AS and A-level Economics

7135, 7136

AQA's AS and A-level Economics courses typically aim to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics and the ability to use these principles in a variety of real-world contexts. Here's a broad overview of the content usually included in these courses:

1. AS Level Economics:

The AS level course typically covers both microeconomics and macroeconomics.

• Microeconomics: You might study topics like economic methodology and the economic problem, price determination in a competitive market, production, costs and revenue, competitive and concentrated markets, and market failure.

• Macroeconomics: This can cover the measurement of macroeconomic performance, how the macroeconomy works (circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis), and macroeconomic policy.

2. A-Level Economics:

The A-level course will typically cover everything in the AS level course and go into greater detail, with additional topics in both microeconomics and macroeconomics.

• Microeconomics: Additional topics can include labor markets, distribution of income and wealth, and market failure and government intervention.

• Macroeconomics: You might further study financial markets and monetary policy, fiscal and supply-side policies, international economics, and the economic cycle.

Remember, this is a general overview, and the specifics can change from year to year or even between different education systems within the UK. For the most accurate information, always refer to the AQA website or other official resources provided by AQA.

Assessments usually involve a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay-style questions. These exams will typically test your knowledge and understanding of the course content, your ability to apply this knowledge to new situations, and your ability to analyze and evaluate economic arguments and data.

It's important to note that AS and A-level courses are separate qualifications and you can take an AS level without going on to do an A-level. However, the AS level can also serve as the first half of the A-level course if you choose to continue. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the AS level results do not count towards the final A-level grade.

AQA A-level and AS level Economics are typically assessed through written examinations. Here's a general idea of how they are structured:

**AS Level Economics:**

There are usually two written papers, each worth 50% of the AS level. 

- Paper 1: Markets and market failure: This paper covers the microeconomic topics, such as supply and demand, elasticity, consumer and producer surplus, market structures, and market failure. 

- Paper 2: National and international economy: This paper covers macroeconomic topics like measuring economic performance, aggregate demand and supply, fiscal and monetary policy, international trade, and the financial sector.

Both papers usually consist of a combination of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions.

**A-Level Economics:**

For A-level, there are typically three written papers, each worth a third of the A-level.

- Paper 1: Markets and market failure (microeconomics)

- Paper 2: National and international economy (macroeconomics)

- Paper 3: Economic principles and issues (a combination of micro and macro)

Papers 1 and 2 are likely to involve multiple choice questions, short answer questions, and essay or data response questions, similar to the AS level papers. 

Paper 3 might include case studies and scenarios that you need to respond to, testing your ability to apply your knowledge of both micro and macro topics to real-world situations.

Please note that this is a broad overview based on my knowledge as of 2021, and the specifics may vary slightly depending on the exact syllabus and year. For the most accurate information, you should refer to the official AQA Economics specification or consult with a teacher or advisor who is familiar with the current version of the course.