AS/A Level Economics

A Level

In Guisborough

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    A Level

  • Location

    Guisborough

  • Duration

    2 Years

It will develop your interest in and an enthusiasm for the subject and allow you to appreciate its contribution to the wider economic and social environment. Economics will give you a greater understanding of a range of concepts and the ability to use these concepts in a variety of different contexts.

Important information

Government funding available

Facilities

Location

Start date

Guisborough (North Yorkshire)
See map
Church Walk, TS14 6BU

Start date

On request

About this course

You need to have met the standard college entry requirements of five GCSE grade C or above. Including a GCSE grade C or above in Mathematics and English. No previous experience of Business or Economics is needed.

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Course programme


AS/A LEVEL ECONOMICS

WHAT IS ECONOMICS?
Economics is a social science. In general terms, it is concerned with that part of human activity described as earning a living, earning and spending money or the production and consumption of wealth. There is some description of how the economy works, studies of various theories and discussions of economic policies. Although it is difficult to give a good definition of Economics, the subject matter is fairly easy to recognise. "Economics matters" include: Unemployment, Privatisation, Inflation, Monopolies, Productivity, The size of firms, The Balance of Payment Profits, Wages, Taxes and many more.

The types of questions Economists often attempt to answer include:
  • What determines the standards of living throughout the world?
  • How can unemployment or inflation be reduced?
  • How do governments decide how much to spend?
  • Should the UK be in the Single currency?
  • How can we encourage faster growth?
  • Are large firms becoming too powerful?

WHY SHOULD I STUDY ECONOMICS?
It will develop your interest in and an enthusiasm for the subject and allow you to appreciate its contribution to the wider economic and social environment. Economics will give you a greater understanding of a range of concepts and the ability to use these concepts in a variety of different contexts.

Studying Economics will help you develop a range of skills, including:
  • Analytical and problem solving skills
  • Numerical and computing skills
  • Communication skills
  • Team working skills
  • Political Awareness
Skills, qualities and attitudes which will equip you for the challenges of Higher Education and working life.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS
Enthusiasm and interest are two key qualities. Coupling these with an ability to be open-minded and to consider different opinions and views is essential if you want to succeed.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT
At AS you will investigate micro and macroeconomics. Microeconomics addresses issues such as Why are house prices so high?, Can pollution be effectively controlled? and Should governments interfere with markets? The macroeconomics issues covered include: Why does the government have an inflation target and how does it affect us?, What happens to the economy if people decide to spend more? and How are we affected by the Chinese and Indian economies? You will study two units focusing on the following areas:
  • The economic problem.
  • The allocation of resources in competitive markets.
  • Production and efficiency.
  • Market failure.
  • Government intervention in the market.
  • The measurement of macroeconomic performance.
  • The economic cycle.
  • How the macro economy works.
  • Economic performance.
  • Macroeconomic policy.
If you opt to progress to the second year of the course. You will extend your knowledge of the micro and macroeconomics covered in the first year of the course and both of the A2 modules explore two contemporary and relevant contexts; the global and the European contexts. Focusing on the topics below:
  • Theory of the firm.
  • Competitive markets
  • Concentrated markets.
  • The labour market.
  • Government intervention in the market.
  • Macroeconomic indicators.
  • Managing the National Economy.
  • The international economy.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
All of the units in both years are assessed by external examinations. Both of these are likely to take place in June for both the AS and A2. The AS exams consist of twenty-five multiple choice questions and one data response from a choice of two, both lasting for one hour and fifteen minutes. The A2 exams consist of one data response question from a choice of two and one essay question from a choice of three, both are two hours long.

COURSE COMMITMENT
Throughout the course there will be several intensive periods where you will be asked to work up to an extra six to eight hours per week for the double award and three to four for the single award completing written assignments. It is very important that you allow for this within your commitments outside of college. You must also have good organisational skills and be self motivated. You will be asked to sign a departmental commitment form that sets out the expectations of the department detailing a two way agreement between staff and students based on hard work and dedication to the team ethos of the department.

PROGRESSION ROUTES
Higher Education Admissions tutors and employers will value your understanding of decision-making, your research and analytical skills, and your experience of viewing problems in their national and international context. If you enjoy economics you could find employment in manufacturing, transport, communications, banking, insurance, investment and retailing industries, as well as in government agencies, consulting and charitable organisations. Or consider studying on a broad range of degree courses which may or may not be directly linked to the A level.

AS/A Level Economics

Price on request