What you’ll learnWhat is the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the UK and the world economy? Why is there still a gender pay gap? Does a strong economy make for happier citizens? A degree in economics will help you explore these questions and many more. From trade to education, migration to globalisation, the social issues and policy questions that dominate newspaper headlines are also the issues you will study – through a scientific lens – on an economics course. How you’ll learnAs well as gaining insight into real-world issues and events, you’ll be learning the principles of economics at microeconomic and macroeconomic levels, developing your understanding of analytical methods and modelling, testing hypotheses against data, and learning to construct complex arguments and communicate them effectively. Economics students can generally choose to focus on particular areas, such as money, banking and finance, behavioural economics, international economics and the EU, industrial policy, or public services, such as health and education. You’ll be taught through a mixture of lectures and seminars, and will be required to do a lot of independent work. Universities also arrange talks with eminent thinkers and industry professionals. Some courses offer a chance to study abroad or spend a year in industry; others include an integrated master’s. Taking economics as part of a joint degree, perhaps with politics or history, could be an option. Entry requirementsMaths A-level will help your application, and if you want to study at one of the more selective universities, it’s essential. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), for example, expects an A* at A-level Maths (or equivalent), and a strong set of GCSE results. A-levels in history, business studies or computer science could also be useful. What job can you get?Economics is one of the most lucrative degrees, with lifetime earnings among the highest for graduates taking the course, particularly for alumni of universities such as LSE or Cambridge. With a strong set of skills in numeracy, analysis, computing and communication, you’ll be highly employable. Most graduates go on to work in business or financial services, but some also find employment in marketing or sales. If you want to feel like you’re shaping the nation, a job in the Treasury is a good bet, or elsewhere in the civil service and in local government.