IE · Subject guide
Economics
Leaving Certificate Economics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
01 · Overview
Economics
Leaving Certificate Economics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
- Subject guide
- Leaving Certificate
- Topics mapped
- 18
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Economics as a Way of Thinking
Introduces the role of economic models, concepts and data, and develops the ability to reason and draw evidence-based conclusions like an economist.
- 02
The Economic Concepts of Scarcity and Choice
Examines how limited resources force individuals, firms and governments to make choices, introducing opportunity cost and economic decision-making.
- 03
Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability
Considers how economic activity interacts with society and the environment, and what sustainable development means for present and future wellbeing.
- 04
The Market Economy
Explores how buyers and sellers interact through demand and supply, and how the price mechanism coordinates economic decisions in a market.
- 05
The Consumer
Analyses how consumers respond to incentives, prices and income when making purchasing decisions, including utility and elasticity of demand.
- 06
The Firm
Looks at how firms make production and pricing decisions, examining costs, revenue, supply and the goals of business behaviour.
- 07
Government Intervention in the Market
Investigates how governments influence markets through measures such as taxes, subsidies and price controls, altering the operation of the price mechanism.
- 08
Market Structures
Uses models of competition such as perfect competition, monopoly and oligopoly to analyse pricing and competitiveness in product markets.
- 09
The Labour Market
Studies the market for labour as a factor market, examining wage determination, the supply and demand for labour, and trade unions.
- 10
Market Failure
Examines why markets can fail to allocate resources efficiently, including externalities, public goods and the case for government action.
- 11
National Income
Introduces measurement of macroeconomic performance through national income aggregates and the circular flow of income.
- 12
Fiscal Policy and the Budget Framework
Explores how government taxation and spending decisions, set within the budgetary framework, influence the wider economy.
- 13
Employment and Unemployment
Analyses the causes, types and consequences of unemployment and the policies used to promote employment.
- 14
Monetary Policy and the Price Level
Considers how money, interest rates and monetary policy affect inflation and the general price level.
- 15
The Financial Sector
Examines the role of financial institutions and markets in the economy, including the functions of banking and the supply of credit.
- 16
Economic Growth and Development
Distinguishes economic growth from development and assesses the costs and benefits of how economies grow according to their resources and values.
- 17
Globalisation
Explores how interconnected economies and global integration shape economic activity, performance and policy in a small open economy like Ireland.
- 18
International Trade and Competitiveness
Studies the basis for trade between countries, the benefits and costs of trade, and the factors that determine national competitiveness.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Levels and pathways
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
2
Public references
IE · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.