Economics

What will I study?

Economics is concerned with the behaviour of humans as individuals, businesses, organisations and governments, and the choices they make. Behind these choices lies the economic problem - scarce resources and infinite wants. You will study the theories that attempt to explain economic behaviour and realise that there is usually more than one way of interpreting events. Economics offers a unique insight into how the world works and will help students to understand many of the big questions facing people today such as:

• Should Britain join the Euro?
• Why are footballers paid more than nurses?
• What can we do about global warming?
• Should patients be charged for hospital treatment?
• Why can't I have everything that I want?
• Why are some countries less developed than others?
• Why isn't anyone looking after the environment?
• Why can't we cancel Third World debt?
• Why do we have to pay taxes?
• Why do 24 hour grocery stores have locks on their doors?
• Why are cans of Pepsi round and cartons of milk square?

You also study macroeconomic issues such as unemployment and inflation and why recessions happen which is of special significance given recent events!

How will I be assessed?

The course is 100% exam based and so there is no coursework component. The exams are split into 4 units, two taken for the AS in year 12 and two taken for the full A level in year 13.

What will I need?

A reasonable grasp of mathematics will be beneficial. Moreover, successful Economics students take a genuine interest in their subject and look at the world with a new perspective once they understand some of the key concepts that underpin and explain the way the economy, and society, work.

What can this subject lead to?

The graduate earnings premium over those with only A-levels is 15% for men and 19% for women. For economics graduates it is around 25%.

Economics develops a wide range of important skills for the future which would be suitable for any form of employment. A-Level Economics can also be used to go on to study the subject in further detail at University and can lead to a successful career as an economist or employment in fields like banking, accounting and finance, law or retail.

Studies have shown that students studying Economics earn 25% more over their lifetime compared to other subjects.

Entry requirements

A grade B in GCSE Business Studies or Economics may be useful but are not essential.