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The fascinating study of economics provides a strong foundation for understanding how economic systems operate and the factors influencing decision-making by individuals, businesses and governments.
An understanding of economics is beneficial for a wide range of careers, including within business, finance, government, academia and non-profit organisations.
A-Level Economics offers a dynamic journey into the forces that drive our world, from global markets to everyday choices. This course doesn’t just cover theory—it’s designed around hands-on, problem-solving that lets you apply economic principles to real-world events. You’ll dive into both macroeconomics (big-picture issues like national economies and global trade) and microeconomics (the choices individuals and businesses make), helping you understand the ‘why’ behind today’s headlines.
This A-level course will not only change the way you view the world around you but will provide you with the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, including research, communication and data analysis. On completion, you can go onto a economics-related degree or an apprenticeship, or go directly into industry.
Why choose A-levels at our sixth form centre?
- PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
- AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
- OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our sixth form centre, which includes classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level
Course breakdown
To achieve your Economics A-level, you must study the following topics:
Topics you will study:
To achieve your A-level, you must study the fundamental economic models in both micro and macroeconomics.
Microeconomics:
- Nature of economics
- How markets work
- Market failure
- Government intervention
Macroeconomics:
- Measures of economic performance
- Aggregate demand
- Aggregate supply
- National income
- Economic growth
- Macroeconomic objectives and policy
In year two, you will explore some topics in further depth and look at particular markets, development and the financial sector.
Microeconomics:
- Business growth
- Business objectives
- Revenues, costs and profits
- Market structures
- Labour market
- Government intervention
A global perspective:
- International economics
- Poverty and inequality
- Emerging and developing economies
- The financial sector
- Role of the state in the macroeconomy
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
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We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including a grade 6 in GCSE English Literature or Language and Maths.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through three written exam papers in the summer of your second year. These exams will assess:
- your understanding of economic concepts and theories.
- your ability to apply the economic concepts and principles to different situations and reach reasoned conclusions.
- your ability to analyse economic issues.
- your ability to evaluate economic theories, using quantitative and qualitative methods to reach informed judgements.
Your class work and directed learning are designed to prepare you well for your exams and to help you to develop a range of skills that will help you in your future studies and work.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Centre of opportunities
Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.
We are creating something unique and special for Birmingham and I am delighted you are considering us for your next steps. Studying A-levels requires discipline and determination, but it is also incredibly rewarding, offering you a deep insight into the subjects you choose to study. Sixth form is also an opportunity for you to discover what’s important to you and how you want to make your mark on the world. Our aim is to support and challenge you through this, while developing your character and widening your horizons so you flourish, professionally and personally.
What will this course prepare you for?
An economics course equips you with versatile skills applicable in many fields, such as business, finance, government, academia, and non-profit organisations.
Banker
Average Salary: £20,198
Marketing executive
Average salary: £26,500 – £30,500
Business adviser
Average Salary: £32,500
Economic analyst
£25,000 - £35,000
Our new sixth form centre
University College Birmingham is to begin offering a range of A-level courses as part of a major multi-million-pound investment in a brand-new sixth form centre.
