Key details
- Course areas
- A LevelsBusiness and Accounts
- Student types
- 16 - 18 coursesA Levels
- Course type
-
A Level course
- Course level
-
Level 3
- Start date
- Tuesday 1st September 2026
- Location
- High Pavement Sixth Form Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP
- Course code
- Parent course code:C000450 Child course code: Q000523
Course introduction
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.
As a student of this subject, you will have free access to an online platform called Uplearn to support your studies.
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.
You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.
Read moreCourse information
2 years
AQA A Level Economics
To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including GCSE English Language 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 Language 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 two years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year one to progress to your the year.
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.
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.
Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.
Video gallery
Careers related to this course
Actuaries, Economists and Statisticians
Potential Earnings
£81,401.07
Average Earnings
£45,365.80
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Pathways
Mathematics and Social Sciences
People in these occupations study mathematical methods, apply mathematics to solve problems, and study and describe human society.
Skills
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
