Economics (2U)

Board Developed Course (240 hours)

Available in Years 11 and 12

Economic decisions have a crucial influence on the quality of life experienced by people throughout the world. The study of economics can help individuals, groups and societies make choices that assist them to improve their quality of life.

As a subject, Economics Stage 6 is distinctive because of the range of problems and issues that it investigates and the skills that it develops. A student who has completed the Preliminary and HSC courses should have knowledge and skills enabling them to:

  • comprehend the background and implications of contemporary economic issues

  • discuss appropriate policies to solve economic problems and issues

  • understand what a change in interest rates, share values or the value of the Australian dollar means to individuals and the economy

  • identify fluctuations in the global and Australian economies and their likely effects on business

  • understand reasons for changes in employment patterns

  • identify, using economic thinking, appropriate strategies to protect the natural environment.

Course Structure

Preliminary Course (120 indicative hours)

The Preliminary course is essentially microeconomic in nature, focusing on aspects of the economic behaviour of consumers, business and governments. Much of this behaviour is influenced by the operation of markets. Two key markets, the labour market and the financial market, are examined in detail. The Preliminary course provides an essential foundation for the HSC course.

HSC Course (120 indicative hours)

The HSC course focuses on the management of an economy and is therefore essentially macroeconomic in nature. It examines the external framework in which the Australian economy operates. The course investigates the impact of the global economy on the Australian economy and the link between economic issues and the management of an economy, with specific reference to the Australian economy.

Preliminary Course (120 indicative hours)

  • Introduction to Economics

  • Consumers and Business

  • Markets

  • Labour Markets

  • Financial Markets

  • Government in the Economy

Higher School Certificate Course (120 indicative hours)

  • The Global Economy

  • Australia’s Place in the Global Economy

  • Economic Issues

  • Economic Policies and Management

See more on NESA website