A level Economics is a relatively new subject that has gained popularity among students in recent years, says the A-Levels.co.uk website. The content of the course focuses on things like microeconomics in the context of national and international economies, economic theories and their relevance and application in everyday life; data handling and analysis and the market economy and the role of government intervention. According to the OCR website, this content is divided into five possible units, "Markets in Action," "The National and International Economy," "Economics of Work and Leisure," "Transport Economics" and "The Global Economy." The students must choose between the Economics of Work and leisure or Transport Economics units to meet the four-unit quota of the course.
The course is divided over 2 years and two possible qualifications. The first year contains two units for study, Markets in Action and The National and International Economy, which concludes in an AS Level qualification. The student can then decide whether or not they wish to continue studying for the A Level qualification, in which case the AS Level counts for 50 percent of the overall grade and will contribute to their entry into university, says DirectGov, the UK government public services website.
The AS Level in year one is examined using two papers that correspond to the two units covered. Each last 1 hour and 30 minutes and are written examinations. The A Level in year two is examined using two papers that correspond to the two units studied. Each last 2 hours long and are also written examinations. No coursework is assigned for A level Economics. The qualification is graded from A*, A, B, C, D and E.
An OCR A Level qualification in economics can count toward an entry into a university. It is an ideal subject for students wishing to read economics at university or pursue a career in an economics-related field. Most university courses will require three A Level qualifications from the student and will specify the grades required to gain entry onto the course. In some cases, the A Level in Economics could also help the student gain entry into a vocational training course in an economics-related career like accountancy or banking, but most of these do require that the student has been university educated, says A Levels.