Economics is a social science that concerns the fabric of social relations. From the choices available to you on the high street to your career prospects, as well as broad issues such as environmental sustainability and global poverty, an understanding of economic concepts helps us to understand what is happening around us and why. Students with an economics background are employed by the Government, large corporations, charities and research organisationsas professional economists.They also enter management in both the private and public sector. Higher education establishments offer a variety of degree courses, from pureEconomics to a combination of Economics and many other subjects. Economics forms a major component of many business and accountancy courses and at post-graduate level a qualification in Economics is essential for environmental, social or development studies. You should be competent and comfortable dealing with mathematical calculations and the interpretation of numbers and percentages.You should possess, or be willing to develop, strong analysis and evaluation skills plus a broader interest in economic issues nationally and globally.