What is Economics?
This course explores how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions about allocating scarce resources. It is divided into microeconomics (focusing on markets, competition, and consumer behaviour) and macroeconomics (covering the overall economy, including inflation, unemployment, and economic growth). Students develop analytical and evaluative skills by applying economic theories to real-world issues such as government policy and globalisation. The course also emphasises data interpretation and essay-writing to build strong argument and decision-making abilities.
Why study Economics?
It helps you understand how the world actually works, why prices rise, why governments make certain decisions, and how businesses compete and grow. It connects directly to real-life issues like inflation, inequality, global trade, and financial crises, making the subject feel relevant and current rather than abstract. You also develop strong analytical and evaluation skills, learning how to build arguments, interpret data, and assess different viewpoints. On top of that, it opens doors to a wide range of careers, from finance and business to public policy and international development.
Is Economics right for you?
This course is perfect for someone who is curious about how the world works, especially in terms of money, business, and government decisions. They tend to enjoy analysing problems, interpreting data, and thinking logically rather than just memorising facts. An interest in current affairs, like inflation, taxes, or global trade, is really helpful, as much of the course links theory to real-world events.
What will you study?
- Microeconomics (individuals, firms, markets and market failure)
The nature of economics (economic problem, scarcity, opportunity cost); Economic methodology (positive versus normative statements); Price determination in a competitive market (supply and demand); Production, costs, and revenue; Competitive and concentrated markets; Labour markets; The market mechanism, market failure, and government intervention - Macroeconomics (the national economy)
Measures of economic performance (GDP, inflation, unemployment, balance of payments); How the macroeconomy works (aggregate demand and aggregate supply); Economic performance (economic growth, inflation, unemployment); Financial markets and monetary policy; Fiscal policy and supply-side policies; The International economy
What happens outside lessons?
We are involved in two economics conferences with guest speakers from leading universities and organisations around the world.
Guest speakers across the course
Opportunity to enter different national economics essay competitions such as the FCDO Next Generation economics competition
“Economics has opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of geopolitics and the world.”
Where can Economics take you?
Studying A level Economics can lead to a wide range of careers across business, finance, and government. Such as:
Economist (e.g. working at the Bank of England or International Monetary Fund) / Accountant / Investment banker / Financial analyst / Actuary / Business manager or consultant / Data analyst / Civil servant (e.g. working in the HM Treasury) / Marketing executive / Entrepreneur / business owner / Journalist (especially in financial or economic news)
Economics is valued because it develops analytical, numerical, and evaluation skills, making it useful for both specialist economic roles and broader careers in business and public policy.
What subjects go well with Economics?
Maths – you need A level mathematics to study economics at university!
Business
History/Politics or another essay led subject
What are the entry requirements?
- General requirements: Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
- Subject specific: Grade 5 in GCSE English. An average GCSE score of 5.5.
- Maths requirement: Grade 5 in GCSE maths.