Economics

Course summary

Course Content: A level Economics is divided into two parts: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Microeconomics explores the concept of an ideal free market economy, based on perfect competition, and compares it with the complexity and inefficiency of real modern market phenomena. Macroeconomics looks at economics from a national point of view and explores themes like Inequality, Unemployment and Immigration, Economic Growth and Trade/Budget deficits. After doing an A level in Economics, you will understand the assumptions behind economic terms such as 'free markets', which increasingly dominate political debate. You will realise the bluntness of economic policy tools and the extent to which economic concepts and methods help us understand and tackle issues such as climate change, inequality, and racism. You will discover that many popular ‘economic arguments’ are actually political arguments couched in economic terms. You will then be equipped to reason out and debate the merits and demerits of each argument and to choose an option that suits your own beliefs. Progression: As well as leading into Economics-based degrees, A level Economics is a good background to a wide range of other degrees, such as Humanities, Politics & Law. Be aware that top Economics degree courses may well also require A level Maths. Economics students often go on to work in a range of businesses, finance, government or law. Students with Economics degrees have the highest average earnings of any degree-holders.