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AS/A Level - Economics
Entry Requirements:
An interest in learning about the economy and current affairs. A pass at C or above in GCSE Maths and GCSE English Language is preferable.
GCSE grades in line with College admissions requirements - see prospectus.
Course Content:

Individuals and societies face the same problem: we cannot have all that we want. We live in a world of scarcity so choices have to be made. What shall we buy? Where shall we work? Can we afford the next meal?
Economics is the study of how these choices are made. Governments win and lose elections on economic policies and their relative success or failure. Economics has much to contribute to the issues and questions, which matter to us, all, both now and in the future. For example, is it possible to have more hospitals, schools, social services and better defence at the same time? Can price rises be controlled? Why are taxes necessary? Are people taxed too much or in the wrong way?
Many of you will not have studied Economics before but previous knowledge of this subject is not required. You should have an interest in current affairs if you want to make the most of the topics and discussions in which you will be involved. Economics is a key subject, which underpins contemporary issues and problems in society. Therefore, one of the many advantages of this subject is that it combines well with a wide variety of other A and AS Levels complementing, for example, Politics, Modern Languages, Maths and Computer Studies.
The A Level Economics course includes a study of the main features of the British Economy and provides you with an understanding of basic economic theories and the ability to apply these to current economic problems. It examines problems such as unemployment, taxation, prices, wages, and international trade from the individual, National and European perspective.

For the AS course students study two units. Success in these two enables the student to progress to A2 in Year 13 and a gain assessment is via three units.

Summary of Assessment:

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)
Module Title
1.Markets In Action
2.The National and International Economy

Each of the AS units is assessed with a one and a half hour Data Response style exam, the last question of which requires students to produce a coherent evaluation of an economic problem in an essay

Advanced Level (A2)
Module Title
1.Transport Economics
2.The Global Economy

At A2, the Transport Economics unit combines Data Response and essay in a two hour examination whilst the Global Economy unit requires students to interpret pre-seen data and produce three essays of varied length wirten in continuous prose. The exam is also two hours.

Special features of the course:
The course takes full advantage of the latest world picture via the networked Internet. It is possible to study Economics alongside Business Studies and/or Accounting. Economics students are able to participate in the residential to Barcelona, Sixth Form Conference at MMU and the Pre-University Course at the University of Manchester.
Progression:
This subject can be pursued at degree level. Economics also provides a useful foundation for studying Business related or Politics related University degrees. Employers and higher education value the content, questioning attitudes and methods which are acquired through studying Economics. Many students go on to careers in financial services, accountancy and management whilst for others it provides a valuable background to any degree or career.