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A Level Economics

Course outline

Economics affects everything around us, from the price we pay for a loaf of bread to the likelihood of people we know being in work.

The global economic crisis of recent years has brought sharply into focus just how dependent the people of the world are on each other for resources and trade.

Economics helps us to answer big questions like who will the global super powers be in 20 years’ time, what industries will fail or thrive and what Governments need to do to secure their country’s position in the global economy. If you enjoy learning about current and world affairs, analysing problems and debating issues, this course is for you.

We will cover:

The operation of markets and market failure:

You will acquire knowledge and understanding of a selection of microeconomic models in order to apply these into current problems and issues. Microeconomics is the branch of the subject that studies the decision-making process of individuals and organisation of people, who may be involved in different contexts or markets.

The national economy in a global context:

You will develop and deploy skills to look at a selection of macroeconomic models. This is the other main branch that deals with the economy as a whole.

Individuals, firms, markets and market failure:

An extension of 'the operation of markets and market failure’ that revisits some already taught topics, such as market mechanism and its different versions. However, this third section also introduces new topics such as the distribution of income and health, the labour market and individual economic decision making.

The national and international economy:

This fourth and final block of this A Level delves deeper into the introduction to macroeconomics covered during the first year. We’ll focus on the international economy and the global financial markets.

You will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.

Other A Level subjects which complement Economics include:

  • Business
  • History
  • Law
  • Politics
  • Mathematics - preferably 'pure' than 'core' because algebra, calculus and statistics facilitate a deeper understanding and application of the subject.

How to apply for this course

Apply now to study an A Level Programme in 2024/25

You will select your individual subjects when you complete the application.

Want to find out more first?

Get in touch by hitting the button below and filling out our enquiry form.

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Location Date
Chaucer Street
Nottingham
NG1 5LP

Start: Monday 2nd September 2024

Course code: C000450 / Q000523

Qualification

AQA A Level Economics

Duration

2 years

Level Level 3
Entry requirements

2 year A Level Programme:

  • To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 or above.
  • To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSE’s at grades 9-6 including GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 or above.
  • If you have studied GCSE Business Studies you must have achieved a grade 5.
  • In special circumstances a student may be offered an assessment followed by an interview to gauge their suitability for the course.

The programme of study is for 2 years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year 1 to progress to your 2nd year.

Applicants who choose 4 subjects but only have the entry requirements to study 3:

If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements to study 4 A Level subjects, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer for all 4. At your ‘Get Ready for College’ day you will undertake tasters in your subjects and at this point you can discuss your options with subject staff at the event, to help you finalise your subject choices. Final A Level choices however will be made at enrolment in August when your GCSE results are confirmed.

Teaching & assessment

At the completion of this course, you will take three compulsory papers, whose length is two hours each and equally weighted (33.3% of A level per paper). Essay questions and data response questions, both requiring written answers, assess the economic knowledge, application, analysis and evaluation of the candidate.

Progression

You could progress to an undergraduate degree or apprenticeship in economics, finance, accounting, business and logistics. We strongly recommended subject for those who would like to develop a military career.

Additional information

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.