I was thinking of picking economics as an option, what does economics consist of and does it have lots of mathematics incorporated into the subject?. If in university I wanted to do a business degree could I pass at doing it for A-levels or do I have to do Business Studies at A-Levels?

I was not sure where to place this message so I put it here

Any advice would be much appreciated

Does it have lots of maths? You are thinking of doing it at A level, I think. The easy answer is to get your hands on a coursebook giving an outline of the A level syllabus and an introduction to the subject, and see for yourself. And ask your teachers ! They've been dealing with questions like yours for years.What's more, they know you and can give advice according to what they see as your strengths and weaknesses.

The same advice applies to what it involves. Economics is a vast subject (known as 'the gloomy science' but don't let that put you off!) Only a little enquiry will tell you which parts of it form the course. If you've never had any contact with economics, you might try getting a copy of The Economist magazine (an old one will do). Every week, it covers a range of economic and political questions (politics is often influenced by economics) and articles on the affairs of various countries. The good thing about it is that much of it is written for non-economists, and it tries to make the subject easy to read, therefore.And you have to like a magazine that invents 'the Big Mac index' to compare the cost of living in different countries. What's that? Well, they find the cost of a McDonald's 'Big Mac' in every country they can and note how the prices compare, from time to time. You have to admit, that's different

It's not likely that many students have done economics before they get to the A level stage. Nearly everyone who does it comes to it fresh and has to master the whole syllabus from scratch, in two years. So at least you start level. You don't say how many subjects you intend to take. If economics is some 'extra' subject you may have to consider whether you'll have the time for it.

What do you mean by 'business degree'? Do you mean an MBA or some other form of degree?

Hi. Please read Fred's first paragraph again, then read it a third time, for there's some sound advice in there.
It does indeed seem that it's an A level option you're considering, and if that is so, then your teachers really are your first and best point of contact. Seize your moment and ask them, for they'll tell you exactly what they think is best for you , as Fred so rightly says. You know - and I do know, trust me - teachers act differently with A level students (and potential A level students). You'll find that they listen to you and that they want, and to some extent can clearly advise on, what is best for YOU.
Academically, you made certain choices of subjects to study two years ago, and the choices you're being asked to make now are determining waht it is that you genuinely want to study.
That said, business studies at A level doesn't demand too great an involvement with maths. The fact that you're considering it as an option probably means that you want to be aware of things such as profit and loss accounts, borrowing capacity and interest rates, leveraged buy-outs and all the other classic basics of economic theory and practice per se. An A level in business studies requires you to be able to see the pros and cons of supply and demand, and of operating a day-to-day business as a franchise, say, and to know which of the UK high street shops are run on such a basis. Can you assess the advantages and disadvatages of operating an enterprise as a franchise? You won't yet, but after your first year in the sixth form you will And if you don't know now, don't worry - and don't let that put you off business studies as an A level option; it's just one of the discoveries in store. But do, though, follow the developments of the current global financial crisis. Follow the day-to-day events as they emerge for it will stand you in really good stead for next academic year. And if you get really involved, well, if you study the theory of it all too, maybe a degree in economics is on the cards for you - if that's what you decide you want.
Statistics and mean values and averages and return-on-investment calculations and interest-rate hedges WILL crop up if you do go on to degree level in economics. But I think you're probably aware of that, and that your use of "mathematics" in this context (I mean, the area of study you want to avoid) is more a reference to quadratic equations and worked examples of probabilty theory and the like. Above all though, good luck. And, to reprise Fred, please do talk to your teachers.

quote:

Originally posted by FredPuli:
known as 'the gloomy science' but don't let that put you off!

I thought it was 'dismal' ?

quote:

Originally posted by Professor:

quote:

Originally posted by FredPuli:
known as 'the gloomy science' but don't let that put you off!

I thought it was 'dismal' ?

I agre, Prof.Dismal or gloomy, it's all the same to me

Does it incorporate lots of maths? because I am only predicted a B/C in maths so would it be a wise choice to pick economics?. I am having my doubts as maths is my lowest grade compared to my other grades which consists A's so should I pick economics?

Can't speak to the situation in the UK, but this is what's happening in the US

http://chronicle.com/news/article/5732/undergraduate-ec...chnical-report-urges

Interesting juanruiz. Hibz should still consult the teachers, of course, and find out about the syllabus and content from books .

However, as to your post: Our system is indeed different from yours.What you cite of your universities might be a trend at A/S level here. There is a constant gripe about 'dumbing down' [note we use an American expression for it ] of our A level exams.Some universities refuse to consider an A level in some subjects ['media studies' is a particular bugbear] as being of the same standard as one in a traditional subject such as physics or French.They sometimes complain further that candidates with traditional A levels arrive at university ill-prepared for the university level of study, and the tutors have to 'cram' some of the intake to get it up to standard.

Another big complaint is that the exams are now such that almost everyone seems to pass with an A grade at A level [A level is for 'advanced level'].The government, of course,claims that this is not 'grade inflation', more generous pass and grade rates,nor are the exams getting easier, but reflects an amazing increase in the abilities of candidates over the years, a reflection of the brilliance of the education provided under the government. Sadly, for this argument, you only have to look at exam papers for A level twenty, thirty, forty years ago and compare them with current ones, and compare the percentages of candidates getting top grades then and now, to see the differences and the underlying reasons why so few candidates then got A grades.You can imagine the problem faced by admissions departments when every single candidate presents with straight A grades.

There are a lot many more universities here than there were. Years ago, probably in my day, 40 years ago, only 7 per cent,or less, of youngsters went to university.

Our youngsters who are at all academically inclined do ,typically, eight subjects in which they are examined at age 16. School leaving age is 16.At 16 every youngster may leave school, regardless of attainment. From 16 the more academic ones spend two years specializing in just three, sometimes four, subjects.They are,or were, said to be in the 'sixth form'. They spend two years doing stuff which American children wouldn't, in all likelihood, be doing until university and each exam is meant to prepare them for the rigours of proper academic discipline .It usually comes as a shock, after exams in which a more general knowledge of a subject, and of a wider range of subjects, is sufficient. At the best universities theyll do only one subject for a degree. They don't 'major' in anything. They do just law, or just economics, or just physics or just Anglo-Saxon or whatever for three or more years. Some, notably newer, universities do offer combined degrees.

This questioner has now reached that 'three or four' subjects stage.Hibz is going to a 'sixth form college', a state school which does nothing but teach A level subjects.Its significance is that it may offer subjects which are not being taught to A level in the youngster's own state school. Economics is likely to be one such subject. The concern expressed seems to be twofold 1) whether Hibz can satisfy the Sixth form college that it's worthwhile accepting this candidate to do economics at A level 2) whether, in any case, Hibz will be happy with the subject

Thanks