Economics

Course Overview

Develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories through the study of current economic issues, problems and institutions.

A-Level Economics builds the knowledge and skills needed to understand and analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions.

In year one you will examine issues like competitive markets and uncover the reasons why some markets fail. In year two you will expand on your existing knowledge, with further use of complex microeconomic models, such as monopoly and oligopoly.

What will I study?

Year 1

• Theme 1: Markets, Consumers and Firms
  This theme specifically focuses on microeconomic concepts. You will explore the way in which consumers make choices and entrepreneurs create desirable products and will develop an understanding of the market economy and how markets work.
• Theme 2: The Wider Economic Environment
  This theme specifically focuses on macro-economic concepts. You will explore how firms become more competitive. This theme goes on to develop an understanding of the nature of productive efficiency, fluctuations in the economy and ways the Government responds using micro and macro-economic policies.

Year 2

In year 2, you study themes 3 and 4. These themes enable students to build knowledge and understanding of core economic models and concepts.

• Theme 3 - The Global Economy
  This theme builds on theme 2 and continues its focus on the international economic environment. This will enable you to develop an understanding of Globalisation, Trade Policies, Global Labour markets, emerging and developing countries, poverty and inequality and income distribution.
• Theme 4 - Making Markets Work
  This theme develops the micro-economic concepts introduced in theme 1 and focuses on in-depth coverage of competition and market power. You will develop an understanding of market structures, business objectives, market failure, the financial markets and government intervention- macroeconomic policy.

Entry requirements

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
• Grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths.
• Grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language.

Why should I choose USP College?

• Specialist tutors with degrees and post-graduate qualifications in the field of Economics.
• Opportunity to enter national competitions including essay writing competitions and trading games.

Additional costs

• You are advised to purchase an additional course textbook at a cost of £25.
• Trips/visits are generally local and require travel expenses only.
• Revision conferences have an entry fee of £25.

What could I do next?

You could progress on to a relevant degree subject at university. Compatible degrees include Economics, Maths, Accounting, Law and Business Management.

Possible careers include Stockbroker, Financial Advisor, Economist or Civil Servant. Former students are currently undertaking degrees in Economics at universities including Kingston University London and City University London. A number of former students have also secured successful careers with prestigious companies such as Shell, Clifford Chance and HSBC.

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