SPECIFICATIONS

The examination board used for economics is AQA. A brief description of the specification content for AS and A Level economics is given here. Full details can be found at the AQA website

AS ECONOMICS

The AS specification number is 5141. 

The aim of the first year of the course is to give you an introduction to general economic principles and the basic models used to explain and analyse different economic situations.  

You will study  three modules as part of your AS studies. These are:

AS Module 1        Markets and Market Failure

This module gives you an introduction to microeconomics, ie the operation of individual markets. The model of supply and demand will be developed and used to explain market behaviour at a microeconomic level. The effectiveness of the market as a means of allocating scarce resources will be examined, as will the role of government in correcting the deficiencies of the market mechanism.

The areas covered are:

AS Module 2        The National Economy

This module gives you an introduction to macroeconomics, ie the the economy as a whole. You will be introduced to the government's macroeconomic objectives and will use a model of the national economy to see how different economic polices affect the macroeconomy. You will also be introduced to different theories which attempt to justify the different policies which are available to government to maximise macroeconomic performance.

The areas covered are:

AS Module 3        Markets at Work

This module looks at a specific market in detail. You will examine the housing market and will use the subject knowledge and models developed in the two previous modules to answer such questions as:

A LEVEL ECONOMICS

The A Level specification number is 6141. 

The specification builds on the work covered at AS level and allows you to develop a wider and deeper understanding of the micro and macroeconomy. 

You will study three modules:

A2 Module 4        Working as an Economist or Course Work

This module allows you to make a choice of study. 

If you choose working as an economist you will complete a case study examination where you assume a particular role eg economics adviser and  have to write a report on data given out at the beginning of the examination. The data could be in the form of written articles, charts, graphs or statistical tables and will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of micro and macroeconomics developed in the second year of the course. The topic chosen for the assessment is the European Union.

Alternatively you can complete a piece of coursework on a topic of your own choosing. You will carry out an investigation into an economic issue and prepare a written report of approximately 3500 words. 

A2 Module 5        Business Economics and the Distribution of Income

This module builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in module 1. You will look in detail at the operation of product markets and develop formal models which explain the behaviour of individual firms. You will also look at the operation of the labour market and analyse the factors which influence wage rates and the distribution of income.

The topics covered are:

A2 Module 6        Government Policy, The National and International Economy

This module builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in module 2.  You will look in detail at the operation of the macroeconomy, and the different economic polices used to enable the economy to achieve its growth potential. The United Kingdom's role within the European Union and the wider world economy will also be examined.

The topics covered are:

Full details can be found at the AQA website

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