Economics is not simply all about numbers. It is the study of the world around us from a social, financial and cultural perspective, gaining an understanding of economic theories and interrelationships between macro and micro economic issues.
Whilst Economics is not listed by the Russell Group as a 'facilitating subject', it is a highly regarded academic field of study which can provide the underpinning knowledge, awareness and skills to progress to a wide range of further studies and professions.
What will you study within A-level Economics?
Specific content covered within A-level Economics may vary from school to school, and depending on the exam board followed. Within the AQA specification, topics covered may include 'Economics as a social science', the difference between production and productivity, the difference between economies and diseconomies of scale, market structure and differing objectives among firms, the price mechanism, AD/AS analysis, aggregate demand, fluctuations in economic activity and economic growth, inflation, monetary and fiscal policy, how and why governments intervene in markets and why, the Quantity Theory of Money, and the role of the WTO.
What skills will you get from studying Economics?
You will develop your analytical, numeric, communication and problem solving skills and cultural awareness.
What careers can the study of Economics lead to?
Economics can lead to a wide range of careers in Economics and Finance-related professions including: Accountant, Actuarial Analyst, Chartered Accountant, Data Analyst, Economist, Finance and Banking, Financial Risk Analyst, Financial Planner, Forensic Accountant, Investment Analyst, Statistician, Stockbroker.
In addition, the knowledge and skills learned would also be useful for careers including: Actuary, Business Analysis and Development, the Civil Service, Data Science, Diplomacy, Economic and/or Political Journalism, Government and Politics, Management Consultancy, Policy Development and Management, Quantity Surveying.
Top 20 universities for Economics
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
| 1 | University of Warwick |
| 2 | London School of Economics and Political Science |
| 3 | University of Cambridge |
| 4 | University of Oxford |
| 5= | University of Strathclyde |
| 5= | University College London |
| 7 | University of St Andrews |
| 8 | University of Glasgow |
| 9 | Durham University |
| 10 | University of Exeter |
| 11 | University of Birmingham |
| 12= | Loughborough University |
| 12= | University of Leeds |
| 14 | University of Nottingham |
| 15 | University of Liverpool |
| 16 = | Lancaster University |
| 16 = | University of Surrey |
| 18 | University of Edinburgh |
| 19 | University of Southampton |
| 20 | University of East Anglia |
Below are real-life examples of what university degrees studying A-level Economics, in combination with other subjects, can lead to.
| Economics/ Maths/Geography | University of York | Economics |
| Economics/ Maths/ Further Maths | University of Warwick | Economics |
| Economics/ Maths/ Further Maths | Heriot-Watt University | Computer Science |
| Economics/ Maths/ Geography | LSE | Government with Economics |
| Economics/ Maths/ Physics | Durham University | Accounting and Finance |
| Economics/ Maths/ Further Maths | University of Warwick | Economic Studies with Global Sustainable Development |
| Economics/ Maths/ Further Maths/Geography | UCL | Maths with Economics |
For more details on the Economics A-level and syllabus, take a look at our subject pages here.
