Economics A Level
Qualification: GCE A Level in Economics
Exam Board & Specification Code: AQA; 7136; Specification
Course Entry Requirements: 4 English Language GCSE and 4 in Maths GCSE.
Please make sure that you have understood the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college.
Length and size of qualification: 2 year single course
Timetable hours: 4.5 hours per week
Assessment method: 3 x 2 hour exams
BHASVIC Department: Business and Economics
What will I study?
Economics is the study of society through the behaviour of people, firms, and governments, with the aim of understanding and improving well-being and wealth in society. A level Economics is divided into two parts: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Microeconomics explores the concept of free markets and whether individuals and firms acting in their own self-interest achieve the most effective production and consumption decisions. The course looks at markets such as supermarkets, energy, and banking, critically assessing whether they work effectively for consumers. We also study labour markets, and the causes and effects of inequality. Macroeconomics takes a holistic view and explores economics at a national level through themes such as the causes of unemployment, inflation, and economic growth. We also study the international economy, for example looking at the impact of international trade and evaluating reasons for the different levels of economic development between countries.
Is this course right for me?
Successful A level Economists have an enquiring and considerate mind, empathy for the many different people around them, and a fascination with the interdependent world we live in. You should be enthusiastic about understanding issues such as the effects of leaving the EU on the prosperity of the UK, how to solve gender inequality, and how decisions such as taxing sugary drinks affect the choices consumers make. Be prepared for disagreement, economists have wildly different opinions about social injustices, policy choices, and likely outcomes. You should be prepared to learn some theoretical and technical concepts which can at first seem difficult. These techniques will enable you to critically assess a range of issues such as how best to combat global warming and other such sustainability problems, how to reduce poverty, and how to 'nudge' people to eat more healthily. You should be prepared to study independently as there is much to cover, so you must read and learn between lessons. You should enjoy explaining issues with extended essay writing and enjoy and understand the logic of maths. Although in A level Economics the maths is GCSE level, Maths A level is usually a prerequisite for BSc Economics degrees but not BA degrees. Due to its breadth of relevance, Economics complements any subject, but it does work particularly well with politics, geography, history, maths, sociology, and psychology.
Listen to what our students have to say about Economics
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely. Many of our students do study both. The subjects are very compatible because understanding economic changes helps you understand what businesses need to do to cope, and understanding how businesses work helps you understand how an an economy works.
All and any of them! Always choose subjects that you are genuinely interested in. If you want to study an Economics BSC degree at university then you do need A Level Maths. Economics BA degrees don’t require Maths A Level.
We expect a minimum of 4 hours of independent study per subject per week, as does every other BHASVIC subject.
We only ask for a grade 4 in Maths GCSE because Business and Economics students will be analysing data using basic arithmetic. There’s nothing more complicated than arithmetic in our subjects!
Where next?
Economics students have many opportunities. An A Level in Economics can lead to a range of occupations in the business sector, from HR to Marketing, where students need an understanding of the economy. Many go straight into jobs in the banking and finance sector. Skills that can be obtained from studying Economics include problem solving, innovation, critical understanding, confidence with numbers, and economic awareness. Students can also go on to university to study Economics and many related degrees. Careers that may follow from this include Actuarial Analyst, Chartered Accountant, Data Analyst, Economist, Financial Risk Analyst etc. Jobs where an economics qualification would be useful include Actuary, Civil Service Fast Streamer, Data Scientist, Local Government Officer, and Quantity Surveyor. Useful websites to research careers and wider progression options could include Royal Economic Society, Target Jobs, All About Careers and The Apprenticeship Guide.
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