Economics

Exam Board - AQA A Level

The nature of the course:

Economics is a course that examines macro and microeconomics issues. On a macro level you will study economies as a whole and their key macroeconomic objectives such as low unemployment and steady economic growth. This will include an analysis of the long-term implications of BREXIT, COVID, current labour shortages and high government borrowing. In microeconomics, you will study the decisions made by individuals and firms. This includes, for example, why some industries tend to be dominated by a few large companies e.g. the supermarket and mobile phone industries, and how regulation has failed to prevent water companies pumping raw sewage into our rivers. It also analyses why individuals make what economists call ‘irrational choices’ such as choosing to lead unhealthy lifestyles or buy cars that pollute their environment.

Course Components:

Paper 1: Markets and Market failure (micro)
Weighting = 1/3
Paper 2: National and international economy (macro)
Weighting = 1/3
Paper 3: Economic principles and issues (a combination of both) Weighting = 1/3

Future pathways:

An Economics qualification can lead on to careers in:
• Accountancy
• Investment banking
• Economics
• Financial risk analyst
• Financial adviser
• Management consultancy