Economics - AS

L3 Level 3
Full Time
3 September 2025 — 23 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The Economics AS Level programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate. 

Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student. 

This programme covers a combination of microeconomics and macroeconomics, which will develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories, through consideration of current economic issues, problems and institutions that affect everyday life locally, nationally and globally. 

Students will learn to apply economic concepts and theories using a wide range of contexts and to appreciate their value and limitations in explaining real world phenomena. Learners will also develop an appreciation of the complex and interrelated nature of economics and analytical and quantitative skills in selecting, interpreting and using appropriate data from a range of sources. Furthermore, pupils will have the opportunity to develop an awareness of contemporary economic issues relevant to the Welsh economy and gain an understanding of the recent economic history of Wales using publicly accessible information. Finally, students will study the role markets play and the way in which governments seek to manage them.

What you will study

The course covers two units:

AS Unit 1: Introduction to Economic Principles

Written examination: 1 hour 15 min  (15% of A level qualification - 55 marks)
Multiple choice and structured questions.

AS Unit 2: Economics in Action

Written examination: 2 hours  (25% of A level qualification - 80 marks)
Compulsory data response questions.

Course fee per year

Part-time enrolment fee: £0.00

Entry requirements

Individual Subject Entry Requirements Maths Minimum B English Language Minimum B

Teaching and assessment

Two written exams

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

3 September 2025

End date

23 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

ASCC3F03
L3

Qualification

Economics - AS

More...

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What our students say

"I'm looking forward to the next step and applying to study at university."

A Levels learner
Michael Sung
A Levels

Career prospects & further study

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:

  • Business Management
  • Economic
  • Government and Politics
  • IT
  • Maths
  • Quantity Surveying

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE