A Level Economics at LMSC follows the AQA 7136 specification and is taught live by specialist economists in small groups, on campus in London, fully online, or hybrid. It carries a 20% minimum mathematical content, double that of Business, and pairs naturally with Mathematics for university economics.
A Level Economics is the study of how societies allocate resources that are not sufficient to meet everyone's wants. It splits into microeconomics, which looks at individual markets, firms and consumers, and macroeconomics, which looks at inflation, unemployment, growth and government policy across whole economies.
It is more quantitative than most students expect. At least 20% of the marks assess mathematics at Level 2 or above, a Department for Education minimum, and double the requirement for A Level Business.
Taught by economists. Lessons are led by specialist teachers in small groups, in real time, structured around the AQA specification and built on current data, real case studies and regular essay practice. Every session is recorded.
Evaluation is what separates grades. Knowing a model earns few marks. Judging when it holds, what it ignores and what a policymaker should do about it earns most of them. Teaching here is built around that distinction.
Three ways to study, one qualification. On campus in London, fully online, or hybrid, with the same specification, teachers and assessment schedule.
We teach you and we examine you. LMSC is a specialist college and a private exam centre, so teaching and exam entry sit under one roof.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need A Level Economics to study Economics at university?
No. LSE, Cambridge, Warwick and UCL all accept applicants without it. What they do all require is A Level Mathematics. If you have to choose between the two, choose Mathematics.
Do you need A Level Maths for A Level Economics?
No, and we do not require it. But at least 20% of the marks assess mathematics at Level 2 or above, so you need a secure GCSE grade 6. And if university economics is the goal, you will need A Level Mathematics anyway.
What GCSE grades do you need for A Level Economics?
UK sixth forms typically ask for grade 5 or 6 in GCSE Mathematics, with grade 6 common at more selective colleges, plus grade 5 in English. LMSC asks for grade 6 in Mathematics and grade 5 in English.
Is Economics harder than Business?
It is more demanding quantitatively. Economics carries a 20% minimum mathematical content against Business's 10%, and sixth forms consistently set higher GCSE Mathematics requirements for it — often grade 6 for Economics where Business asks for grade 4 or sets no subject requirement at all.
Do you need to have studied Economics before?
No. Most students begin with no prior background and are not disadvantaged. It is not offered at GCSE in most schools.
Does A Level Economics have coursework?
No. It is assessed entirely by three written examinations, which makes it straightforward for private candidates and online learners.
Can you study A Level Economics online?
Yes, with no practical component to arrange, unlike the sciences. The qualification is identical however it is taught, and LMSC can enter you for the examination as your centre.
How much writing is involved?
A great deal. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 include extended essays, and the highest mark allocations go to evaluation rather than knowledge. Students who dislike writing tend to find Economics harder than they expect.
AQA organises A Level Economics into two halves. All content is compulsory.
Individuals, firms, markets and market failure — microeconomics
The national and international economy — macroeconomics
This course suits you if you:
Do you need A Level Maths as well?
Not for this course, but almost certainly for the degree. Every selective economics department we checked requires A Level Mathematics: LSE and UCL ask for A* in it, Cambridge requires it, and Warwick requires grade A. If you intend to read Economics at a Russell Group university, take Mathematics alongside this.
This course may not suit you if you:
Awarding body and qualification
AQA A-level Economics, specification code 7136. Graded A* to E.
Three written papers, no coursework
Papers 1 and 2 each carry a data-response section and an essay section in which you choose one essay from a choice. Paper 3 is synoptic and draws on the whole specification.
Mathematics in the papers
A minimum of 20% of the marks across the three papers assess mathematics at Level 2 or above. This is a Department for Education requirement and applies to every A Level Economics specification. It is double the minimum for A Level Business.
No coursework
A Level Economics is assessed entirely by written examination. There is no non-exam assessment and no controlled assessment, which makes it fully accessible to private candidates.
Calculators
Permitted in all papers.
Exam series
Normally the May/June series. LMSC students sit their examinations in London.
GCSE or IGCSE Mathematics
Grade 6 or above. Economics carries a minimum 20% mathematical content, and this is the requirement that matters most.
GCSE or IGCSE English Language
Grade 5 or above. A substantial proportion of marks come from extended written evaluation.
Prior study of Economics
Not required. Most students start A Level Economics with no previous background in the subject and are not disadvantaged.
International qualifications
Strong performance in Grade 10 Mathematics and a written subject, or local equivalent.
Diagnostic assessment
A short diagnostic may be used to confirm readiness, particularly for students joining from a non-UK curriculum.
If you are close to these requirements but not quite at them, speak to us. We would rather assess your readiness properly than turn you away on a single grade.
On completion you are awarded the AQA A-level Economics qualification (7136), graded A* to E, on the basis of three externally assessed written papers.
By the end of the course you will have:
You also leave with a portfolio of assessed work, including timed papers and marked scripts, which supports predicted grades, academic references and your UCAS application.
A Level Economics is not required for an Economics degree. A Level Mathematics is.
This surprises most applicants, and it is the single most useful thing on this page. Verified requirements:
If you are aiming at any of these, prioritise Mathematics. Economics is valuable preparation, not an entry requirement.
Where A Level Economics genuinely helps
Economics and management, PPE, business and finance, accounting, international relations, public policy, law, and economic history. It signals quantitative and analytical ability alongside written argument, which is an unusual combination.
Subject combinations that work
Careers
Financial services and investment, economic consultancy, the Civil Service and Government Economic Service, central banking and regulation, data and policy analysis, journalism, and academic research.
Progression support at LMSC
UCAS guidance and subject-combination advice, predicted grades supported by assessed evidence, academic references, TMUA preparation where a course requires it, and results-day support including Clearing.
University entry requirements change each cycle. Always check the current requirement on the university's own website before making decisions.
Explore other programmes that pair well with A Level Economics or extend your specialist focus.
Book a consultation for tailored guidance on admissions, timetable planning and portfolio preparation. We will map a personalised progression route for your ambitions.
Course highlights
What the course covers, how it is taught and what is included. These pages answer the other questions people ask about the same subject.
