A level choice : Business or Economics ?

[montlieu]

can anyone help weight the pros and cons of A level Business versus Economics for an academic DC who is not sure of what wants to do. other A level subjects considered are Maths, Physics or Chemistry and Spanish.
DC will have to do an EPQ as well, but will be able to go down to 3 A levels (so drop one). thanks thousand.

I would say economics - possibly considered more "academic" and I would think more useful/flexible than business.

Economics.

Economics, although if he does want to do an Economics degree then most competitive courses require Maths A level so he should make sure that is amongst the mix

As a uni lecturer in charge of social science admissions, while both are solid choices, Economics has that extra academic status as an established subject and would be considered a better 'fit' for social science-based degrees.

Economics

Economics, particularly as I see they are also doing Maths.

Economics

As a general rule, if you’re bright enough to do economics, do economics (over business).

The above answers reflect the fact that economics is considered more ‘academic’. However Business graduates can do very well - I’ve seen quite a few in my time at a big 4 accountancy firm. I would look at the past exam papers and see which subject interests him most. I’ve done just that recently and personally, I think business looks more interesting but it’s a personal opinion.

It’s a good ‘third’ subject and most find it easy, meaning they will be able to spend more time on their other two core subjects which are solid academic subjects going by your list and it will not impact on anything they want to study in future, because They’re already doing ‘Maths’. Business studies could be their essay based subject if need be.
Economics is better regarded, but a third subject has to be viewed within context of the first two subjects and in this case, it makes little difference.

Economics. Though if he wants to do Economics or Maths (or potentially Physics) at a competitive Uni, he may need Further Maths in addition to Maths.

I’m coming across Universities listing Economics as a preferred subject but no mention of Business....

Preferred subjects
While no specific A Level (or equivalent) subjects are required, we strongly prefer combinations drawn from traditional (academic) subjects to demonstrate a range of numerical, analytical and discursive abilities. These A Levels include: Ancient History, Biology, Classical Civilisation, Chemistry, Economics, English Language/Literature, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Languages (non-native), Law, Maths/Further Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology and Statistics.

It’s going to depend on whether DC is aiming high for university and what they might want to study. DD did Business Studies but wouldn’t be good enough at maths for Economics. If DC is capable at Maths, and academic, Economics it should be. Business Studies is definitely easier and more about running a business. At DDs school the less able did BS so I would really check if they get good results in this subject or whether it’s a struggle for some.

A degree in business is very different to economics - again its maths content. Business is related more closely to running a business and understanding commerce. (Very broadly).

From a teacher's pov, I would agree with pp that Economics is the more academic option.

From a student's pov, having been in exactly the same situation myself when choosing my own A levels, I would say Business Studies!

Why? Well as a straight A student at GCSE which included Business Studies, I was strongly encouraged to choose Economics at A level instead of continue with more Business Studies. I did what I was told. But it was the most boring subject ever and I still remember to this day, the massive focus on demand and supply curves 😴

Oh and BTW, I have a very mathematical background and my other A levels were Maths and French! So it wasn't that Economics was too difficult or academic for me. It was just dry!

Anyway, needless to say I went on to do a degree in Business which included so many other subjects which was just brilliant as I didn't really know what I wanted to do after finishing my studies 😉

Economics is quite a narrow subject imho. Business Studies is much more practical and useful ime 👌

I can't help with the comparison but DS has just started his economics a level and is very much enjoying it. He's also doing Maths and Geography and is hoping to continue on to do an Economics degree

I’m sure that the Business Studies course is just as hard as Economics, but Economics is going to be better regarded one academia and work.

However, some teachers will gel with your son and some won’t. If the Business studies teacher and your son work well together, an A in Business Studies is better than a C in Economics.

If he doesn’t love Business Studies enough to not be in doubt, go for Economics

Economics.

@Meredusoleil it’s the same as saying politics is boring. Maybe you had a poor teacher. I’ve been quite impressed as to how economics has broadened teens world view and made them more interested in politics etc. To be fair I think Business Studies would be interesting too!!
Given you say your DC is academic OP and is looking at maths, chemistry & physics then economics definitely sits very well with those. Is he able to do a taster session of each to see which interests him the most?

[quote ComplexNeeds]@Meredusoleil it’s the same as saying politics is boring. Maybe you had a poor teacher. I’ve been quite impressed as to how economics has broadened teens world view and made them more interested in politics etc. To be fair I think Business Studies would be interesting too!!
Given you say your DC is academic OP and is looking at maths, chemistry & physics then economics definitely sits very well with those. Is he able to do a taster session of each to see which interests him the most?[/quote]
Ironically, I find politics boring too 😂 So maybe it's just me and my personality 😉

I would say Economics is the more academic choice and combines well with Maths. Though look through the courses and see what interests him most. I found Economics very boring at A level but Economics degree was fascinating and much broader and excellent for getting jobs after with. Most Economics degrees now require Maths A level and a science A level combines well with it too.

Thank you so much everyone !
Some excellent and useful comments (and funny comments too) especially as I didn't study in the UK.

Ds1 is loving Business A'level.

DS did Business A level along with Maths and Geography (economics wasn’t offered at his 6th form) He loved it - he is now studying Management and Economics at St Andrews. Business A level didn’t seem to be an issue when applying for uni - he had 5 good offers.

Business is far more interesting but Economics has more academic cachet.

@noideawottodo it does seem to sum up round that yes.

DC has to do an EPQ so maybe economics A level and a Business EPQ might work.