Course Details
ECONOMICS AS / A LEVEL
ECONOMICS AS / A LEVEL
If you are interested in discovering how the real world works and how it affects our country and families, then Economics could be for you. The subject takes an analytical approach when considering topical issues of the day. Economics is an ideal complement to science, social science and/or arts subjects. Combined with modern languages Economics provides an excellent base for you if you are considering working abroad or for a company with overseas links.
Are there any special requirements?
There are no special entry requirements. It is unlikely that anyone starting the course will have studied Economics before. Some basic numerical skills are required, but we will explain the mathematical techniques involved from scratch. An interest in current affairs will be distinct advantage.
What and how will I be studying?
The Economics course we offer allows students to consider the topical and controversial issues of the day in a lively and analytical way. Anyone who is interested in current affairs and who would enjoy taking a critical look at the decisions of those who govern us should enjoy Economics.
AS - Year 1
To achieve an AS, students will need to complete two units:
Markets in Action
This unit introduces students to the micro-economic part of the subject. They will learn about the problems that societies face because of the growing problem of scarcity of resources. Students will also learn how markets operate, what makes them efficient and also how they might fail. With regard to the latter, they will learn that while competitive markets might make for successful economies, greedily striving for more wealth might also lead to problems such as poverty, inequality and environmental damage.
The National and International Economy
This unit introduces students to the macro-economic part of the subject. They will learn how economists measure and explain the level of key indicators such as unemployment, inflation, economic growth and the balance of trade. The problems associated with key indicators and the remedies that governments may use are analysed. Students will learn that economic problems such as high unemployment may have numerous different possible solutions and that economists themselves often disagree about what is the best course of action.
A2 - Year
A2 consists of two more units:
The Economics of Work and Leisure.
Students will learn how and why earnings vary so greatly between different groups, such as males and females. Controversial issues such as the impact of the National Minimum Wage will be critically examined and the impact of organisations such as trade unions on the labour market will be assessed. The unit also incorporates an overview of how leisure markets are changing in the UK.
The Global Economy.
This unit looks at economic performance in a regional, national, European and global context. Students will learn how to make comparisons between the performance of countries, explain the factors that determine their trade success and consider in particular how economic integration through organisations such as the European Union has affected economies. They will also gain an appreciation of the positive and negative impact of the rapid movement towards globalisation.
What skills will I need and be developing during the course?
Economics is a subject full of controversy. Therefore, you will develop the valuable skills of analysis, evaluation and argument. You will also become more confident in the interpretation and manipulation of numerical data.
How is the Course assessed?
|
Unit name |
Duration of |
Availability of |
Method of |
Weighting |
||
|
|
Examination |
Examination |
Assessment |
AS |
A |
|
|
Markets in Action |
One and a half hours |
January/June |
The examination will consist of short-answer questions, some based on a particular theme or case study. Some questions will require students to interpret data and one question will involve continuous prose |
50% |
25% |
|
|
The National and International Economy |
One and a half hours |
January/June |
The questions in the examination will be based on a particular theme or case study. Some questions will involve data interpretation and one question will involve continuous prose |
50% |
25% |
|
|
The Economics of Work and Leisure |
2 hours |
January/June |
The examination paper will have two sections. The first section requires students to answer one compulsory question based on data provided. The second section will require students to answer one structured question from a choice of three |
|
25% |
|
|
The Global Economy |
2 hours |
June |
This examination will require students to answer questions based on pre-released stimulus materials. Some questions are likely to involve the interpretation of data |
|
25% |
|
What career opportunities are there?
Economics is an established academic subject and, as such, provides an excellent base for progression into higher education. Economists are highly sought after - in fact economists are the second most highly paid graduates. Those who have a good understanding of Economics will find rewarding occupations in finance, banking and management. The government and large international businesses are important employers of professional economists.
…and what else?
During the course every effort is made to address current areas of controversy in our economy. Topical issues are dealt with in a critical way, often by looking at selected newspaper articles or television programmes. The opportunities for argument and debate are endless in Economics!
Download Course Description File: Economics.pdf