Economics

What is the exam board and route? 

A Level Economics AQA (7136) 

Subject Entry Requirements: Grade 7 in GCSE English and GCSE Maths advised.

Subject outline

The subject encourages students to ‘think like economists’, to develop a critical and analytical approach to understanding both microeconomic and macroeconomic issues. Students are introduced to a range of economic concepts, models and data sets, and are taught how to apply these to real-world situations drawn from local, national and global contexts. 

Economics provides an intellectual framework to explore contemporary questions such as: 

• How can governments stimulate growth while managing inflation? 

• Why do markets fail? 

• What are the consequences of economic inequality? 

• How is the course assessed? 

This is a linear A Level, examined through three x 2-hour written papers at the end of the two-year course. Each paper assesses a mixture of data response, extended writing and multiple-choice questions.

Why study Economics?

Economics attracts intellectually curious students with an interest in how the world works. Whether exploring the role of interest rates, the debate over government spending, or the impact of global shocks, the subject develops core skills of analysis, evaluation, and interpretation. 

The course supports entry to a wide range of university disciplines, including PPE, Economics, Business, Law, and International Relations. Our students regularly progress to top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, the London School of Economics (LSE), and other Russell Group institutions.

Complementary subjects

Economics complements a wide range of subjects. Common combinations include History, Politics, Mathematics, Geography, English and the Sciences. It is an ideal partner for both quantitative and discursive disciplines.

Possible careers

Careers for economics graduates opens doors to employment in almost all areas, including Investment and retail banking, Economic consultancy, Accountancy and actuarial work, Data analysis and public policy, Journalism and law, Civil service and international organisations (e.g. IMF, World Bank). 

Subject enrichment available 

• Weekly Economics Society led by students 
• Entry to national essay and data competitions, including the Royal Economic Society essay prize 

• Trips to academic conferences, external lectures and university taster days 
• Mock interviews and support for Oxbridge and competitive economics applications