Course information
The Economics A level comprises two modules at AS level and a further two at A level.
In the first AS level module, you will learn about the operation of markets and market failure, introducing you to basic microeconomic models such as supply and demand, price mechanisms and the problems they can face. The second module covers the national economy in a global context.
At A level, the third module concerns individuals, firms, markets and market failure, including more complex microeconomic models such as perfect competition, monopolies and government intervention. Finally, the fourth module covers the national and international economy, including macroeconomic indicators and globalisation.
The full course provides a complete overview of the forces that drive economies, from labour markets and government policy to commodity prices and income flows.
You will develop a solid understanding of economics in a business context, as well as its effects on wider society.
Through the course, you will be challenged and evaluated by means of 11 tutor-marked assignments that provide valuable feedback on your progress.
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Examining board and exams
The Economics A level course has been written to prepare you for the AQA examination board’s Economics A level qualification. The syllabus numbers are:
The AS level course is assessed by two 90-minute examinations, while the A level is assessed by three two-hour examinations. These take place in May and June each year.
What can I do with an Economics A level?
Economics is a subject that can open up a lot of options. Throughout human history, people have laid claim to raw materials, used labour to increase their value and traded the end products with one another – economics is the study of how all these things interact as part of a market, and what happens when these markets run into problems.
While it’s sometimes seen simply as the study of money and markets, its scope is far broader – economics relates to almost everything, including politics and international relations, the environment, history, sociology, philosophy and law. There are very few subjects that won’t benefit from a strong understanding of how scarcity, trade, production and labour have an impact on human interactions.
Economics is also a fundamental subject for business – whether you want to found a company of your own, or be involved in running an existing one. Accountancy and finance, business administration and marketing are all natural companion subjects to economics.
If you’re looking for a career in technology, economics also combines very well with sciences. Economics is often paired with subjects like biology, computer science, healthcare and engineering for a complete understanding of both the technical subject matter, and the market challenges related to the field.
Put simply, economics is one of the most flexible subjects you can study, and helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Some examples of career options using economics include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Accountancy
- Civil service
- Management and administration
- Insurance
- Market research
- Law
How much does it cost?
Our Economics A level course fee is £475 with a £95 deposit, payable in eight instalments of £47.50.
You will receive support from a fully-qualified tutor holding either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a degree in education.
This support includes:
- Marking all assignments for the course
- Written answers to specific study problems
- Telephone contact
When you begin this course, you will agree on an examination date or dates with your Student Adviser. Your support period lasts up to this examination date.
Meet Our Tutors
I have been teaching for over fifteen years and am privileged to say that I have loved every day of my job. I have a deep passion for educating people and believe in all my students. I look to encourage enquiry and curiosity amongst students. Within my teaching, I build students’ security in their own ability, giving them a platform of confidence to make the crucial independent steps towards the very highest grades. I also do a lot of work with exam boards: writing exam papers, marking, and leading teams of markers. This experience has helped me understand the exam requirements in greater depth which has improved my teaching too.
Amy Elliott
Prerequisites
Normally you are required to have at least four good GCSEs to begin the Economic A level. This does not have to include Economics GCSE, as the A level course covers the basic principles.
If you have other relevant qualifications or experience which you feel would allow you to start an A level Economics course, please contact one of our student advisers on 0800 975 75 75.
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FAQs
Why should I choose Oxford Home Schooling?
- Oxford Home Schooling is a long-established educational trust that prides itself on
- treating every student as an individual
- customer service
- course quality.
- We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot by students who have studied with us.
- We provide online and printed resources so you can study your way – other providers do not give you that choice.
- We make it easy for you to home-educate your children with our flexible schedule, tutor support, and interest-free payment plan.
- Every year we help hundreds of children who have left mainstream education obtain the qualifications they need to progress and achieve their goals.
- Oxford Home Schooling is part of a not-for-profit trust so you can be sure that your course fees are spent on either your child’s tuition or on improving our courses.
When can I enrol?
You can enrol any time you like, the earlier the better. The important thing to think about is when you wish to sit your exam and to give yourself plenty of time to work through your materials and revise successfully. Our cut-off dates for enrolment can be found here.
Once you have enrolled, you will get access to your course online immediately and your printed course materials will arrive a few days later.
Can I complete the Economics A level exam in one year?
Our cut-off for enrolling on an A level economics course for the following summer examination series is mid-October each year. So yes you can. However, remember that you will still need to fit around 700 hours of study time into your schedule before the examination. The earlier you enrol, the less study you must do each week!
Can I just enrol on the AS level Economics course?
Yes, you can. The fee to enrol on the Business AS course is just £300. If you decide to upgrade to a full A Level later on then you may do so for an additional fee of £250.
The results from your AS Level exam cannot be carried forward to your A level and you will need to take the full A level exams which test the full spectrum of topics from the AS and A level specification.
When will I sit my exam?
The Economics A level papers may be sat in the Summer examination series. The Summer series typically runs from mid-May to late June.
Since 2016 there has not been an autumn examination sitting.
How and when do I book an exam?
The final date for booking summer exams with the exam board without incurring late entry fees is the 21st of February. You should book your place at an exam centre well in advance of this date. Start looking once the autumn term begins.
All the information you need to book an exam centre can be found in our Exams Hub. Here you will find
- detailed instructions
- entry codes needed to book exams
- our map of examination centres where our students have sat in recent years.
Tutors & Exams offers discounts to Oxford Home Schooling students and has nine current exam venues across the UK: Belfast, Birmingham, Bolton, Coventry, Doncaster, High Wycombe, Romford, St Neots, Taunton and Wimbledon.
Pearson Edexcel also publishes a list of exam centres that accept private candidates. This won’t list every available centre, so if there’s nothing shown in your area, we recommend contacting local schools and colleges directly.
How much does a Economics A Level examination cost?
Your exam fees aren’t included in the course cost as they’re paid directly to the exam centre. They will vary depending on which centre you choose. Generally speaking, dedicated examination services will be more expensive than a local school or college. Prices range from £150 to £450 pounds.
Do I need to have studied Economics at GCSE level to embark on an A-level?
It is not essential because our A-level course starts from first principles. But it is certainly advantageous!
Is it possible to take both Business and Economic A levels simultaneously?
Yes. To some degree, there is an overlap of content but the two subjects may be said to complement each other well and they will certainly contribute to an overall understanding of the world of commerce. Studying either one will certainly contribute to your understanding of the other.
Explore the fascinating world of global economics Apply Now!
Need more information? Enquire Now!
