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
Year 1 — 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
Year 2 — 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
Skills Developed
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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