A-Level Economics
Economics is the study of how resources are allocated. Economic theories have an enormous impact on how society functions.
WHAT IS A-LEVEL ECONOMICS?
A-Level Economics is the study of how resources are allocated and how economic theories have an enormous impact on society. For example, the decisions governments make about taxation and spending will have significant impacts on people’s living standards and inflation rates.. In addition to these macroeconomic issues, the subject considers simple decisions by firms such as whether or not to raise their prices.
We will help you appreciate how Economics contributes to an understanding of wider economic and social environments and develop your understanding of a range of concepts and the ability to use them in a variety of different contexts. We encourage you to think as an economist and use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to your studies.
WHY STUDY A-LEVEL ECONOMICS?
By studying Economics, you will develop the skills, qualities and attitudes which will equip you for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life. The subject is highly respected by universities as it offers students the opportunity to improve their analytical and evaluative skills and helps them develop an ability to work with Mathematics and to show excellent written analysis.
WHAT WILL I STUDY IN A-LEVEL ECONOMICS?
Our A-Level Economics course follows the Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Economics A (9EC0) specification.
The course is usually studied over two years and includes four themes:
• Theme 1: Introduction to markets and market failure
• Theme 2: The UK economy – performance and policies
• Theme 3: Business behaviour and the labour market
• Theme 4: A global perspective
Assessment
The course is 100% examined, and is assessed via three examinations on: Markets and Business Behaviour, the National and Global Economy, and a Synoptic paper drawing on both micro and macroeconomics.
A combination of assessment techniques is used; they include multiple-choice questions, data response questions and essay questions.
GOOD SUBJECT COMBINATIONS TO TAKE WITH A-LEVEL ECONOMICS
A-Level Economics can complement any subject at A-Level. It works well with Science courses as it uses similar processes but adds sophisticated analytical skills to your essay writing technique. It also works well with Humanities like History but develops a more scientific approach. Economics could also be a good fourth subject for a student trying to build a broad portfolio of subjects.
If you think that you might want to continue to study Economics at university, you will almost certainly need to take Mathematics at A-level. For the most selective courses, Further Mathematics is desirable.
A-LEVEL ECONOMICS RESULTS AND DESTINATIONS
| Year | Cohort | %A* | %A*-A | %A*-B |
| 2024 | 40 | 10% | 38% | 80% |
| 2023 | 34 | 6% | 47% | 88% |
| 2022 | 32 | 13% | 44% | 78% |
Recent destinations of our A-Level Economics graduates include:
University of Cambridge to study Economics
Imperial College London to study Economics, Finance and Data Science
University of Durham to study Law
UCL to study Economics
Kings College London to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics
London School of Economics to study Economics
UCL to study Management Science
Kings College London to study Accounting and Finance
To watch a sample economics lesson at Abbey College Cambridge, please see below.
