Course Overview
This qualification is part of a full-time programme, studying 3 or 4 A-Level subjects and/or AAQs.
Economics offers a unique insight into how the world works and will help students to understand many of the big questions facing people today, such as:
- Why is petrol so expensive?
- What is austerity?
- How can industry tackle global warming?
- Why are there cutbacks
Economists are some of the best paid men and women in the UK, with salaries second only to medicine (Source: IFS).
This A-Level is awarded by AQA.
Economics provides students with the skills to analyse and evaluate issues to a high standard. This subject is therefore of particular interest to students who seek answers to a range of topical questions and also to those who aspire to careers in stimulating and rewarding sectors of the economy. Traditionally this A level subject marries up well with mathematics and science subjects. Economics provides students with the skills to analyse issues to a high standard and provides an excellent foundation for higher education in such areas as Economics, Finance, Business, Management and Accountancy, Politics and Philosophy.
As an Economics student, you can also take part in national competitions such as the Bank of England's Target 2.0 competition, Stock exchange challenge and The Young Economist of the Year competition. Guest speakers and trips are arranged in tandem with BTEC Business as a whole department - trips have included - Krakow, Prague, Budapest.
There are written examinations in each year, which cover the content of the specification. The 1st year examination doesn't count towards the final grade; however it does set a good basis for your continuation on the course for your second year.
To ensure you are picking a suitable course, I would suggest that you read up on economics with this suggested reading list. A range of books are given below covering different areas we would cover on this course. This will not only kick-start your understanding of the topic area. But also give you an idea of the course as a whole
1) Narrative Economics - Robert J. Shiller
2) A Crisis of Beliefs: Investor Psychology and Financial Fragility - Nicola Gennaioli and Andrei Shleifer
3) Narconomics: How To Run a Drug Cartel - Tom Wainwright
4) Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist - Kate Raworth
5) The Club: How the Premier League Became the Richest, Most Disruptive Business in Sport -
Jonathan Clegg and Joshua Robinson
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, and Maths and English Language at Grade 6.
After Your Course
Many students who enjoy, and successfully complete, this subject typically progress onto a range of degree courses including: Economics and related degrees. Economics students develop the kind of skills that employers demand and often progress to work for large corporations, banks and the government. A qualification in Economics can also be valuable support in a career like marketing, law, journalism, retail or teaching.
Fees
£1987.00
The current fee information is related to the 2025/26 academic year.
The fee displayed is the course fee. Course fees are charged per course for part-time students. You can pay in full or spread the cost by paying 25% on enrolment and setting up a direct debit mandate for 3 further equal payments. An Advanced loan is available to students enrolling on this course.You may qualify for financial support to cover the cost of this government-funded qualification if any of the below apply to you:
- You are aged 16 to 18 on 31st August of the relevant academic year and are not studying at another school/college
- If you do not already have a Level 3 qualification and are under 24 on 31st August of the relevant academic year
If your employer is paying the course fee and would like to be invoiced, please let us know.
