top of page

Understanding how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices about money, resources, and the economy.

A Level

Back to all subjects

Economics

Quick Summary

Entirely exam-based – All assessment through written exams at the end of Year 13

Essays & data – About 60% essay writing, 30% data response, 10% calculations and multiple choice

Interest current affairs – Economic theory makes much more sense when applied to real-world issues

What's it actually like?

IN A NUTSHELL

A-Level Economics is exam-based, with no coursework or practicals. You'll study microeconomics (how individuals and firms make decisions), macroeconomics (how whole economies function), and applied economics (using theories to analyse real-world issues).

Topics include supply and demand, market failure, unemployment, inflation, international trade, development, and economic policy. You'll learn economic theories then apply them to current issues like inequality, Brexit, climate policy, or global trade wars.

Exams involve essay questions, data analysis, multiple choice, and calculation questions. You'll need to evaluate economic policies and present arguments using economic theory.

Economics suits people who want to understand the world through an analytical, logical framework.

Student Studying

For top universities, you'll likely need Maths A-Level: If you're thinking about Economics at Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Warwick, etc., A-Level Maths is usually required or strongly recommended.

About the course

Is this for you?

  • Markets and how they work

    A-Level Economics begins with learning how markets work. You'll study supply and demand, price, costs, profit, and how businesses and consumers make decisions. You'll also learn about market failure and when governments might need to intervene.


    The wider economy

    You'll then move on to the bigger picture – topics like inflation, unemployment, economic growth, interest rates, and government policies like taxation and spending. You'll learn how governments try to manage the economy and how successful these policies are.


    Businesses and global trade

    You'll also study different types of markets and businesses. This includes competition, monopolies, how firms grow, why some markets fail, and how global trade and globalisation affect countries.


    Assessment

    Economics is mainly exam-based and involves lots of writing, analysis, and evaluation. You'll learn to draw and explain diagrams, interpret data, and write essays that argue different points of view using real-world examples.

  • Economics is a good choice if you're:


    • Curious about how the economy works and why

    • Enjoy debating policies and their effects

    • Like applying theoretical models to real-world situations

    • Are interested in current affairs, politics, and business

    • Can handle abstract thinking and model-building

    • Don't mind mathematics (there's some, but it's not overwhelming)

    • Enjoy constructing arguments using evidence

    • Want to understand issues like poverty, inequality, and growth


  • Analytical thinking - You'll learn to break down complex economic problems and analyse them systematically.

    Evaluation skills - Economics is all about weighing up different options, trade-offs, and consequences.

    Essay writing - You'll construct evidence-based arguments on economic issues, developing clear communication skills.

    Data interpretation - Working with economic statistics, graphs, and data strengthens quantitative literacy.

    Understand trade-offs - Economics teaches you that almost every decision involves costs and benefits.

    Apply theory - You'll learn to apply abstract models to concrete real-world scenarios.

  • You need an interest in current affairs: Economic theory makes much more sense when applied to real-world issues. If you don't follow the news, you'll find it harder to engage.


    Maths is involved, but manageable: You'll do calculations involving percentages, elasticity, and costs. A-Level Maths isn't required (though it helps), but you need to be comfortable with basic maths.


    It's different from Business Studies. Economics is more theoretical and analytical; Business Studies is more practical and vocational. Don't assume they're the same.


    There's no "right answer." Economic policies involve trade-offs. You need to be comfortable evaluating different perspectives rather than finding one correct solution.


    Diagrams are essential: Supply and demand curves, aggregate demand/supply, cost curves – you'll draw lots of diagrams. They're tools for analysis, not just pictures.

  • Economics + Maths + Further Maths = For top economics degrees
    Economics + Maths + History = Excellent for social sciences
    Economics + Politics + History = For understanding policy and society
    Economics + Maths + Physics = Keeping STEM and social science options open

  • Economics rewards logical thinking and application. Here's how to succeed:


    Master the diagrams – Learn to draw supply and demand, AD/AS, cost curves perfectly. Practice them until they're automatic. Label everything clearly. Diagrams are crucial for high marks.


    Read economics news – Follow The Economist, Financial Times, or quality newspapers. Link real-world examples to theory in your essays. Current examples show genuine understanding.


    Always evaluate – Don't just explain one side. Economics is about trade-offs. Always consider "on the other hand" and "it depends on." Evaluation separates good students from great ones.


    Practice applying theory – Don't just memorise definitions. Practice applying concepts to different scenarios. Past papers are essential for this.

  • Economics graduates work in:


    • Finance

    • Banking,

    • Consultancy

    • Civil service

    • Policy analysis

    • Think tanks

    • Journalism

    • International organisations (IMF, World Bank)

    • Business

    • and many other fields.

  • Economics is highly valued by universities. It shows strong analytical thinking and understanding of how the world works.

    Economics A-Level is typically essential for degrees in:


    • Economics

    • Finance and Accounting

    • Business and Management

    • Actuarial Science


    Top tip: Economics works brilliantly with Maths - many top universities prefer or require both for Economics degrees.


    It's also highly recommended for:


    • Politics and International Relations

    • Law

    • Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

    • Social Sciences

    • and many more.

  • Ask yourself:


    • Am I interested in how economies, markets, and policies work?

    • Do I enjoy debating and evaluating different viewpoints?

    • Am I comfortable with some mathematical content?

    • Do I follow current affairs and find economic issues interesting?

    • Can I handle abstract models and theories?

    • Do I want to understand issues like inequality, unemployment, and development?

Broad application: Economic thinking – understanding incentives, trade-offs, and decision-making – is valuable across almost any career.

All A Levels

Scroll

Arabic

Developing the ability to understand, speak, read, and write Arabic fluently while exploring Arabic culture and society.

Art & Design (Art, Craft & Design)

Exploring and creating work across a wide range of art, craft, and design materials and techniques.

Art & Design (Fine Art)

Exploring and creating ideas using a range of artistic and creative skills and materials.

Art & Design (Graphic Communication)

Designing visual ideas using creativity, typography, images, and digital tools to communicate messages.

Art & Design (Textile Design)

Designing and creating original fabric-based work using creative techniques, materials, and textile processes.

Art & Design (Three-dimesional Design)

Designing and making three-dimensional objects using a range of materials, tools, and creative techniques.

Biology

Understanding how living organisms work, from cells and enzymes to genetics, ecosystems, and human biology, using experiments and evidence.

Business Studies

Understanding how businesses operate, make decisions, and compete in a changing economic and global environment.

Chemistry

Understanding how substances are structured, how they react, and how to calculate and explain chemical changes using theory and experiments.

Classical Civilisation

Explores the literature, history, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome while developing strong skills in analysis, interpretation, and essay writing.

Computer Science

Learning how computers work and how to design, write, and analyse programs and algorithms to solve problems.

Design & Technology

Combines designing products with making them to a high standard.

Drama & Theatre

Studying plays through both performance and analysis, combining acting, staging, and written evaluation of theatre.

Economics

Understanding how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices about money, resources, and the economy.

English Language & Literature

Studying how writers use language and literary techniques to create meaning across fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction texts.

English Literature

Understanding how stories, plays, and poems communicate ideas about life and society.

Environmental Science

Explores how natural systems work, how humans affect the environment, and how environmental problems can be managed and solved.

Film Studies

Considering A-Level Film Studies? This guide will help you figure out if studying cinema as an art form is right for you.

French

Developing the ability to understand, speak, read, and write French fluently while exploring French culture, society, and literature.

Further Mathematics

Studying advanced and challenging mathematics that goes beyond A-Level Maths, focusing on deep problem-solving and abstract thinking.

Geography

Understanding how the Earth’s physical processes and human activity shape places, environments, and the way people live.

German

Developing the ability to understand, speak, read, and write German fluently while exploring German-speaking culture and society.

History

Understanding how and why the past happened by analysing events, people, and sources and building written arguments.

History of Art

Italian

Developing the ability to understand, speak, read, and write Italian fluently while exploring Italian culture, society, and literature.

Japanese

Considering A-Level Japanese? This guide will help you figure out if studying the language of anime, manga, and Japanese culture is right for you.

Latin

Reading and analysing Latin texts while learning the language and exploring Roman culture and history.

Law

Understanding how the legal system works and how laws are applied to real-life situations.

Mandarin Chinese

Developing the ability to understand, speak, read, and write Mandarin Chinese fluently while exploring Chinese culture and society.

Mathematics

Understanding how numbers, symbols, and graphs are used to solve problems and explain the world.

Media Studies

Studying how media is created, analysed, and used to communicate ideas and influence audiences.

Modern Foreign Language

Develops your ability to speak, understand, read, and write a foreign language fluently while exploring the culture, society, and history of countries where it is spoken.

Music

Develop your skills in performing, composing, and analysing music across different styles while building a deeper understanding of how music works.

Music Technology

Focuses on recording, producing, and creating music using professional software and studio techniques while studying how music is made and processed.

Philosophy

Exploring big questions about reality, knowledge, and morality through logic, arguments, and critical thinking.

Photography

Learning how to capture, edit, and present images creatively using cameras and digital techniques.

Physical Education

Combining practical sport performance with the study of the science, psychology, and social factors behind physical activity.

Physics

Understanding how the universe works, from forces and energy to particles, waves, and motion, using maths and experiments.

Politics

Understanding how power, government, and political ideas shape how countries are run and how decisions are made.

Psychology

Exploring how people think, behave, and interact, and why they do the things they do.

Religious Studies

Develops your understanding of religion, philosophy, and ethics while building strong skills in analysis, evaluation, and written argument.

Sociology

Understanding how society works and how social forces shape people’s lives, behaviour, and opportunities.

Spanish

Developing the ability to understand, speak, read, and write Spanish fluently while exploring Spanish-speaking culture and society.

Statistics

Develop your ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data, and to use mathematical methods to model real-world situations.

Common A Level combinations

This A Level pairs well with:

Politics
Sociology
Modern Languages
Politics
Philosophy
Drama & Theatre
Sciences (to keep STEM options open)
Psychology
Maths

Popular A Level combinations

Economics + Maths + Further Maths = For top economics degrees
Economics + Maths + History = Excellent for social sciences
Economics + Politics + History = For understanding policy and society
Economics + Maths + Physics = Keeping STEM and social science options open

bottom of page