The A Level Economics course will give you a
sound knowledge of economic principles.
The study of economics shows that it's a subject that doesn't
revolve solely around wealth creation or the financial markets and
business performance, but affects our everyday lives, through
interest rate fluctuations, taxation levels, unemployment,
migration and even entertainment.
The Economics A Level syllabus will give you all that knowledge
and more. You'll look at large economies and determine the factors
that result in success of failure, and discuss the role of
government intervention. In the study of macro-economies you'll
learn how countries manage their economies and how they impact on
the global economy.
You'll also study business economics and the impact of
competition and changes in the labour market. And you'll learn
about the objectives, costs and revenues of business and consider
their role in the wider economy.
Although many Economics A Level students will also be taking A
Level Maths, which is required by most university economics
degrees, A Level Economics is not highly
mathematical, but is a discussion-based subject which requires
students to form opinions about the world around them, where there
is increasing debate about scarcity of resources and the study of
economics plays a key role.
You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to
enrol in our A Level Economics course. That's
because we believe in making home study - and a rewarding future -
as accessible as possible.
An A Level Economics can lead to degree level
economics studies and a wide variety of careers in business, the
public service, research and teaching. If you wish to enter or
progress in employment, you'll find your A Level
Economics will demonstrate to employers that you have the
ability to commit to learning, and have acquired good reasoning and
analytical skills - essential in practically every walk of
life.
This course will prepare you to sit the A Level
Economics exams.
- Unit 1: written examination 1 hour 15 mins
- 25 compulsory objective test items; one of two data response
questions
- Unit 2: written examination 1 hour 15 mins
- 25 compulsory objective test items; one of two data response
questions
- Unit 3: written examination 2 hours - One
of two data response questions; one of three data response
questions
- Unit 4: written examination 2 hours - One
of two data response questions; one of three data response
questions
Please note that you are responsible for making your own exam
arrangements.
You will have to pay an examination fee as well as a centre fee
which will vary depending on exam centre.
Find out more information about arranging your examinations.
Because we're experts in home learning, ICS knows about and
offers all the support you need along the way.
You'll receive study materials that have been specially designed
for distance learning by experts in your chosen field. There are no
essential textbooks but it is recommended that you purchase the
following (both approx £16):
- AQA Economics AS by Jim
Lawrence, Alasdair Copp and Steve Stoddard
- AQA Economics A2 by Jim
Lawrence, Alasdair Copp and Steve Stoddard
You'll have access to an experienced personal tutor both online
and over the phone, ready to help you with guidance and
motivation.
You'll also be part of the ICS
Online Student Community, where you'll have access to library
materials and your account information, as well as vital links with
your fellow students, with the chance to discuss your work, ask
questions and make new friends.
Centre exam and registration fees are additional to your course
fees and these costs may vary according to the exam centre you
use.
Find out more information about arranging your examinations.
See your course content
This course prepares candidates for the AQA Economics A Level syllabus
(2140), for examinations in
June 2012 and later years.
The A Level Economics course is split into
four units:
Unit 1 - Economics: Markets and Market
Failure
- The Economic Problem
- The Allocation of Resources in
Competitive Markets
- Production and
Efficiency
- Market Failure
- Government Intervention in the
Market
Unit 2 - Economics: The National Economy
- The Measurement of Macroeconomic Performance
- How the Macroeconomy Works:
AD/AS Analysis, the Circular Flow of Income, and Related
Concepts
- Economic Performance
- Macroeconomic Policy
Unit 3 - Economics: Business Economics and the
Distribution of Income
- The Firm: Objectives, Costs and Revenues
- Competitive Markets
- Concentrated Markets
- The Labour Market
- Government Intervention in the
Market
Unit 4 - Economics: The National and International
Economy
- Macroeconomic Indicators
- Managing the National
Economy
- The International
Economy