Readers Question: could you please help me. should i take business or ecomomics at A level? i have got an A in business at gcse but im not sure which one to take.
I often get asked, which is the better subject – Economics or Business Studies.
I have taught a little business studies (though never studied it), but my main preference is for Economics.
Many have a feeling that Economics is more of an ‘academic subject’ and therefore more valued by Universities. It is one of those things that have slipped into popular belief, and it is hard to evaluate whether Universities really do value Economics more than Buiness Studies. My feeling is that, if they do prefer Economics it will be marginal at best.
There is some overlap between Economics and Business Studies. – some macroeconomics (called external influences in business) and concepts like economies of scale. But, generally they are stand alone subjects. Business studies examines management techniques and accounting practises such as profit and loss / cash flow e.t.c.
Economics deals with macro economics in more detail. Micro economics is concerned with things like Monopoly and externalities (e.g. pollution)
Which is Easier?
Some students swear Economics is easier. Some swear Business Studies is easier. Often, it depends on how it is taught.
Note: Only limited Maths is required for A Level Economics. (e.g. how to calculate a % – something most A Level maths students can never do)
My Advice
– Choose the subject you think will be most interesting and motivated to study. Don’t worry too much about your degree. You can start an economics degree usually without having done Economics A Level – though maths A level is often needed.
About The Author
Some universities don’t mind if you do both economics and business studies A Level. They treat them as separate A Level. However, I believe there are a few who don’t like students to do both. The best thing is to check with the universities you are thinking of applying to.
i am doing both economics as well as business studies althuogh they are smiler i do not have an interest in other options being offered! will this turn out to be a disadvantage when it comes to being accepted by a university? please reply soon
If i can’t get into the sixth form that does economics on its own as an A level i’ll will have to stay on at the school i am already at, only there only business and economics is offered. I am wondering whether to both at all because i am doing business at a level and i have heard the two are similar. I am also worried that it won’t be considered as a good a level by univerisites. What do you think the universities will think of business and economics?
why should i choose economics over business?
i have studied business at GCSE level and thoroughly enjoyed it
however i recently was sent an article from the bbc saying that business alevel would be regarded as a “soft subject”.
what am i to choose?
if you could get back to me a.s.a.p with any help it would be much apperciated.
thanks
Aakash
Hi, I actually had the exact question- 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? Also, I have been told that there is not much difference between the Business Studies A level and GCSE. Is this true? 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? Also, what exactly does Economics entail? Is it quite historical, with many numbers involved, or about how changes in society affect the economy?
Please get back to me soon, I am honestly quite worried!
Sarah