Subject Details

Why Study AS & A Level Economics?

Economics is the study of how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions about the allocation of scarce resources. It is essential for students interested in careers in finance, banking, public policy, international development, business management, and research. Studying Economics develops critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the ability to evaluate complex economic issues and arguments using both qualitative and quantitative evidence.

The Cambridge AS & A Level Economics course provides learners with the skills needed to explain and analyse economic issues, evaluate economic information, and communicate ideas and judgements clearly. At AS Level, students explore fundamental concepts including scarcity and opportunity cost, demand and supply, market structures, government intervention, aggregate demand and supply analysis, and international trade. The syllabus encourages students to apply economic thinking to real-world problems and develop an appreciation of how economic decisions affect individuals, firms, and governments.

At A Level, the course extends into more advanced microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, including utility and indifference curve analysis, market failure and externalities, different market structures from perfect competition to monopoly, labour market economics, monetary policy, and the economics of development and globalisation. Students develop the ability to evaluate economic policies, assess their effectiveness, and consider both economic and non-economic factors in decision-making.

Global Recognition & Importance

Cambridge AS & A Level Economics is widely recognised by universities and employers across the UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Singapore, and many other countries. UK ENIC has independently benchmarked Cambridge International AS & A Level as comparable to UK AS & A Level standards. The AS Level provides a foundation for A Level study or can serve as a standalone qualification for university entry, while the A Level provides a strong foundation for the study of economics or related courses in higher education.

Exam Format

The Cambridge AS & A Level Economics assessment consists of four papers combining multiple-choice, data response, and essay-based questions to evaluate students' knowledge, analytical abilities, and evaluation skills.

✅ Paper 1: AS Level Multiple Choice (30 marks, 1 hour)

📌 30 multiple-choice questions based on the AS Level syllabus content.

📌 Weighs 33% of the AS Level or 17% of the A Level.

✅ Paper 2: AS Level Data Response and Essays (60 marks, 2 hours)

📌 Section A: one compulsory data response question (20 marks).

📌 Section B: one essay from a choice of two, focusing mainly on microeconomics (20 marks).

📌 Section C: one essay from a choice of two, focusing mainly on macroeconomics (20 marks).

📌 Weighs 67% of the AS Level or 33% of the A Level.

✅ Paper 3: A Level Multiple Choice (30 marks, 1 hour 15 minutes)

📌 30 multiple-choice questions based on the A Level syllabus content; AS Level knowledge is assumed.

📌 Weighs 17% of the A Level.

✅ Paper 4: A Level Data Response and Essays (60 marks, 2 hours)

📌 Section A: one compulsory data response question (20 marks).

📌 Section B: one unstructured essay from a choice of two, focusing mainly on microeconomics (20 marks).

📌 Section C: one unstructured essay from a choice of two, focusing mainly on macroeconomics (20 marks).

📌 Weighs 33% of the A Level.

How A* Quiz Helps

A* Quiz is an excellent tool for mastering Paper 1 and Paper 3, providing extensive practice with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering both AS and A Level economic concepts, theories, and applications. Additionally, by engaging in structured quiz practice, students build a solid understanding of key economic principles and analytical techniques, which enhances their performance in Papers 2 and 4 by reinforcing the knowledge needed for data response and essay-based questions.