You only have to read a newspaper or watch TV to realise how the economic system affects our existence and future. In Economics, you will explore the issues of high prices for goods in Britain and low wages for students and look at broader macro-economic issues like unemployment, standards of living and management of the economy. On the international front, you will look at the realities behind the political slogans about Europe and how to improve the lives of people living in developing countries. Environmental economics recognises that our car journeys add up to congestion and pollution and then investigates remedies. There are some very significant issues facing us that, as economists, we can help to resolve, for example whether leaving the EU will benefit us or not, the impact of climate change and the levels of poverty in the UK. There are economic solutions to all of these problems.
Year 1
- Measures of economic performance
- Management of the economy
- Conflicts in economics
- How markets work (supply & demand)
- Market failure
- Solutions to market failure (eg taxation & nationalisation)
Year 2
- Further study on management
- International trade
- Exchange rate systems
- Growth & development
- The theory of the firm
- Labour markets
- In depth study of market failure
- Financial markets & monetary policy
- Commercial banks & investment banks
- Central banks & monetary policy
- Regulation of the financial system
Studied: Economics, Computer Science, Applied Law, Physics
Progression: BA Economics, University of Sheffield (graduated with a 2.1) / MSc Finance, University of Sheffield
Studied: Economics, Computer Science, Applied Law, Physics
Progression: BA Economics, University of Sheffield (graduated with a 2.1) / MSc Finance, University of Sheffield
After overcoming years of adversity during his time at secondary school, Daniel came to Varndean College in 2016 after having been part home educated and part educated at Hove Park School. He initially studied A Levels in Computer Science, Physics and Maths, but after his first year dropped Maths and picked up A Level Economics instead. After originally wanting a career in Computer Science, thanks to the enthusiasm and inspiration given to him by his Economics tutors, Daniel discovered that this was where his real interest lay and decided he wanted to continue his studies in Economics instead.
Daniel says: "I am so thankful for the valuable time I spent at Varndean College; it was three years of my life which I hold very fond memories of. I owe a lot to my two Economics tutors, Alrik and Will, who gave me the inspiration to succeed and Jo, my Law tutor, who was an absolute joy to be taught by. I was proud to have achieved an A grade in my A Level Economics (only 1 mark off an A*) in 2019 and went on to study BA Economics at the University of Sheffield, graduating with a 2.1 in 2022. I continued to study at Sheffield for a MSc in Finance (having been awarded a year's full scholarship) for which I am now predicted a Distinction. I have also recently undertaken an internship at West Hill Capital in London."
Course Essentials
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