Economics - A Level (Edexcel)

A Level Economics will help you examine the production and consumption of goods and services, and how this can best be organised to suit the competing objectives of consumers, firms and governments.

In the first year, you will be introduced to the basic economic problem of scarcity, unlimited wants, and how the market allocates scarce resources. You will consider the government’s role in managing the economy and how it achieves the macroeconomic objectives of economic growth, reducing unemployment, and equality in the distribution of income. 

In the second year, you learn about the economics of business behaviour. You will study how firms make price and output decisions and how the behaviour of one firm is affected by the actions of another. You will also study global economics and consider issues such as trade, globalisation, and development. As part of this, you will explore the role of banks and financial markets in the global economy.

Throughout the course you will develop knowledge of the main economic trends over the past 25 years and be able to compare recent and historical economic events. The course will introduce you to different economic thinkers and how these thinkers have influenced economic policy and debate.

Topics covered can include:

• Markets and business behaviour
• The national and global economy
• Microeconomics and macroeconomics

Themes covered can include:

• Introduction to Markets and Market Failure
• The UK Economy - Performance and Policies
• Business Behaviour and the Labour Market
• A Global Perspective

You will need:

• Grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths
• Grade 5 or above, and at least one grade 6 or above, in GCSE English Language plus one other written subject, such as History, Geography, Humanities, English Literature, Business, Media Studies, Religious Studies, Drama and Film Studies
• Two further GCSEs at grade 4 or above

If you wish to study 4 A Levels, you will need 7 GCSEs at grade 7 or above, including two at grade 8.

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that A Levels are suitable for them.

Assessment is through three written-based exams at the end of the second year of the course.

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

A Levels are widely regarded as the standard entry qualification for top universities in the UK, and the rest of the world. Many of our Economics students go onto study for a degree in Finance, Economics, Business and Social Sciences at the university of their choice, with some choosing to progress into degree and non-degree apprenticeships or other employment. Future career path options having studied Economics can be in the Banking, Finance, Business, Social Sciences sectors with jobs involving Investment banking, public policy making and the civil service.