Economics explores issues about how people, industries, and countries try to maximise their productivity and create wealth to maintain financial stability. Economics is concerned about choices and decision-making, in many ways it has become a way of explaining ‘everything’ in society.

You will study different theories and models put forward by economists to explain why and how people and governments should behave within markets. The concepts can be applied to all human actions and so the subject itself can complement any field of study.

As economics students you will learn to use a variety of numerical, graphical and investigative methods to understand the individual, national and global situations facing us today.

Economics is a very well respected academic A-Level subject and will provide you with an excellent grounding for further studies as well as any Business/Management/International Studies.

Course Content and Methodology

As students of economics you will acquire knowledge and understanding of some basic microeconomic models that investigate problems and issues concerning individual consumers, firms and markets. You will be able to apply this knowledge to explain the relationships between demand and supply. You will also explore macroeconomic theories that attempt to explain how the whole economy works. You will study these economic concepts within the context of recent and current economic behaviour.

Students can benefit from the department’s industry links in the form of expert speakers, visits and work placement opportunities. In particular, our Business students often visit the University of Lincoln to gain hands-on experience with their Bloomberg Terminal - a key piece of equipment in the business and economics industry.

Assessment

Exam Board: AQA 7136

Assessment is examination only in all units. All three examinations will be taken at the end of the two years. Papers 1 and 2 have a mixture of data response and essay questions. Paper 3 has 30 multiple choice questions and questions based on a case study. Maximum mark for each paper is 80.

Paper 1: Markets and market failure.

Paper 2: National and international markets.

Paper 3: Economic principles and issues.

Course Requirements

There are no specific requirements to have studied Economics at GCSE. However, an interest in the economic climate around you is key. An ability to communicate effectively and be numerate is also essential so a minimum of grade six in English and Mathematics at GCSE are required.

Facilities