What Will Students Learn?
Students develop a comprehensive understanding of economic principles at both micro and macro level. They study how markets function: supply and demand, market equilibrium, price determination, consumer behaviour, elasticity, market structures, market failure and government intervention.
As the course advances, students explore macroeconomic topics such as national income, economic growth, inflation, unemployment, aggregate demand and supply, fiscal and monetary policy. They also examine business behaviour, strategic decision-making, corporate finance, global economic development, international trade, and globalisation effects.
Skills & Understanding Developed
- Strong analytical abilities and quantitative literacy
- Data-interpretation skills - interpreting statistics, graphs and economic indicators
- Essay writing, structured argumentation, critical evaluation and synthesis of economic ideas
- Decision-making, judgement under complexity, and problem-solving in unfamiliar contexts
- Understanding of global economic interconnections
Examination Structure
The IAL Economics qualification is assessed through four externally examined units.
| Unit | Title / Focus | Duration and Format |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 - Markets in Action | Microeconomics: supply and demand, elasticity, market failure, intervention | 1h 45 min - data-response + essay |
| Unit 2 - Macroeconomic Performance and Policy | National income, economic growth, inflation, unemployment, AD/AS, policy instruments | 1h 45 min - data-response + essay |
| Unit 3 - Business Behaviour | Firm behaviour, costs, revenues, market structures, strategic business decisions | 2h - case-study data-response + essay |
| Unit 4 - Developments in the Global Economy | International trade, globalisation, exchange rates, development, global economic policy | 2h - pre-released context + data-response |
IAS awarded on completion of Units 1 and 2. Full IAL requires all four units.
Higher Education & Career Pathways
- Economics, Finance, Accounting, Business Management, International Business, Banking and Investment
- Public Policy, International Relations, Economic Research, Government and NGOs, Development Studies
- Data and Business Analytics, Market Research, Consulting, Management Strategy
- Journalism, Social Research, Law and Public Administration
- Degrees combining Economics with Mathematics, Political Science, Environmental Economics or Global Studies
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