Economics

Economics is about making sensible choices and it relates to every aspect of our lives, from the affordability of homes, the availability of employment and the structures created by governments to manage markets and provide essential services, such as health care.

Entry Requirements

5 in GCSE mathematics and 5 in GCSE English language

Assessment

Your work is assessed only by end of course examinations using multiple choice questions, short answer questions, data response and essays. 

Paper 1

Markets and Business Behaviour - 2 hours 

Paper 2

National and Global Economy - 2 hours 

Paper 3 

Micro economics and Macroeconomics - 2 hours 

Economics is a challenging contemporary subject which is highly regarded by both employers and universities. Many students choose to study economics to degree level or look to enter professions in the financial sector.

Economics graduates are employed in a range of posts: manufacturing, transport, communications, banking, insurance, investment and retailing industries, as well as in government agencies, consulting and charitable organisations. In all these settings, employers value economics graduates’ understanding of decision-making, their research and analytical skills, and their experience of viewing problems in their national and international context.

The majority of economics students after graduation obtain permanent employment within six months of graduating. The jobs they obtain are many and varied and, as a results of a shortage of trained economists, qualified recruits are being offered high starting salaries.

The subject explores such issues as how we fund the NHS, the impact of immigration on the UK, why housing has become more expensive, the costs and benefits of leaving the EU, why the world’s financial system crashed in 2008, why unemployment increases, the rise of jobs in financial services, and how we can address the problems of pollution and global warming

Economics is a fascinating subject because it explores current economic news as well as assessing the impact of high profile events which have shaken the world economy over the last decade. It is the interaction of theory and real world application that makes Economics a vibrant subject. Of course, Economics can also lead to an exciting career. You will develop your numeracy, analytical and research skills, making this an ideal complement to many other A-level subjects.

Course Summary

Year 1:

Introduction to markets and market failures

The UK economy – performance and policies

Year 2:

Business behaviour and the UK labour market

Global perspectives – international economics

Exam Board - Edexcel