Economics – Edexcel – AS 8EC01
Economics – Edexcel – A2 9EC01
Course Outline
This course will be of interest if you want background knowledge of how markets work and the
economic reasoning behind Government Policy. By providing you with some theoretical ideas that
you then apply to topical areas of interest, like employment, trade policy and inflation, we hope a
critical understanding of the UK economy will be developed. The subject can be studied at both AS
and A Level.
Economics also requires some ability in interpreting statistical data, graphs and diagrams, with more
subtle interpretation needed at A Level. The first year of the course involves studying the principles
that underpin economic thinking, developing a ‘toolkit’ of economic ideas, and then practising these
on a wide range of practical issues, using as sources current periodicals, newspapers and the
internet.
Course Details
AS - Economics
A2 - Economics
Unit 1:
Unit 3:
Markets: How they work & why they fail
Business Economics & Economic Efficiency
A written paper of 1½ hours duration with A written paper of 1½ hours duration with
supported
multi-choice
questions
and supported multi-choice questions and questions
questions based on data.
based on data.
(50% AS, 25% A2 Level)
(20% of total A2 Level)
Unit 2:
Managing The Economy
A written paper of 1½ hours duration
consisting of one question based on data.
(50% AS, 25% A2 Level)
Unit 4:
The Global Economy
A written paper of 2 hours duration with questions
based on data and one essay style question.
(30% of total A2 Level)
Assessment Criteria
The AS Level is studied over the first year and successful completion of this course with a minimum
of a D Grade will be required for entry into the A2 Level course followed in the second year.
The specification followed is the one offered by Edexcel. The course at all levels is assessed
entirely by a final examination. At both the AS and A2 Level microeconomics and macroeconomics
are studied.
Course requirement and progression
To follow the Economics course you would be expected to meet the general requirements for AS
Level courses. In addition, because the subject is largely based on developing certain numerical
skills and requires higher level writing skills a Grade B or higher at (I)GCSE Mathematics and
English Language are required.
Especially worthwhile combinations with AS Economics are Mathematics, English, Business Studies,
Psychology, History or Geography.