This course is designed to enable you to:

• Develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories through a consideration of current economic issues and problems that affect everyday life
• Apply economic concepts and theories in a wide range of contexts and study their limitations in explaining real-world issues
• Analyse microeconomic and macroeconomic situations and evaluate proposals to deal with economic dilemmas and choices
• Be able to relate economic theory to the everyday world around us

Is it for me?

The course suits those who enjoy reading about current affairs and who want to understand how the world operates. You should enjoy applying theory to the real world and finding out why some countries are more successful than others.

Assessment is exam based.

What’s involved?

Markets and Market Failure

In this unit you will learn about ‘markets’, what they are and how demand and supply affect them. You will look at why markets ‘fail’ and why we have, for example, unemployment, pollution and poverty.

The National Economy

This unit looks at the area of macroeconomics. You will consider, for example, why we trade with other countries, how we can raise the standard of living, why we have inflation and how we can achieve economic growth.

Business Economics and the Distribution of Income

Learn about the economic environment and its impact on businesses, the different markets businesses operate in and the distribution of income in the UK.

The National and International Economy

This unit looks at the international economy in terms of unemployment, growth, inflation, trade and pollution. We look at issues from the perspective of the European Union and the economics of globalisation and what it means for the UK.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C including English Language and Maths.

Which courses go well with this?

AS Level Business, Mathematics, Government & Politics, Computing, Law, History. Economics is also a good broadening subject so can be combined with Humanities, Social Science or Science subjects.

Progression:

This can take a number of forms including studying Economics at university on its own or as part of a joint degree; moving into Management or the Civil Service and Teaching.  It is a subject that is welcomed by university admissions and employers alike.