What topics are in A level economics?
Students might be excited to try economics if they’ve not studied it before. Additionally, economics is respected by employers and universities. Even though this is a great subject, you’ll still want to know what it’s all about before picking it. After all, your A level choices shouldn’t be taken lightly since they will undoubtedly be challenging. Read on to find out what topics you could be studying in A level economics.
Markets and market failure
Although the content will vary with different exam boards, most of what you’ll learn will be similar. One of the things students will learn about will be markets, how they operate, and market failure. This can include a broad range of topics. One of the first things students will approach will be the economic problem and economic methodology. You will also learn about price determination in markets, as well as costs of production and revenue.
There will be a focus on small, competitive markets. You might also learn about government intervention in markets as a topic. Topics expected to come up at A level are the labour market and the distribution of income and wealth. As you can see from this, there is a lot to cover in just one section of A level economics. The broad range of academic topics is just one reason why this subject is so respected.
The national economy and international economy
Students will then go on to learn about the national economy whilst looking at it in a global context. This will include studying the measurement of macroeconomic performance and how the macroeconomy works. Within this, you can expect to come across AD/AS analysis and the circular flow of income. The topics of policies within macroeconomy and economic performance will also crop up at AS level. You will study financial markets, fiscal policy, and the international economy at A level.
Economic principles and issues
This module is commonly only studied in the second year of college at A level rather than AS level. The exam paper for this will test you on all the subject content you have studied.
How you will be tested on the topics
You will only be tested on 2 exam papers at AS level. However, you will be tested on 3 papers at A level and for this reason you may want to consider the help of an A Level online economics tutor to help you. The first 2 papers include data response questions and essay questions on the listed topics. The third paper involves multi-choice questions and case study questions. Most of the questions within A level economics require written responses. This means, whilst you must know the topics inside out, your essay communication also has to be sound. Many students struggle with long written responses, so you might want to avoid economics if this sounds like you.
In conclusion, there is a wide variety of topics included in economics. You’ll learn a heavy amount of content within two years, meaning that hard work is required to memorise these topics. However, it is certainly doable and very rewarding, giving you opportunities for further study and employment.
If you, or your parents would like to find out more, please just get in touch via email at info@exam.tips or call us on 0800 689 1272.