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A Level Economics
A wide-ranging subject, highly regarded by employers and universities which relates to real-life situations and complements other subjects. You will study micro and macro economic issues affecting the world around us, learning to apply economic theories and understand key interrelationships.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
Want to know what caused the global financial crisis? Interested in how governments use economic policy to respond to climate change? Shocked by the impact of COVID 19? Then this is the subject to study! Economics encompasses every aspect of our lives linking historical economic events to current and future problems. It develops an understanding of the world around us that is as valuable as it is interesting. Whether it is solving global inequality and poverty or considering how fiscal and monetary policy can stimulate economic growth, the subject looks to embrace real world issues.
Economics has connections to many other subjects such as Politics, Geography, History, Business, Psychology and Statistics and is highly valued by universities.
Apply for this course
Start date: 07/09/2023
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
link your learning to real scenarios
Learn about key economic theory and concepts and apply them to real world situations.
highly transferable skills
Contemporary focused subject which focuses on developing highly transferable skills.
great progression opportunities
Highly regarded subject by both universities and employers alike.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
In year one the course explores the nature of markets and their role in allocating resources in a modern economy. The central role of the government and market failure are also investigated.
Next, you will examine the performance of the UK economy, levels of macroeconomic activity and how they are determined and managed using national and international indicators and policies.
In year two the focus is on the labour market and business structures. It also covers the role of the government in maximising economic performance.
Finally, the performance of the national and global economy is studied which gives both context and a framework for economic analysis in an integrated and globalised world.
Year 1 Study
Theme 1: Introduction to markets and market failure
The aim of this part of the subject is to introduce you to the principles and method of investigation in Economics. You will study the basic economic problem, the role of markets and government intervention. The concepts of supply and demand will be utilised to derive prices in a market economy. Government intervention will be investigated when markets fail to deliver a satisfactory outcome. You will use case studies to examine contemporary issues facing policy makers.
Theme 2: The UK economy performance and policies
Here you will explore the nature of the total UK economy. You will focus on how levels of income, employment, inflation, and balance of payments are determined. You will investigate the formulation of government economic policy and learn how economies change and develop over time. Here you will gain an understanding of many of today’s front page news items such as issues regarding the European Union, the recession, austerity, and taxation.
Year 2 Study
Theme 3: Markets and business behaviour
The aim of this area of study is to build on the subject content covered in year 1. Here you will study business growth and performance, market structures, the operation of the labour market and government intervention. You will explore a range of business scenarios and develop analytical tools to investigate behaviour and performance. You will investigate wage patterns and levels together with legal and political influences on the labour market.
Theme 4: The national and global economy
The aim of this area of study is to provide a conceptual framework for the understanding, analysis, and evaluation of overall macroeconomic performance in national, regional, and global contexts. Some of the key topics you will cover are comparative economic performance indicators and policies, trade and integration, the financial sector, development and sustainability and the economics of globalisation. Here you will learn more about exchange rates, interest rates, unemployment, inflation, and other economic concepts relating to growth in the world economy.
Microeconomics and macroeconomics
This paper draws on the topics you have learnt from across all four themes. Here you will be engaged with data response questions and open response questions where knowledge and understanding are tested. No new material is introduced in this paper, but a full appreciation of the main themes and issues covered throughout the programme is required for success.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
You could progress on to study a wide range of university courses such as Economics, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), Politics & International Development. Employers value Economics graduates for their analytical way of thinking and problem-solving skills. Popular career choices for Economics students include Economist, Financial Consultant, Investment Analyst, Business Analyst and Actuary.
assessment arrangements
Edexcel Economics Specification A is assessed through 3 examinations of 2 hours each:
Paper 1 – Markets and business behaviour {Theme 1 and 3} – microeconomic content – worth 35% of the total qualification. The paper is broken down into three sections with Section A including multiple choice and short answer questions, Section B has one data response question broken down into a number of parts and Section C has a choice of extended open-response questions. Duration is 2 hours and 100 marks available.
Paper 2 – The national and global economy {Theme 2 and 4} – macroeconomic content, worth 35% of the total qualification. The paper is split into three sections in a similar format to Paper 1. Duration is 2 hours and 100 marks available.
Paper 3 – Microeconomics and macroeconomics {All 4 themes} worth 30% of the total qualification. The paper comprises two sections with each having a data response question broken down into a number of parts. Duration is 2 hours and 100 marks available.
Achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality, and effort. Lectures will be a friendly, lively atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods. Contribution to class debates and discussion is highly valued and encouraged.
Regular written assessments will be conducted either as homework or under timed conditions in class and detailed feedback is given to enhance progress. We also run mock examinations in each paper in advance of the final examinations and review student performance in 1:1 sessions with tutors.
Study on this course requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 or above, to include English Language / Literature at grade 6 and Mathematics at grade 5 or above.
We encourage all students to read widely and conduct their own research into economics. A wide variety of electronic resource material is available as well as a well-stocked Learning Centre.
entry requirements
Minimum of 5 GCSEs Grades 4 or above, to include English Language / Literature at Grade 6 and Mathematics at Grade 5 or above.
information and support
We encourage all students to read widely and conduct their own research into economics. A wide variety of electronic resource material is available as well as a well-stocked Learning Centre.
Want to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our admissions team. We're here Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.
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