Course Overview
In Economics you'll look at the fundamental forces which affect society and your lives. Forces such as; employment, prices, international trade and poverty, to name a few.
Economists are often in healthy debate with each other over these issues, and it is this controversy which makes economics lively, dynamic and interesting. It allows you the opportunity to make your own judgements and form your own opinions on the issues that matter to society right now.
There are several definitions of economics with each trying to encapsulate the essence of the subject. However, most textbooks and academics seem to agree that economics concerns allocation of society’s scarce resources, amongst the many alternative uses to which they could be put.
At Hartpury, we follow the AQA Economics specification.
Our Economics lecturers also offer the Student Investor Challenge as part of our enrichment. Students invest with virtual money on the stock market and compete with other schools and colleges.
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Microeconomics
- For this component, microeconomic theories are introduced and applied to the behaviour of economic agents in the real world, especially the theoretical workings of the free market. Exploring imperfections and market failures introduces the merits and drawbacks of government intervention. This encourages students to evaluate the effectiveness of the theories in explaining real-world behaviour.
- Macroeconomics
- This component introduces the technical and analytical tools required for understanding of how the macroeconomy functions on both a domestic and global level, and the potential impacts and limitations of a variety of governmental policies and approaches.
- Themes in economics
- This component draws on the topics covered in the previous two components and applies the content of both, as appropriate, to a specific unseen theme.
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
Exam board: AQA
Total of six hours assessment split over three examination papers. Each paper will have a duration of two hours.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
An A-level in Economics can be combined with subjects like Physical Education, Business Studies, Biology, Sociology, Geography, Environmental Science, English Language and Literature, Chemistry, History, Mathematics or Psychology and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in health, education, finance, government or professional services.
Popular combinations include Economics with PE for careers in physiotherapy, sports psychology or PE teaching; with Business for human resources, occupational therapy or marketing; or with Biology for roles in nursing, biomedical science or laboratory research. Combining Economics with Sociology or Psychology supports careers in teaching, counselling, social work or research. Pairing Economics with Maths or Chemistry can lead to careers in data analysis, forensic science or pharmacy. Students also progress to roles in journalism, international relations or government policy with subjects like English, Geography or History.
These combinations support national skills priorities in health, education, digital and data skills and life sciences. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in health and social care, professional services, tourism, energy and retail.
Course Overview
Course information
In Economics you'll look at the fundamental forces which affect society and your lives. Forces such as; employment, prices, international trade and poverty, to name a few.
Economists are often in healthy debate with each other over these issues, and it is this controversy which makes economics lively, dynamic and interesting. It allows you the opportunity to make your own judgements and form your own opinions on the issues that matter to society right now.
There are several definitions of economics with each trying to encapsulate the essence of the subject. However, most textbooks and academics seem to agree that economics concerns allocation of society’s scarce resources, amongst the many alternative uses to which they could be put.
At Hartpury, we follow the AQA Economics specification.
Our Economics lecturers also offer the Student Investor Challenge as part of our enrichment. Students invest with virtual money on the stock market and compete with other schools and colleges.
What you’ll learn
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Microeconomics
- For this component, microeconomic theories are introduced and applied to the behaviour of economic agents in the real world, especially the theoretical workings of the free market. Exploring imperfections and market failures introduces the merits and drawbacks of government intervention. This encourages students to evaluate the effectiveness of the theories in explaining real-world behaviour.
- Macroeconomics
- This component introduces the technical and analytical tools required for understanding of how the macroeconomy functions on both a domestic and global level, and the potential impacts and limitations of a variety of governmental policies and approaches.
- Themes in economics
- This component draws on the topics covered in the previous two components and applies the content of both, as appropriate, to a specific unseen theme.
How you’ll learn
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
How you’ll be assessed
Exam board: AQA
Total of six hours assessment split over three examination papers. Each paper will have a duration of two hours.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
What can you do after this course?
An A-level in Economics can be combined with subjects like Physical Education, Business Studies, Biology, Sociology, Geography, Environmental Science, English Language and Literature, Chemistry, History, Mathematics or Psychology and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in health, education, finance, government or professional services.
Popular combinations include Economics with PE for careers in physiotherapy, sports psychology or PE teaching; with Business for human resources, occupational therapy or marketing; or with Biology for roles in nursing, biomedical science or laboratory research. Combining Economics with Sociology or Psychology supports careers in teaching, counselling, social work or research. Pairing Economics with Maths or Chemistry can lead to careers in data analysis, forensic science or pharmacy. Students also progress to roles in journalism, international relations or government policy with subjects like English, Geography or History.
These combinations support national skills priorities in health, education, digital and data skills and life sciences. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in health and social care, professional services, tourism, energy and retail.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
Mathematics and English Language at grade 6 or above.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. In the past, these have included visits to Alton Towers, the Houses of Parliament, JCB, Uttoxeter, and the Cadbury Factory. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
Which other A-levels does this work well with?
A-level Economics typically goes well with: Business, Environmental Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology.
Can I study A-level Economics and play in the Sports Academy?
This will depend which other A-levels you are studying. Where possible we try to work academy timetables around academic timetables, however this is not always possible. Please email to discuss your individual circumstances.
Can I bring my horse and study A-levels?
Yes - we provide students with the opportunity to bring their horse (or horses) with them while they study. On-site livery is offered to students on a DIY or full livery basis. This is subject to availability as demand is always high. Fees apply.
How much does the course cost?
If you're a UK student under the age of 19 enrolling in full-time A-level courses at Hartpury College, you typically won't need to pay tuition fees. For further information, details for those over 19 year-of-age and international students, visit: Finance | Hartpury College
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Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.4% pass-rate
With an A-level pass rate of 99.4% (Hartpury College 2025), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
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