Choosing A Levels

Readers Question: Hi, I actually had the exact question (Economics vs Business) - I just began doing Business Studies this term and have only had three lessons, which I actually quite enjoyed. Though, last lesson I was set homework to look for a recent article related to Business that I was interested in. My family is pushing me to change to Economics. The thing is that I quite enjoy learning about the ways in which Businesses fail or succeed and why. Is this part of what overlaps in Economics?

Parents! In economics you don’t really look at why businesses fail and succeed. We look at how firms operate in different market structures such as Oligopoly and Monopoly; but, the success or failure of firms is mainly business studies. It is good if you are interested in your business studies, it bodes well for the next two years.

Also, I have been told that there is not much difference between the Business Studies A level and GCSE. Is this true?

There are similar ideas between both. I know that GCSE economics is very similar to AS economics.

I have not done it for GCSE, as it was not offered however, I am slightly worried as it seems the material is slightly limited. Is Economics a better idea for me?

If your happy studying business, I don’t see a huge imperative to change to economics. It’s hard to say what is ‘best’ for you. As previously stated, some universities may feel economics is a more ‘academic’ subject, but, I think this is quite marginal. I wouldn’t worry too much - they are both good A Levels you would probably like doing.

Also, what exactly does Economics entail? Is it quite historical, with many numbers involved, or about how changes in society affect the economy?

A level has little numbers, apart from percentages. It is not really historical, it focuses on present moment and last 10 years.

Have a look at some of these essay topics - macro economics
Please get back to me soon, I am honestly quite worried!

There isn’t a huge difference between the two.