About A-level Economics

The A-level Economics examination is ideal for those students wishing to apply for undergraduate degrees in Economic or Business related subjects.

In order to obtain this A-Level, students must take four separate examinations. The titles of the four papers are:
Unit 1: Markets in Action
Unit 2: Macroeconomic Policy and Performance
Unit 3: Business Behavior
Unit 4: Developments in the Global Economy

More specifically, Papers 1 and 2 make up half an A-Level, known as the AS Level and Papers 3 and 4 make up the other half, known as the A2 level. Thus, each paper makes up 25% of the student’s final A-Level grade.

The syllabus is typically taught within two academic years, but can be completed sooner on the premise that the student is willing to input more time and effort.

Please see the table below for a detailed analysis of the four papers.

Unit number and title Level Assessment Information Number of raw marks Allocated in the Unit
Unit 1:
Markets in Action
IAS Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Section A: Six multiple-choice questions (6 marks). 
Section B: Five short-answer questions (20 marks).
Section C: A five-part question, based on data provided in a source booklet (34 marks). 
Section D: One 20-mark essay question from a choice of two (20 marks).
80
Unit 2:
Macroeconomic Performance and Policy
IAS Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Section A: Six multiple-choice questions (6 marks). 
Section B: Five short-answer questions (20 marks). 
Section C: A five-part question, based on data provided in a source booklet (34 marks). 
Section D: One 20-mark essay question from a choice of two (20 marks).
80
Unit 3:
Business Behaviour
IA2 Written examination: 2 hours

Section A: Six multiple-choice questions (6 marks). 
Section B: A five-part question, based on data provided in a source booklet (34 marks). 
Section C: Two 20-mark essay questions from a choice of three (40 marks).
80
Unit 4:
Developments in the Global Economy
IA2 Written examination: 2 hours

Section A: Six multiple-choice questions (6 marks). 
Section B: A five-part question, based on data provided in a source booklet (34 marks). 
Section C: Two 20-mark essay questions from a choice of three (40 marks).
80

For any further information please visit the official International A-Level site: qualifications.pearson.com