A-level - Business Studies or Economics

[Death]

Seing that I only have so much of my GCSEs remaining, I am thinking about what I'm going to be doing for my A-levels. So, I thought I'd post this question just in case any of you folks at VT had any opinions about business studies and economics as subjects and which you would view as the better of the two.

So, thoughts?

[scuba steve]

I'm on my second year of studying Business Studies and i'd definitely say that it's a good course, hard, but very fulfilling to complete. I don't know much about Economics but i'd stay well away from the course if it was my decision as i'm really bad at maths. Business studies does have a Finance exam in your final year though.

What are you good at and what are your predicted GCSE grades?

[Triceratops]

None. Don't do A-levels, you will regret it. Just like I am right now.

[Death]

I'm on my second year of studying Business Studies and i'd definitely say that it's a good course, hard, but very fulfilling to complete. I don't know much about Economics but i'd stay well away from the course if it was my decision as i'm really bad at maths. Business studies does have a Finance exam in your final year though.

What are you good at and what are your predicted GCSE grades?

It so happens that maths is one of my strong points, and my teacher believes that I could easily achieve an A. Incidentially, I've also found learning about finance in BS relatively easy, but then given my mathmatical ability, that is to be expected. So, are you saying that economics is maths-heavy (to an extent)? Because that wouldn't deter me.

BTW, thanks for the response.

None. Don't do A-levels, you will regret it. Just like I am right now.

I bet if I didn't do A-levels, I'd regret that. Regardless, if you don't mind me asking, what exactly do you have against A-levels?

[scuba steve]

It so happens that maths is one of my strong points, and my teacher believes that I could easily achieve an A. Incidentially, I've also found learning about finance in BS relatively easy, but then given my mathmatical ability, that is to be expected. So, are you saying that economics is maths-heavy (to an extent)? Because that wouldn't deter me.

BTW, thanks for the response.


I would imagine that Economics class would be much heavier in maths than normal Business Studies. Since you'd be learning about world economy and exchange rates in much more detail. But from looking at the course you're looking at things like production and distribution of goods and services globally, but you'd really need to find out what the course really offers as they don't offer in my school i'm going by my own intuition.

Also, if maths is one of your strong points then why not just study maths at A level?



I bet if I didn't do A-levels, I'd regret that. Regardless, if you don't mind me asking, what exactly do you have against A-levels?

Truly you would regret not having A-levels as eventually the next generation will probably see these as an equivalent to GCSE's of their day. But i'm guessing she's saying that because A-levels are a serious pain in the ass. Take all the coursework you've had to do for GCSE and times it by at least one hundred. I looked at my coursework for GCSE and pissed myself by how uneducatedly simple I sounded. A lot of work goes into your A-levels and i've been told that A-levels are even more demanding than your own university course. (obviously, depending on what course for example Business studies A-level would be harder than University of the same course.)

[Death]

I would imagine that Economics class would be much heavier in maths than normal Business Studies. Since you'd be learning about world economy and exchange rates in much more detail. But from looking at the course you're looking at things like production and distribution of goods and services globally, but you'd really need to find out what the course really offers as they don't offer in my school i'm going by my own intuition.

Interesting, it sounds slightly similar to stuff I've already touched on in other subjects such as Geography. This might be worth a shot, so thanks for sharing.

Also, if maths is one of your strong points then why not just study maths at A level?

I am. :P

Truly you would regret not having A-levels as eventually the next generation will probably see these as an equivalent to GCSE's of their day. But i'm guessing she's saying that because A-levels are a serious pain in the ass. Take all the coursework you've had to do for GCSE and times it by at least one hundred. I looked at my coursework for GCSE and pissed myself by how uneducatedly simple I sounded. A lot of work goes into your A-levels and i've been told that A-levels are even more demanding than your own university course. (obviously, depending on what course for example Business studies A-level would be harder than University of the same course.)

I can see where she's coming from 100%, but I don't fancy even imagining what those I know (including my family) will say if I just give up after GCSEs.

[scuba steve]

Interesting, it sounds slightly similar to stuff I've already touched on in other subjects such as Geography. This might be worth a shot, so thanks for sharing.


Come to think of it, it does sound similar to Geography through using the political map. I'm doing a course on Global trade in BS and it's sounds very like it, this is my favourite subject in the course.


I am. :P

Mind if I borrow your brain for my maths re-sit exam? :P


I can see where she's coming from 100%, but I don't fancy even imagining what those I know (including my family) will say if I just give up after GCSEs.
Yea I know what you mean, my dad probably would've beat the crap out of me if I had refused 6th year.

[Death]

Come to think of it, it does sound similar to Geography through using the political map. I'm doing a course on Global trade in BS and it's sounds very like it, this is my favourite subject in the course.

Well then hopefully, with the fact that that I'm already doing BS at GCSE level, I should already have a fair basis of knowledge for A-level economics. I'll probably speak to my teacher and also request a look at the textbook, just to see what we'd be learning. Thanks for the advice.


Mind if I borrow your brain for my maths re-sit exam? :P

So long as you promise to put it back in again as you found it and not try to 'remember' any of my private information. :rolleyes:

BTW, if anyone else wants to add any of their opinions, feel free to do so.

[Triceratops]

I can see where she's coming from 100%, but I don't fancy even imagining what those I know (including my family) will say if I just give up after GCSEs.

When I told my mum I was more than likely going to drop out of sixth form by the end of the year, she hit the roof. That's because she seems to think that I'll do alright in my AS exams, for some odd reason. IDGAF what my parents think.

And just because you choose not to do A-levels, it doesn't mean that you have to completely give up after GCSEs. If you're wanting to go to university later on, then there are loads of college courses that you can take that will lead to a university course afterwards. Then again, it all depends on what university courses you want to do. If you're wanting to do something particularly academic (like a mathematics or science based course, for instance) then you will have to put up with the absolute shittery of A-levels.

[Death]

And just because you choose not to do A-levels, it doesn't mean that you have to completely give up after GCSEs.

Not sure if my parents see it that way.

If you're wanting to do something particularly academic (like a mathematics or science based course, for instance) then you will have to put up with the absolute shittery of A-levels.

Well, that's me confirmed for A-levels then, given that I'm going to do maths and physics for half my A-levels.

[scuba steve]

It's alot of work, but i'd say it's worth it tbh, you don't get taught as well if you go to college for your A levels and since the work can be more demanding than university, you're going to want all the aid you can get.

[Death]

Just as well. I've had to hand in my slip for the A-levels I'm doing. I just hope I don't regret any of them.

[scuba steve]

So what one did you pick in the end?

I'm thinking, Economics?

[Death]

Yes. According to my current Business Studies teacher, Economics is held in higher regard. Either way, I think I prefer the sound of it.