A Level Economics

A Level Economics is the study of how resources are allocated and how economic theories have an enormous impact on society. For example, the decisions past and present of the Greek Government have led to serious social unrest and doubts about the future of the Euro. In addition to these macroeconomic issues, the subject considers simple decisions by firms such as whether or not to raise their prices.

We will help you appreciate how economics contributes to an understanding of wider economic and social environments and develop your understanding of a range of concepts and the ability to use them in a variety of different contexts. We encourage you to think as an economist and use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to your studies.

By studying economics, you will develop the skills, qualities and attitudes which will equip you for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life. The subject is highly respected by universities as it offers students the opportunity to improve their analytical and evaluative skills and helps them develop an ability to work with Mathematics and to show excellent written analysis.

Our A level Economics course follows the Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Economics A (9EC0) specification.

The course is usually studied over two years and includes four themes:

• Theme 1: Introduction to markets and market failure

• Theme 2: The UK economy – performance and policies

• Theme 3: Business behaviour and the labour market

• Theme 4: A global perspective

The course is 100% examined, and is assessed via three examinations on; Markets and Business Behaviour, the National and Global Economy; and a Synoptic paper drawing on both micro and macroeconomics.

Assessment

The course is 100% examined, and is assessed via three examinations on; Markets and Business Behaviour, the National and Global Economy; and a Synoptic paper drawing on both micro and macroeconomics.

A combination of assessment techniques is used, they include multiple-choice questions, data response questions and essays questions.

A Level Economics can complement any subject at A Level. It works well with Science courses as it uses similar processes but adds sophisticated analytical skills to your essay writing technique. It also works well with Humanities like History but develops a more scientific approach. Economics could also be a good fourth subject for a student trying to build a broad portfolio of subjects.

If you think that you might want to continue to study Economics at university, you will almost certainly need to take Mathematics at A level. For the most selective courses Further Mathematics is desirable.

University destination of recent Economics students are:

University of Durham to study Law

UCL to study Economics

Kings College London to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics

London School of Economics to study Economics

UCL to study Management Science

Kings College London to study Accounting and Finance