A-level Economics
Proven to be one of the most favoured A-level subjects by universities, studying economics helps you think critically and problem-solve. You will gain a deeper understanding of how economies function and the factors that influence economic decisions.
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course under a year at no extra charge
- 98% Pass Rate
- Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate
- Exam Pass Guarantee
- If you don't pass first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our learning platform, MyOxbridge™
- Unlimited Tutor Support™
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor
Course Introduction
At Oxbridge, we are proud to provide multiple A-level courses. Fancy becoming the next Chancellor of the Exchequer or a highly skilled analyst? Our AQA A-level Economics course provides students with the analytical, numerical and research skills to help you achieve a strong understanding of economics.
Through nine engaging modules split between two units, you’ll study the factors of production, supply and demand, the relationships between financial markets and much more. In short, you’ll learn how to think like a true economist!
Firstly in unit one you will understand the relationships between individuals and markets, as well as what happens when they fail.
Secondly in unit two you understanding will grow in include the national economy and how it fits into the wider global economy.
A-level Economics is also a valuable qualification for entry into many other careers that require an analytical mind and critical thinking, such as law and journalism. This course will provide you with a strong foundation for higher education or employment, as you will have shown your ability to understand and evaluate complex information.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- UCAS Points
- Syllabus Code
- Units
-
9 to 24 months
(Fast Track available)
-
300
-
Level 3
-
AQA
-
56
-
7136
-
3 units (view units)
Awarding Body: AQA
AQA qualifications are internationally recognised and taught in 30 countries worldwide, highly valued and recognised by employers and universities and enable you to progress to the next stage of your life. AQA qualifications suit a range of abilities and include GCSE courses, IGCSE courses and A-level courses.
UCAS
This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to university courses and other higher education qualifications, through the UCAS system.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1: Individuals, Firms, Markets and Market Failure
- Economic methodology
- The nature and purpose of economic activity
- Economic resources
- Consumer behaviour
- Imperfect information
- Bounded rationality
- Biases
- Behavioural economics and economic policy
- Demand and price
- Price, income and cross elasticities of demand
- Income elasticity of demand (YED)
- Composite and competitive supply
- Price elasticity of supply
- Production costs and revenue
- Law of diminishing returns
- Economies and diseconomies of scale
- Profit
- Barriers to entry
- Advantages and disadvantages of monopoly
- The competitive market process
- The Labour Market
- Influences upon the supply of labour
- Distribution of wealth
- Poverty
- Public goods, private goods and quasi-public goods
- Privatisation
- Subsidies
- Minimum and maximum prices
- Public ownership
Unit 2: The National and International Economy
- The national economy in a global context
- Inflation
- Unemployment
- The circular flow of income
- Aggregate demand and aggregate supply analysis
- The Keynesian LRAS Curve
- Economic performance and cycles
- Employment and unemployment
- Inflation and deflation
- Quantity theory of money
- Consequences of inflation
- The Phillips Curve
- Financial markets and monetary policy
- Commercial banks and investment banks
- Assets of commercial banks
- Credit creation
- Central banks and monetary policy
- The regulation of the financial system
- Bank failure and moral hazard
- Liquidity and capital ratios
- Systemic risk
- Fiscal policy and supply-side policies
- Progressive, regressive and proportional taxation
- Main taxes used in the UK
- Principles of taxation
- Public expenditure
- Supply-side policy
- Causes of globalisation
- Economic growth and development
Unit 3: Preparing for exam papers
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive an A-level in Economics, issued by AQA. This syllabus (7136) has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning. Your certificate is identical to that issued to students at any other school, college or university.
A qualification in A-level Economics is highly respected by universities and employers alike. You will become more aware of global economic issues and financial markets, increasing your decision-making and evaluation skills.
Progression Routes
After gaining a qualification in A-level Economics, you open a world of possibilities. If you are business-minded, you will become more knowledgeable in different economic practices that can help you when pursuing a career. You can also study degrees in similar fields, such as Business and Management, Finance, Accounting and Sociology.
Examinations and Assessments
You will be required to complete the three written exams:
- Paper 1: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 80 marks
- Paper 2: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 80 marks
- Paper 3: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 80 marks
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
Entry Requirements
A GCSE or equivalent qualification in economics or maths is recommended for this course. This A-level Economics syllabus is a difficulty level three: the equivalent difficulty of an A-level or BTEC, usually suitable for most learners of all ages.