Course at a glance
Examining Board: Edexcel
Next Examination Period: May/June 2023
Exam Specification Code: 9ECO
Coursework Element: None
Practical Element: None
Course Fee Includes: Online course materials and tutor support. Additional materials available at extra cost.
Standard Option: Economics A Level
Payment Options: Interest free instalment plans available
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Introduction
The A Level Economics course follows the core aims of the Edexcel framework, (students can also prepare with this material to sit the Edexcel Examination) which are to:
Define and assess achievement of the knowledge, skills and understanding that will be needed by students planning to progress to undergraduate study at a UK higher education establishment, particularly (although not only) in the same subject area, for example Economics management, Economics administration, accountancy and finance, human resource management, marketing, retail management, tourism management and international Economics.
A study of Edexcel GCE Economics Studies Specification complements many other popular A Levels including Philosophy, Law, History, History of Art, Government and Politics, Sociology and English Literature. Students who successfully complete this course are able to move onto other A Level and Diploma Courses which builds on the knowledge of the wider syllabus.
Fast Track A Level Economics Entry Requirements
Although the Fast Track A Level Economics programmes build on the course content of GCSE, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an A-Level. However, in order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.
All students must be 16 years of age or above.
Fast Track A Level Economics Course Duration
1 year.
Study Hours Required
Approximately 350 hours.
Awarding Body
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Examination Information
Students are required to arrange and pay for their examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.
All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.
Fast Track A Level Economics Course Contents
The whole ‘A’ level has FOUR (4) specific units of study, which are sub-divided into FOUR (4) Units of learning, these are:
Fast Track A Level Economics Unit 1 – Markets, Consumers and Firms
Students will learn about the market economy and how market forces shape the way in which firms meet consumer demand, how firms raise the finance they need and how they measure their performance.
Students will consider how markets work, looking at how supply and demand interact to allocate resources in local, national and international markets. They will learn how to apply supply and demand analysis to real-world situations and be able to offer explanations to explain consumer behaviour.
Having investigated how markets work, students will then look at market failure. They will look at the nature and causes of market failure before considering the strengths and weaknesses of possible government interventions to remedy market failure.
Students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics and to develop an ability to think as an economist.
To develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in economics, students need to have acquired competence in quantitative skills that are relevant to, and applied in the context of, this theme.
For this theme, students will need to be aware of the accounting ratios, which will be taught throughout this study unit.
Fast Track A Level Economics Unit 2 – The Wider Economic Environment
Business growth and competitive advantage lead naturally to the ways in which consumers are influenced by and respond to changes in prices and incomes.
This theme goes on to develop an understanding of the nature of productive efficiency and the need to improve it. At this point, the theme broadens out to cover global issues, fluctuations in the economy and the ways in which governments respond to threats and changes with micro- and macro-economic policies.
Students will consider the different approaches that may be used by policy-makers to address the main economic issues. Students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics and develop an ability to think as an economist.
To develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in economics, students need to have acquired competence in quantitative skills that are relevant to and applied in the context of this theme.
Fast Track A Level Economics Unit 3 – The Global Economy
Students develop their understanding of the meaning of globalisation. They then go on to explore ways in which firms expand into new markets and move to new locations for production, alongside looking at the issues relating to global trade and growth, and the trade policies that shape the global economy.
Multinational corporations figure significantly in this theme, along with the study of global labour markets, poverty, inequality and income distribution.
Students will apply supply and demand analysis to the labour market as they see how wages are determined and look at other influences on the rewards of labour. Students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics and develop an ability to think as an economist.
To develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in economics, students need to have acquired competence in quantitative skills that are relevant to and applied in the context of this theme.
Fast Track A Level Economics Unit 4 – Making Markets Work
Students will investigate competition and market power in this theme, as well as other aspects of market failure, covered in greater depth from Theme 1: Markets, consumers and firms.
The focus on regulation opens up the range of measures that can be used to prevent firms from using their market power in ways that are detrimental to the interests of society as a whole.
In-depth coverage of macroeconomic policy and the role of the financial markets allows’ students to explore the significant problems that have developed in recent years without needing technical understanding of the financial system.
Students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics and develop an ability to think as an economist.
To develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in economics, students need to have acquired competence in quantitative skills that are relevant to and applied in the context of this theme.
Textbooks
Edexcel Economics: AS/A Textbook J. Jones et-al 2015 Pearson Pub.
Andrew Northedge – The Good Study Guide Open University.
All of the above can also be obtained in an electronic format.
Assessment
Awarding Body Syllabus
The course does not as standard have any ‘course work’ element and is therefore, has an end loaded final assessment by a THREE (3), TWO (2) hour papers across the four syllabus units of learning, that amount to 6 hours in total examination time, which are divided into TWO parts of the four (4) units (themes)studied.
To ensure that the four assessment objectives (AOs) are clearly placed and assessed prior to the final examination, the TMA’s are weighted in accordance with these AO statements below:
AO1: Demonstrate knowledge of terms/concepts and theories/models to show an understanding of the behaviour of economic agents and how they are affected by and respond to economic issues
AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding to various economic contexts to show how economic agents are affected by and respond to economic issues
AO3: Analyse issues within economics, showing an understanding of their impact on economic agents
AO4: Evaluate economic arguments and use qualitative and quantitative evidence to support informed judgements relating to economic issues
Progression
Our Fast Track A Level Economics programmes are eligible for UCAS points, making them a great choice for students aiming to progress to University. UCAS points are awarded according to the grade earned, please see below for details.
A levels are also widely recognised by employers and are useful for students looking to progress their careers or meet requirements for promotion.
UCAS Points Table
A* = 56
A = 48
B = 40
C = 32
D = 24
E = 16