health care. It is a highly demanded qualification from employers across the world.

What you will study/learn

A level Economics covers the following units:

  • Economic methodology
  • The nature and purpose of economic activity
  • Economic resources, scarcity and choice
  • Consumer behaviour
  • Markets
  • Government economic policy
  • Supply and demand
  • Economic policy including fiscal and monetary policy
  • The International Economy, Trade and Exchange Rates

Assessment:

The Edexcel A Level in Economics assessment comprises three externally examined papers. Each paper is worth 33.3% of the assessment total.

  • Paper 1: Markets and market failure- a two-hour exam
  • Paper 2: National and international economy- a two-hour exam
  • Paper 3: Economic principles and issues- a two-hour exam

Entry requirements

Students applying for A Level programmes must have the equivalent of 4 GCSEs with a grade 5-8 (A-C grade) or better, or have taken A Levels previously, with unsatisfactory results, and level B2 English according to the CEFR for Languages; either IELTS 5.0 or better, or Cambridge FCE Grade C or above (this only applies to applicants whose first language is not English).

Students may also apply for A Level programmes if they have a satisfactory high school leaving certificate, or secondary school exit qualification, which is not equivalent to the A Level for UCAS purposes.

There are no specific previous learning requirements for AQA Economics.

Awarding Body

AQA

Career Prospects and further study

Students with an A level Economics qualification have a broad choice of degree options and a high acceptance rate in university applications. Economics graduates are highly valued in finance, government and industry, particularly where data analysis is required.