A level Economics and Business
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Course Details
Edexcel Economics and Business
This is a ‘new start’ A-level and you do not need to have studied Economics or Business before.
Economics and Business is a combined course looking at how and why businesses are run, the strategies they pursue in relation to their objectives and the problems they face. The role of government and consumer are also considered.
Units at AS
1 Developing New Business Ideas
How new or existing businesses generate products or services that will be successful. Students should consider the competition in the market; the current economic climate; finance; possible revenues, costs and profit.
2 Business Economics
How businesses are affected by the market they are in and the overall state of the economy. Students should consider the level of competition in different markets; uncertainty; size of business; the impact of inflation, recession and unemployment.
Units at A2
3 International Business
How business is affected if it trades internationally. Students should consider why businesses trade; the emerging power of China and others; the impact of Multi-nationals and the idea of a Global Economy.
4 The Wider Economic Environment and Business
How businesses are affected by government actions. Students should consider taxation; interest rate changes; the social costs and benefits of certain goods and services; the impact of pollution on the environment; the importance of healthcare; the ideas of equity and equality.
Skills required to start the course
• A lively and enquiring mind and an interest in business and economic issues.
• Students will be expected to investigate real firms to see if theory is applied in practice.
• Students will also be encouraged to think for themselves about business ideas, what would work and what may not.
• The ability to use primary as well as secondary data
GCSE entry requirement
Students are generally expected to have achieved at least a grade B at GCSE. GCSE A* – B in English and Mathematics.
Possible Career Pathways
A career in business, or to use as general background for any social sciences career.
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