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
joey…universities should recognize business studies as a subject, otherwise there would be no point of doing it at a level. i am thinking of doing both…im currently studying Business at GCSE. Many of my mates have been doing business and economics at GCSE and to be honest they are coping with it well. However they were said to be hard at first.
economic is the best
hi. i was told that certain universities do not recognize business studies as a subject at all. is this true? thank you.
Business is better.
I think that studying economics is the same of studyind business. if Im wrong please tell me what is the right.
thank you very much.
Dreamers. No true academic thinks that business studies is hardere than economics. B.S is a black and white subject, no discussion, no theory, no real analysis.