Exam board
Pearson Edexcel
How is this subject examined?
Examined via three papers:
- Paper 1 – Markets and Business Behaviour, 2 hrs, 35% of total course.
- Paper 2 – The National & Global Economy, 2 hrs, 35% of total course.
- Paper 3 – Microeconomics & Macroeconomics, 2 hrs, 30% of total course.
What is this course about? Why study the course?
Economics is a highly regarded A-Level. It is the study of the world around us from a social, financial and cultural perspective. The course covers key issues including why consumers still buy goods that are harmful, why businesses make certain decisions as well as government policies that boost the economy e.g. the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. By studying Economics, you will debate issues such as inequality and immigration. The course requires you to use and interpret data to analyse economic problems, discuss alternative courses of action, and keep up to date with national and international trends. Studying Economics will not only ensure you are familiar with current affairs, but will also help you develop the skills to critically analyse a range of issues in finance, business and politics.
Where can this course take you?
Economics prepares you for progression to further study or the world of work:
- You will have developed data handling and writing skills that are transferable to both university and employment.
- You might want to study a degree in economics, business economics, econometrics or a business and management degree.
- You might progress to a career in industry, commerce, finance, stockbroker, financial advisor, economist or civil servant.
Minimum GCSE grades: 7-9 in Mathematics.
Complementary subjects:
- The quantitative methods that describe economic phenomena complements Mathematics/Further Mathematics.
- The study of Geography assists with the practical understanding of how any economy functions.
- The study of History or Sociology provides a wider social and political understanding of resource allocation.
- Behavioural economics complements Psychology. How we elevate beyond the specification.
- Curriculum related analysis of lectures from a variety of universities including LSE and others.
- Multiple workshops/speakers to enhance economics understanding such as workshops/speakers from the Bank of England.