Economics A-level

Program Overview

---

ECONOMICS

A-level

Award

A level

Course Level

Level 3

Duration

2 years full-time

Entry

September

Fees

View Fees

Department of Sixth Form

Overview

The fascinating study of economics provides a strong foundation for understanding how economic systems operate and the factors influencing decision-making by individuals, businesses and governments.

An understanding of economics is beneficial for a wide range of careers, including within business, finance, government, academia and non-profit organisations.

A-Level Economics offers a dynamic journey into the forces that drive our world, from global markets to everyday choices. This course doesn’t just cover theory—it’s designed around hands-on, problem-solving that lets you apply economic principles to real-world events. You’ll dive into both macroeconomics (big-picture issues like national economies and global trade) and microeconomics (the choices individuals and businesses make), helping you understand the ‘why’ behind today’s headlines.

This A-level course will not only change the way you view the world around you but will provide you with the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, including research, communication and data analysis. On completion, you can go onto a economics-related degree or an apprenticeship, or go directly into industry.

Why choose A-levels at our sixth form centre?

• PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
• AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
• OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our sixth form centre, which includes classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
• MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY– Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level

Course breakdown

To achieve your Economics A-level, you must study the following topics:

Topics you will study:

To achieve your A-level, you must study the fundamental economic models in both micro and macroeconomics.

Microeconomics:

• Nature of economics
• How markets work
• Market failure
• Government intervention

Macroeconomics:

• Measures of economic performance
• Aggregate demand
• Aggregate supply
• National income
• Economic growth
• Macroeconomic objectives and policy

In year two, you will explore some topics in further depth and look at particular markets, development and the financial sector.

Microeconomics:

• Business growth
• Business objectives
• Revenues, costs and profits
• Market structures
• Labour market
• Government intervention****

A global perspective:

• International economics
• Poverty and inequality
• Emerging and developing economies
• The financial sector
• Role of the state in the macroeconomy

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including a grade 6 in GCSE English Literature or Language and Maths.

Supporting documents required

• School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.

Guaranteed progression

Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

You will be assessed through three written exam papers in the summer of your second year. These exams will assess:

• your understanding of economic concepts and theories.
• your ability to apply the economic concepts and principles to different situations and reach reasoned conclusions.
• your ability to analyse economic issues.
• your ability to evaluate economic theories, using quantitative and qualitative methods to reach informed judgements.

Your class work and directed learning are designed to prepare you well for your exams and to help you to develop a range of skills that will help you in your future studies and work.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our **Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy **.

Centre of opportunities

Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.

What will this course prepare you for?

An economics course equips you with versatile skills applicable in many fields, such as business, finance, government, academia, and non-profit organisations.

• Banker: Average Salary: £20,198
• Marketing executive: Average salary: £26,500 – £30,500
• Business adviser: Average Salary: £32,500
• Economic analyst: £25,000 - £35,000

A-levels this goes well with:

• Maths A-level: Maths makes you better at solving problems and is intensely satisfying for those who study it, enabling you to develop further skills in algebra and numbers, then calculus, following your GCSEs.
• Business A-level: An understanding of business is beneficial in a wide range of careers, from accountancy to financial advice through to sales management and consultancy, while it is also invaluable in setting up your own business and working in senior management and strategic roles across the sectors.
• Politics A-level: The study of politics is a fast-moving, dynamic subject that is never dull. It is the way we determine who gets what, having an impact on everyone in society, from big businesses to individuals. Develop your knowledge to understand what drives decisions and how individuals can play a role in shaping our society.
• Computer Science A-level: Advances in computing are transforming the way we work and with its emphasis on abstract thinking, general problem-solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, A-level Computer Science is an excellent foundation for understanding and applying solutions to these future challenges.
• Law A-level: Get yourself ready for working in the legal system with our Law A-level college course. Learn about the nature of law, criminal law, tort and the English legal system, as well as boosting your real-world experience through work placements.