Economics examines individual decisions, markets and the wider economy. Microeconomic and macroeconomic theory provide foundations for analysing international trade, finance and development, alongside questions about evidence and policy.
Microeconomics and macroeconomics
Microeconomic and macroeconomic theories provide different but connected scales of analysis. Studying them can help separate a claim about one market from a claim about the economy as a whole.
Foundational microeconomic principles and macroeconomic policy are core themes.
International economics, finance and development
International economics, finance and economic development are further areas of enquiry. Each brings different questions and evidence, rather than representing interchangeable specialisms.
Analysis, discussion and further study
Group projects and discussions can help explain an economic argument and examine competing interpretations. A clear account of the assumptions is as important as the conclusion. The Business Management guide supplies a related perspective on organisational decisions, resources and the explanation of assumptions.
Research develops questions and tests arguments using appropriate evidence.
Questions about economics
Are microeconomics and macroeconomics the same scale of analysis?
No. They examine connected questions at different scales, from individual markets to the wider economy.
Why should international economic comparisons retain their context?
Comparing economic systems, policies and challenges adds an international perspective. Analysis should account for differences in context instead of assuming that one policy has the same effects everywhere.
Related study
For a current programme outline or a specific study enquiry, use Contact.
The OpenStax introductory economics summary introduces scarcity, the division of labour and the organisation of economic activity. It supplies academic background for examining economic choices and the assumptions behind an explanation.
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