Economics

About the course

Through the Cambridge International AS and A Level Economics syllabus, learners study how to explain and analyse economic issues and arguments, evaluate economic information, and organise, present and communicate ideas and judgements clearly.

The syllabus covers a range of basic economic ideas, including an introduction to the price system and government intervention, international trade and exchange rates, the measurement of employment and inflation, and the causes and consequences of inflation. Learners also study the price system, the theory of the firm, market failure, macroeconomic theory and policy, and economic growth and development.

Assessment

9708/1

9708/2

Paper 1: Multiple choice, 30 questions.

Paper 2: Data Response and AS Level Essay

Section A: one data response question (20 marks)

Section B: one essay from a choice of two focusing mainly on microeconomics; there are two parts to each essay question (20 marks)

Section C: one essay from a choice of two focusing mainly on macroeconomics; there are two parts to each essay question (20 marks)

Questions are based on the AS Level subject content.

Paper 4 Data Response and Essays

Section A: one data response question (20 marks)

Section B: one essay from a choice of two focusing mainly on microeconomics; the essay questions are unstructured with no parts (20 marks)

Section C: one essay from a choice of two focusing mainly on macroeconomics; the essay questions are unstructured with no parts (20 marks)

Questions are based on the A Level subject content; knowledge of material from the AS Level subject content is assumed.

Characteristics of successful students

Good economists will have a keen interest in the world around them and a genuine desire to understand how the earth’s scarce resources are shared and used. Good reading habits will enable A level economists to develop a good understanding of complex and rapidly-changing world affairs and to successfully evaluate economic information, arguments and policies.

Minimum entry requirements/prior learning

If the student has not studied Economics at IGCSE level, we require a minimum B grade in Mathematics and History or Georgaphy. Those with a good command of English will have an advantage as reading and essay-writing are core skills. Strong mathematical skills are useful for success at A level, and essential for undergraduate study.

Further studies and careers

Economics lends itself to a wide variety of careers and not necessarily those in finance. Some of the career options you will have include: Economist, chartered account, investment analyst, financial risk analyst, management consultant, government officer. With an Economics qualification, you can find work in both the public and private sectors for a range of different companies over many different industries. Some people find work in areas including: Blue-chip companies, charities and voluntary organisations, banks and building societies, consultancies and insurance firms.If you want to study Economics at university, you will also need A Level Maths, and some top ranking universities prefer A Level Further Math. Economics can also provide breadth for medicine related courses, the sciences and

Further Reading

Wealth and income inequality

Capital - Thomas Petty

Inequality - A. B. Atkinson

Dynamic efficiency

The second machine age - Brynjolfsson & McAfee

The next crisis

Inside China’s shadow banking - Joe Zhang

The fundamentals of Economics

The wealth of nations - Adam Smith

Sustainable development

Prosperity without growth

The collapse of the international monetary system

The death of money - James Rickards

Behavioural economics

Nudge - R.H Thaler & C. R. Sunstein

Journals

The Economist

New Internationalist

Forbes