1. Choosing AS and A level Economics

2. Why study Economics?
“Economics is such a useful tool for the future as anything you end up doing in life revolves around economics anyway. This course allows you to be a step ahead at all times”. “If you want a real insight into the way the world we live in works, Economics is a great starting point. It gives an overview of the way real-life businesses operate and the issues facing the world economy. It has given me an all-round understanding which will be incredibly useful in the future.” “To change the world you need to understand it, to understand it you need to know Economics.” A level Economics B students

3. What is it all about?
Economics is about choice and the impact of our choices on each other
It relates to every aspect of our lives, from the decisions we make as individuals or families to the structures created by governments and firms
An economic way of thinking can help you make better choices
“Economics B is current; it is about real world issues that matter.”
Economics B student

4. Is Economics for me? Yes, if you enjoy:
debating economic issues such as inequality, globalisation and the Global Financial Crisis
exploring and presenting alternative courses of action
keeping up to date with national and international trends
learning about the economic environment and business through research and investigation

5. Do I need GCSE Economics?
You don’t need to have studied Economics at GCSE to do A level Economics – you will be introduced to all the core content
If you studied GCSE Economics or GCSE Business Studies & Economics, and enjoyed it, you are likely to enjoy the A level too
Economics does involve working with numbers so you will need a good grade in GCSE Maths
You may have come across some economics in History and Citizenship when you learned about unemployment, inflation and taxes

6. What will I learn?
In Theme 1 you will learn about how markets work and what happens when they don’t work so well. You will also learn about enterprise in the economy.
You will consider the role of banks and life in a global economy in Theme 2.
In Theme 3 you will learn about globalisation and global issues impacting on the economy.
In Theme 4 you will learn about financial markets and investigate the Global Financial Crisis.

7. How will I be assessed?
For A level you will study all four themes and will sit three exams at the end of your course:
Paper 1 has data response and essay questions on markets, consumers and firms and how markets work
Paper 2 has data response and essay questions on competing in the global economy
In Paper 3 the data response and essay questions ask you to see how it all fits together. You will have a research task before the exam. The questions in the exam are linked to the context you will research.

8. How will I be assessed?
For AS you will study Theme 1 and Theme 2 and will sit two exams at the end of your course:
Paper 1 has data response questions and an essay focusing on markets, consumers and firms
Paper 2 has data response questions and an essay focusing on the economic environment

9. What can I do next?
Economics prepares you for progression to further study or the world of work:
You will have developed data handling and writing skills which are transferable to both university and employment
You might want to study a degree in economics, business economics, econometrics, international business or a business and management degree
You might progress to a career in banking, commerce, the civil service, product management or general management

10. How do I find out more?
You can find out more about studying Economics by:
Visiting the Edexcel website to find our more about AS and A level Economics B
Search online for Economics courses at university to find out more about where an A level in Economics can take you
Find out what is happening in the world economy by watching relevant news programmes and reading business news
Speak to your Head of Economics who will advise you what to do next

11. Good luck!