Core Micro and Macro Economics

• How rational economic agents make decisions, how markets work, why markets fail and how markets are regulated. 
• How the national economy is managed and by who, inequalities in the global economy, trade vs aid, the labour market and the role of the Central Bank.

Economic activity is diverse and so is what happens in lessons.  You will be involved in discussion and debates about current and topical economic issues, exam practice, group work, computer research and data analysis.

In the second year of the course, you will take three external exams that assess content covered in the first and second year.  These exams will determine your A level grade.

• Opportunity to engage in TFN Business Game, Business simulation event;
• Recommended texts/additional reading suggestions on Google Sites;
• Weekly additional viewing and reading suggestions given to students in the second year;
• Students have been advised to enrol on online course (MOOC).

Economics is a subject that sits well with all other subjects.  It develops your skills of logic and your skills of extended writing.  Many students of humanities subjects such as history, government and politics, law or English find that economics is helpful in developing their logic, maths and problem solving skills.  Students of geography find much cross over with issues in development and environmental economics.  Economics is an excellent link subject for science and mathematics students, allowing them to demonstrate extended writing skills.

To study pure economics at undergraduate level (BSc), most universities will require you to have A level mathematics.  Mathematics is generally not a requirement to study for a BA in economics.

Many students go to university where they take a wide range of courses including pure economics, economics and management, accounting & finance, business studies, with many choosing economics with another subject e.g. economics and history or economics with a language.  To enter banking or finance, economics BSc would be advantageous.  Law is also a popular degree course among economics students from Farnborough.

Did you know that economics graduates are among the UK's top earners?

Please see below for careers and labour market information for economics - use the refresh buttons to find out about different courses and careers, and use the left and right arrows to view more detailed information.

You can find the prep work for this course at prepwork.farnborough.ac.uk. 

Q:  How is economics different from business studies?
A:  Economics and business studies develop similar skills, but differ in their subject matter. Economics is broader in its focus, considering all of the components of an economy, both national and international. Economics is interested in the behaviour of businesses, but primarily so as to better predict their actions and their impact on the broader economy. Business studies looks at the economy through the lens of a business, giving consideration as to how macroeconomic trends may affect the running of the business.

Q:  What qualifications do you need to study economics at degree level?
A:  Most BSc courses in economics require A level mathematics, but many BA and joint honours courses do not. Even on courses where mathematics is not required, it will be helpful. Economics A level is beneficial when studying the course at degree level, but it is not a requirement.

Q:  Do I need to be good at maths and English?
A:  Economics A level makes frequent use of mathematics, primarily statistics and diagrammatic modelling. You will be expected to calculate percentage changes and ratios and make use of index numbers. You also will need to analyse and interpret a range of quite complex data. While the standard of maths required in economics is not as difficult as that required in A level maths or physics, you may find it difficult if you are unable to handle data and perform relatively simple calculations with confidence.