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Economics

WHY STUDY A level ECONOMICS?

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There are at least 5 good reasons to study economics. First, without some knowledge of economics, it is impossible to understand the world in which we live in (and the global economic crisis since 2008). Every day, for example, the media report about economic issues such as unemployment, inflation (rising prices), economic growth, government spending and taxation, exchange rates, international trade and share / commodity price and exchange rate movements. Second, you will learn about how the economy works and how individuals and firms make decisions and what policies may be adopted by policymakers to help improve society, both nationally and internationally.

Third, economics is a rigorous and rewarding academic subject which is well respected by Universities and employers alike. Fourth, studying economics will help you to consider and discover when politicians are not telling the economic truth. Fifth, a qualification in economics is an excellent basis for a career in different areas. Other subjects fit in well with Economics, including Mathematics, Politics, Geography, History, and Science. It is recommended that those considering Economics as a possible Degree course should also study A level Mathematics as well. For those considering Economics as a Joint Honours Degree, however, this requirement is not necessary.

Note: No prior learning or knowledge of economics is required to take A Level Economics. But for students who have taken GCSE Economics, a grade 5 is the minimum requirement. A Grade 5/6 in English, Maths and a relevant Humanities subject (History or Geography) is recommended.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

The A Level OCR Economics course has been designed to allow you to:

  • Gain knowledge and understanding of the key aspects of economic theories and policies and the impact which these have on the economy and on economic agents
  • Compare the likely effectiveness of economic policies in relation to the achievement of particular economic objectives
  • Develop the ability to make both microeconomic and macroeconomic decisions in specific contexts
  • Develop the necessary analytical, questioning and quantitative skills to progress in the subject and to think as an economist
  • Confront issues, tackle the challenges these issues raise and engage in debate and discussion with fellow students.
  • Appreciate the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider economic and social environment
  • Develop your skills as independent learner, critical thinker and decision-maker – all personal assets that can help you stand out as you progress to a degree course (in economics or a related subject) and / or the workplace

Assessment

There are 3 compulsory components, focusing on Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Themes in Economics. The Themes in Economics component offers you the opportunity to apply theories and concepts to up-to-date contexts.

Component 1: Microeconomics - A brief overview

Microeconomics concerns itself with the study of economics and decisions taken at the level of the individual firm, industry or consumer household. It is also concerned with how prices are determined in markets. The Component will also enable you to:

  • Discuss and evaluate how well microeconomic theories explain our observations of economic agents in the real world
  • Understand how imperfections and market failures can lead into a discussion of the merits and drawbacks of government intervention
  • Consider the usefulness of theory in explaining observations taken from the real economic world

Component 2: Microeconomics - A brief overview

Studying macroeconomics will help you understand how the economy functions on a both a domestic and global level. The Component will help you to:

  • Adopt a critical approach to the study of policy through the development of your understanding of the limitations and conflicts which macroeconomic policies cause
  • Consider policy approaches in an historic and current context, in order to understand how macroeconomics has changed over time

Component 3: Themes in Economics – A brief overview

  • This Component will draw on both microeconomic and macroeconomic components. You will be expected to apply these components to a specific unseen theme.
  • The Component will also have a multiple choice section, covering the whole syllabus.

 

A LEVEL ECONOMICS EXAM STRUCTURE FOR JUNE 2023

Understanding Economics will help you realise the following:

‘The ideas of economists and political philosophers, both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed, the world is ruled by little else. Practical men, who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influences, are usually the slaves of some defunct economist.’  (John Maynard Keynes, 1936).

To recap, the two year A level Economics course will consider economic policy approaches in an historic and current context, in order to understand how macroeconomics has changed over time.