Economics
Economics A Level helps you understand how real economies work; from the choices individuals make to the decisions taken by governments and global organisations. You’ll explore issues like inflation, unemployment, markets, inequality and international trade, all explained clearly so you can build your understanding step‑by‑step.
If you like exploring real‑world problems, analysing data and thinking about how society can use its resources, Economics could be the perfect fit. At St Brendan’s, our lessons are supportive, accessible and focused on helping you develop confidence with both the theory and the numbers.
- Qualification
- A Level
- Exam Board
- AQA
- Duration
- 2 years
Why study Economics at St Brendan’s?
Why study [Course name] at St Brendan’s? (H2 title) whyStudy
Economics helps you make sense of the world - why prices rise, why governments tax and spend, what causes unemployment and how global events impact everyday life. The subject is highly valued because it builds skills in analysis, problem‑solving and decision‑making.
At St Brendan’s, you’ll learn with supportive teachers who explain concepts clearly and encourage you to explore current economic issues. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to practise applying theory to real‑world examples, helping you develop confidence for exams and your future studies.
Entry requirements
- GCSE Maths grade 5 or above
- GCSE English Language grade 5 or above
- 5 GCSE’s at grade 4 or above
- No previous study of Economics required
Course examination breakdown
What else do I need to know?
GCSE Maths grade 5 or above
GCSE English Language grade 5 or above
5 GCSE’s at grade 4 or above
No previous study of Economics required
year1 — Microeconomics Foundations (AQA)
Economic Methodology & The Economic Problem (AQA specification content)
Scarcity, choice and opportunity cost
PPFs and economic decision‑making
Positive vs normative statements
Individual Economic Decision Making (AQA)
Rationality, behavioural economics, biases and incentives
Price Determination in Competitive Markets (AQA)
Supply, demand and elasticity
Price mechanism and market interaction
Production, Costs and Revenues (AQA)
Productivity, specialisation and diminishing returns
Market Structures & Market Failure (AQA)
Competition, monopoly & oligopoly
Externalities, public goods, government intervention
year2 — Macroeconomics (AQA)
Macroeconomic Objectives & Performance (AQA)
Growth, inflation, unemployment, trade balances
Aggregate Demand & Aggregate Supply (AQA)
AD/AS analysis
Multiplier, accelerator, short‑run vs long‑run AS
Government Economic Policy (AQA)
Fiscal policy, monetary policy, supply‑side policy
Policy conflicts and evaluation
Financial Markets & Global Economy (AQA)
International trade, globalisation, exchange rates
Development economics & inequality
skillsDeveloped
You will build skills in:
Analytical and critical thinking
Applying theory to real‑world issues
Quantitative analysis and data interpretation
Clear written communication
Evaluating policy decisions and arguments
How the course is taught (H2 title) howItsTaught
Lessons combine clear explanations with real‑world case studies, graph work, group discussion and regular exam practice. We break complex ideas down into manageable steps so you can develop confidence with both theory and application.
AQA assesses Economics through three exam papers at the end of Year 2:
Paper 1: Markets and market failure (microeconomics)
Paper 2: National and international economy (macroeconomics)
Paper 3: Synoptic paper drawing on all content areas
You will receive regular assessments, personalised feedback and clear guidance on how to develop exam‑ready responses.
Dedicated classrooms
Access to economic data sources and digital resources
Practice papers and revision materials
Support for university applications
There are no compulsory additional costs. Optional revision guides or trips may involve a small fee.
Economics pairs well with:
Maths
Further Maths
Politics
Sociology
Geography
Your teachers and tutors can help you choose the combination that best supports your goals. It is not advisable to take both Business and Economics A-levels together, as some universities (especially Russell Groups) consider them to be too similar in content to be accepted as two separate subjects. Students should check that it is accepted by their university of choice.
Economics A Level is excellent preparation for degrees in:
Economics
Finance
Accounting
Politics
Business
International Relations
It also supports high‑level apprenticeships in finance, banking, consultancy and data analysis.
Students may have opportunities to join:
Economics and debating groups
Guest speaker events
University preparation workshops
Current‑affairs discussions
Progression opportunities
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