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A-level EconomicsApply Now »
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Years: 2
24+ Loan Amount: 1987.00****
Interview: Y
Course Summary
Studying Economics involves applying economic theory to support analysis of current economic problems and issues. This A-level encourages students to appreciate the inter-relationships between microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Entry requirements
You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English Language at grade 5 (C/B) and Maths at grade 4 (C).
A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.
It is assumed that students enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.
Course Content
The operation of markets and market failure
- Economic methodology and the economic problem
- Price determination in a competitive market
- Production, costs and revenue
- Competitive and concentrated markets
- The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets
The national economy in a global context
- The measurement of macroeconomic performance
- How the macroeconomy works: the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis, and related concepts
- Economic performance
- Macroeconomic policy
Year 2 will cover:
Individuals, firms, markets and market failure
- Economic methodology and the economic problem
- Individual economic decision-making
- Price determination in a competitive market
- Production, costs and revenue
- Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly
- The labour market
- The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality
- The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets
The national and international economy
- The measurement of macroeconomic performance
- How the macroeconomy works: the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis, and related concepts
- Economic performance
- Financial markets and monetary policy
- Fiscal policy and supply-side policies
- The international economy
How will I be assessed?
100% of this course is externally examined. This consists of three two-hour examinations of equal weighting at the end of the second year.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
There are no additional costs. However, students will be supplied with a reading list.
What can I do after this course?
Further Study
As well as being equipped to handle modern life with a broad knowledge of A-level Economics, you can consider a number of university choices and career options where having A-level Economics is preferable or, in some cases, absolutely necessary.
Your A-level Economics shows you have the ability to analyse and understand economic subjects, as well as having a sound financial knowledge and essay-writing skills.
Careers
Possible career choices A-level Economics can offer you include accountant, stockbroker, banker and online financial and business-related careers. However most of these require a higher level of education. Your A-level Economics can lead you to degrees in Economics, Business Studies, Social Sciences and Engineering.
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
Emily Gray
Peak Award Winner Emily now studying for master’s in Australia
Former Peak Award winner Emily Gray was motivated to achieve “more than she ever thought she was capable of” while studying for A levels at Derby College.
And, since leaving Joseph Wright Centre 10 years ago, she has quite literally gone a long way – to university in Melbourne, Australia, to take a Master of Education degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Now 27, Emily received a Peak Award for Academic Studies after performing well in her sociology, history and psychology A levels and EPQ, the Extended Project Qualification.
While on her psychology degree course at the University of Leeds, Emily embarked on a study year at Monash University in Melbourne.
And, since graduating, she has taught English in Peru, volunteered and worked in Sri Lanka and travelled in Australia before settling in Melbourne with her partner.
Currently studying for her master’s at Monash University, Emily also works as a site manager at a centre-based intervention service based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for pre-school aged children on the autism spectrum. She ultimately wants to become a clinical psychologist or clinical director of an agency providing ABA.
Commenting on her Peak Award in 2009, Emily added that it was “really unexpected and a huge honour.” She included the award in her CV and found it was “something she was able to talk about in interviews.”
My lecturers were fantastic! They were really passionate about their subject, particularly psychology lecturer Glyn Pickering, who motivated me and pushed me to achieve more than I thought I was capable of.
I also got great support at Derby College in applying for university and higher education. I was able to go on a residential trip to experience Oxford University, and received specialist and individual help with my application, personal statement and interview preparation.
