Please note:
This seems to be a popular choice! This course is now full for 2026/27 and so you will not be able apply for it as one of your course choices.
However, you can join our waiting list for this course by emailing us at waitinglist@stbrn.ac.uk
In the meantime, please apply for an alternative course to go alongside your other choices. If a place becomes available, we will contact you and discuss whether you want to swap to this course back into your programme.
As course choices change and students shuffle around, it is very unusual for students to remain on waiting lists and not get onto all of their first choice courses by the beginning of term. We will keep you updated!
If you’re interested in how the world works – how the world really works– then Economics A-level is the course for you. Human beings have unlimited needs and desires, and yet the resources available to us are limited. Economics is the study of how individuals, firms and governments make decisions when faced with this problem. Why do diamonds, seemingly a luxury good, cost more than water? Why are footballers paid more than nurses? Why did the global economy fall apart in 2008? What will be the economic consequences of the covid pandemic? If you’ve ever asked yourself similar questions, and have an interest in current affairs, you ought to consider choosing Economics A-level.
You will be applying the principles of economics to national and global issues. It is an academically challenging course that suits those with an enquiring mind and those intending to continue their studies at university. It involves writing long, evaluative essays and requires you to analyse theories using evidence, mathematical calculations, and diagrams.
Course content
The A-level Economics course can be broadly split into two sections, both of which are studied in years one and two. Microeconomics involves the study of individual markets for goods and services, whilst macroeconomics involves the study of national and international economies.
Module 1: Microeconomics – Markets and Market Failure
How do individuals, firms and governments make decisions about allocating scarce resources between different uses?
Module 2: Macroeconomics – National and International Economy
How do governments encourage rising living standards, stables prices, full employment and international trade?
The A-level Economics course can be broadly split into two sections, both of which are studied in years one and two. Microeconomics involves the study of individual markets for goods and services, whilst macroeconomics involves the study of national and international economies.
Module 1: Microeconomics – Markets and Market Failure
How do individuals, firms and governments make decisions about allocating scarce resources between different uses?
Module 2: Macroeconomics – National and International Economy
How do governments encourage rising living standards, stables prices, full employment and international trade?
Method of assessment
The examination board is AQA. The course will be examined in the following way:
A-level (Linear) at the end of 2 years
Paper 1: Markets and Market failure
- Two hour written exam: 80 marks (33.3% of A-level)
Paper 2: National and International Economy
- Two hour written exam: 80 marks (33.3% of A-level)
Paper 3: Economic Principles
- Two hour written exam: 80 marks (33.3% of A-level). This is a synoptic paper, based on an unseen case study. It covers elements of both micro and macroeconomics.
The examination board is AQA. The course will be examined in the following way:
A-level (Linear) at the end of 2 years
Paper 1: Markets and Market failure
- Two hour written exam: 80 marks (33.3% of A-level)
Paper 2: National and International Economy
- Two hour written exam: 80 marks (33.3% of A-level)
Paper 3: Economic Principles
- Two hour written exam: 80 marks (33.3% of A-level). This is a synoptic paper, based on an unseen case study. It covers elements of both micro and macroeconomics.
Resources
Moodle pages and other web based resources, textbooks which are reviewed and updated regularly, government publications and statistical reference material.
Additional costs
During the course the students are charged for printing and for extended revision materials. In addition, a number of visits may be arranged which may require students to make a contribution towards travelling costs.
Moodle pages and other web based resources, textbooks which are reviewed and updated regularly, government publications and statistical reference material.
Additional costs
During the course the students are charged for printing and for extended revision materials. In addition, a number of visits may be arranged which may require students to make a contribution towards travelling costs.
Methods of teaching and learning
Students can expect:
- Student centred learning
- Reading and researching
- Essay writing
- Calculations and mathematical exercises
- Use of contemporary case studies and the internet
Students can expect:
- Student centred learning
- Reading and researching
- Essay writing
- Calculations and mathematical exercises
- Use of contemporary case studies and the internet
Enrichment
Trips may be organised to add to the students’ understanding of how economics is used in a business environment and there is the opportunity to compete in a national economics competition.
Trips may be organised to add to the students’ understanding of how economics is used in a business environment and there is the opportunity to compete in a national economics competition.
Progression
A-level Economics provides a sound basis for students wishing to go to university or into a career in business and is generally well regarded by all universities as being academically rigorous.
Qualification
The course leads to an A-level qualification.
A-level Economics provides a sound basis for students wishing to go to university or into a career in business and is generally well regarded by all universities as being academically rigorous.
Qualification
The course leads to an A-level qualification.
Where can this course lead?
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