Everyone knows that Economics is a tough A level, but don’t despair if you’ve chosen it. You can certainly transform your grade into an A with the right approach. Simply, cracking the code of A level Economics requires solid skills in analysis, communication, maths, revision, and exam preparation.
Whether you’re a student looking to improve your grades or a parent seeking guidance for your child, this article provides the recipe for success. Elevate your understanding and command of economics with The Profs’ A-Level Economics Tutors, setting you on a path to academic success and future career excellence. So, let’s get started, we will break down the following:
Content:
- What to expect: Understanding the A level Economics curriculum
- Understanding the A level Economics exam format
- Is A level Economics harder or easier than GCSE Economics?
- Understanding grades: How many marks do you need to get an A or A* in A level Economics?
- Identifying mistakes and weak areas for improvement
- Utilising effective learning techniques for A level Economics
- Strategies for improving your performance in A level Economics
- Exam techniques and strategies
- Benefit from our expert guidance in A level Economics
- FAQs
Want to skip ahead to success? Get in touch with one of our expert A level Economics tutors who can guide you to your dream grade. We have an incredible track record of success; 98% of our students achieve their predicted school grades whilst 75% exceed them. In fact, 68% of our students achieve A-A* at A level, which is over 2.5x the national average!
What to expect: Understanding the A level Economics curriculum
To excel in A level Economics, it’s essential to understand the curriculum and identify the key topics and concepts that require skill. Your specific curriculum will depend on your exam board, so ensure that you check this!
Check out the table below for an overview of the A level Economics curriculum for each exam board. Remember, curriculums can vary slightly from year to year so always double-check according to your A level date. Command your academic journey by harnessing the expertise of A-Level Tutors with The Profs, where your path to career growth begins.
You might also notice that some exam boards offer AS and some don’t. Similarly, your school may or may not offer AS. So, always double-check this as this will greatly affect your studies.
| Exam board | Curriculum |
| AQA | AS The operation of markets and market failure:
The national economy in a global context:
A level Individuals, firms, markets and market failure:
The national and international economy:
|
| Pearson Edexcel (Economics A and Economics B) | A level Economics A May or may not include AS Introduction to markets and market failure:
The UK economy – performance and policies:
Business behaviour and the labour market:
A global perspective:
A level Economics B Markets, consumers and firms:
The wider economic environment:
The global economy:
Making markets work:
|
| OCR (AS and A level) | AS level Microeconomics: Introduction to microeconomics
The role of markets
Macroeconomics: Aggregate demand and aggregate supply
Economic policy objectives
Implementing policy
The global context
A level Microeconomics: Introduction to Microeconomics
The role of markets
Business Objectives
Market structures
The labour market
Macroeconomics: Aggregate demand and aggregate supply
Economic policy objectives
Implementing policy
The global context
The financial sector
|
Please note: Pearson Economics offers a choice between Economics A and B. A is more traditional and uses models to a greater extent than B; A may or may not include AS level. B emphasises the use of business contexts rather than abstract models when teaching economic concepts.
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Understanding the A level Economics exam format
For A level Economics, you will take 3 exam papers. The information will differ depending on your exam board. Also, be aware that precise specifications can change from year to year so always check.
See the table below:
| Exam board | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
| AQA | Any content from ‘individuals, firms, markets and market failure’ in the table above. | Any content from ‘The national and international economy’ in the table above. | Any content from paper 1 and paper 2.
|
| Pearson Edexcel A | Markets and business behaviour. | The national and global economy. | Microeconomics and macroeconomics. |
| Pearson Edexcel B | Markets and how they work. | Competing in the global economy. | The economic environment and business. |
| OCR | Any content from ‘microeconomics’ in the table above. | Any content from ‘macroeconomics’ in the table above. | Paper on themes in economics. Students must link their knowledge and skills to answer questions from across all content areas. |
For each of the papers above, no matter the exam board, the following is accurate:
- This is a written exam.
- It lasts 2 hours.
- All of Pearson’s A level Economics A and B papers are marked out of 100. OCR and AQA papers are marked out of 80.
- All 3 papers from each exam board contribute from 30-35% of your Economics A level.
- There’s a mix of question styles, from short to open-ended, as well as data response.
Please note: This table does not include potential AS exams, only A level exams in year 13. However, you might have to take AS Economics papers in year 12 as well. This will depend on your exam board and school, so you should check with your Economics teacher as soon as possible, so that you know what to expect.
Need help to understand your exam format for A level Economics? Our expert Economics tutors can clarify the different papers and topics, as well as prepare for the exams. Why not work with our dedicated team to get the best scores possible? Enhance your academic journey with tailor-made guidance from The Profs’ expert tutors, ensuring you achieve career growth and success.
Is A level Economics harder or easier than GCSE Economics?
Economics is not a traditional GCSE or A level; many schools do not offer Economics as a qualification. So, it’s important to check whether your school offers Economics for GCSE and/or A level.
A level subjects are designed to be harder than GCSE subjects as they are a step up in qualification and aim to go deeper, requiring independent thought and thorough understanding. So, this is something to prepare for.
A level Economics tackles more topics than GCSE Economics, and these are also more advanced. As for the subjects that are the same as GCSE, students must delve further into them than in A level.
You should note that success in A level Economics is demanding without a solid foundation in Maths. At least a grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths is recommended. Need help catching up, improving your GCSE Maths grade or retaking? We have excellent GCSE and retake tutors who know exactly how to help you.
Understanding grades: How many marks do you need to get an A or A* in A level Economics?
Each exam board requires a different amount of marks for each grade boundary. Do not assume that it’s easier to get an A* or A with one exam board than another due to lower grade boundaries, as each exam board has its own mark scheme.
See how many marks you need to reach your goal:
| Exam board | A* | A |
| AQA | 182 | 156 |
| Pearson Edexcel A | 273 | 245 |
| Pearson Edexcel B | 219 | 189 |
| OCR | 193 | 164 |
What are the fundamental concepts of A level Economics?
Achieving an A-A* in A level Economics requires a comprehensive grasp of fundamental economic concepts and techniques, such as economic thinking and models, concept of scarcity, choice, utility, opportunity cost, supply and demand, PPC, market structures, fiscal and monetary policy, and international trade theory.
You should learn how to utilise economic analysis tools like diagrams, mathematical models, and case studies.
It’s important not to neglect your maths revision as it’s fundamental. Have you got a good grasp of algebra, probability, statistics, analysis, modelling and projection? These are essential!
You can strengthen your foundational knowledge through resources like online courses, completing them within a week or two. This solid foundation will address any gaps in your basic understanding.
A-grade students should be able to:
- Get to grips with evaluating. You must be able to evaluate for top grades!
- Understand and assess the significance of economic issues with confidence.
- Apply economic principles to analyse provided extracts or real-world examples.
- Evaluate issues from various political and theoretical standpoints.
- Connect economic concepts to real-world scenarios using provided data or personal knowledge.
- Master the manipulation and enhancement of diagrams to strengthen answers.
- Stay updated on current economic developments relevant to your course.
- Establish connections between different topics, especially macro and microeconomics.
- Articulate how economic theories apply to real-world situations with examples – A* students always have examples!
- Support arguments with relevant examples for analysis and evaluation in longer answers.
Top tip: Focus on elasticities. It’s one of the trickiest fundamental concepts in A level Economics but with little effort, it will become the easiest topic in your year. If you’re shooting for top grades, you need to master this.
If you commit yourself to knowing all the key concepts inside and out, you will undoubtedly improve your grade. Again, our expert Economics tutors are here to assist you every step of the way. We have tried and tested methods of success at the ready.
Secure your academic future with The Profs’ renowned Econometrics Tutors, whose expert guidance can be your pathway to excelling in A-level Economics and beyond.
Utilising effective learning techniques for A level Economics
Memory is important for all A level subjects. For Economics, it’s important to remember social and political theories, as well as how to work out mathematical equations. However, the key to succeeding in Economics is understanding and application. This can be pretty tricky, but the best way to harness this is through active learning and effective study techniques.
Before we jump in, here’s a top tip to start with. Unlike other subjects, Economics blends elements of both Sciences and Humanities. Rather than dealing with absolute facts, we explore theories and models, utilising data and mathematical tools to derive conclusions, much like in the realm of science. So, aim to grasp Economics as a unique discipline. Additionally, Economics delves into human behaviour and decision-making, akin to social sciences. Many students find Economics challenging initially, as it presents a novel approach to learning. The key is to dedicate consistent time each week to studying and reading about Economics.
Here are our tips:
- Take handwritten notes: Taking handwritten notes is essential, especially in Economics. With numerous definitions, graphs, and concepts to remember, jotting down information by hand is crucial. This process helps solidify your understanding of the material and allows you to check your retention levels, as summarising the content while taking notes is a key aspect of learning.
- Review every lesson: Take notes in your lessons. Regularly look over your notes and check that you understand them by explaining the notes to yourself. You should also frequently set pages to review in a couple of months, using spaced repetition.
- Utilise resources: Use the A level Economics textbook recommended by your teacher, and remember, you can always ask for them to recommend some more. Also, YouTube provides lots of helpful information, like summaries on micro and macro modules, as well as advice on how to ‘evaluate’ in Economics. You can also find lots of question banks online, enriching your understanding and preparation. Follow Economics podcasts (Freakonomics) and news outlets (The BBC and Guardian have pertinent Economics pages), and sign up for relevant Google alerts to keep yourself in the know.
- Practise past papers: Your exam board will have past papers that you can practise, and it’s even worth your time to practise papers from other exam boards as it can expand your comprehension and there’s often overlap. You should ask your teacher/s to mark these for you and give you feedback. The best way to learn is through your mistakes! Disclaimer: save full past papers until you’ve finished studying the curriculum as these are limited.
- Talk to students who achieved your goal grade: An A-A* grade Economics student can provide invaluable insights into the mindset and dedication required for top grades. You can ask anyone you know for their intel, including your peers with higher predicted grades. Additionally, numerous former A level Economics students have generously shared their guidance on YouTube, including those who have gone on to receive offers from top universities.
- Build a revision timetable: Create a revision timetable incorporating all of your A level subjects so that you can balance your time between them. Ensure that you carve out time to cover all topics included in your Economics A level, including revision tasks as well as research into relevant current affairs. You might want to leave yourself extra time for the topics you struggle with. Remember, adaptability is important – be prepared to amend your timetable if necessary.
- Speak up in class: Ask your teacher or peer for help if you’re struggling to grasp something or would like to clarify a concept. There’s no such thing as ‘silly questions’; don’t let a lack of confidence sabotage your understanding! Put up your hand and get the most out of your classes.
If you employ these effective learning techniques, you will undoubtedly improve your grade. Again, our expert Economics tutors are here to assist you every step of the way. We have tried and tested methods of success at the ready. Propel your academic journey with The Profs by connecting with expert Economics Tutors, ensuring you or your child not only achieve top A-level grades but also secure a spot at the university of your choice.
Strategies for improving your performance in A level Economics
Continuous practice is essential to improve your mathematics skills. However, how you practise is of utmost importance as it dictates whether you’re actually improving your performance. Four important factors to enforce in your practice are:
Understanding underlying concepts
Grasping the underlying logic behind each step is crucial to A level Economics. Hence, examiners plant challenging questions aimed at exposing those who merely memorise theories and keywords. If the rationale behind a concept isn’t clear, tackling complex questions becomes challenging!
When studying a topic, persist with questions until you’re satisfied with the explanation and truly comprehend it. This approach ensures that, in exams, when faced with an intricate essay on a concept or employing it, your understanding empowers you to address the question effectively.
Top tip: Start reading the Economist! Stay updated by regularly reading about current economic issues and historical events. Devote time to studying recent developments in economics related to your course. This will not only enhance your grasp of essential concepts but it will also allow you to cite specific industries or firms when required in essays. You can try turning complex theories into current, real-world examples to work through what you would intuitively expect and better your understanding.
Learning how to teach
Sign up to tutor Economics to your peers or host revision classes. If you can’t, ask a friend or family member if you can teach them certain theories and concepts.
Even if you don’t fully understand something, if you try and explain it to someone that’ll really help you to process how it works. When you practise by teaching, you help yourself to understand concepts better. A good rule of thumb is that if you understand concepts well enough to explain them, you understand them well enough to do them!
Confronting the questions you hate
When faced with a challenging question during your study session, don’t just move on – confront it head-on.
First, pinpoint the specific A level Economics topic the question relates to. Search your textbook for foundational questions on that topic. Feel free to expand your understanding through other platforms, such as YouTube, where you can find insightful videos.
If you find yourself stuck, seek help! Whether it’s reaching out to your teacher, chatting with friends or classmates, or seeking guidance from an external tutor, getting support with your learning can make a big difference. Remember, it’s okay to encounter obstacles along the way – what truly counts is your ongoing dedication. Sometimes, putting in the effort means teaming up with others for help.
Once you feel more proficient, engage in targeted practice with exam questions focused on that particular topic to achieve fluency. Strive for mastery, not just correctness.
Finally, revisit the initial challenging question armed with your enhanced knowledge, and watch it become more manageable.
Identifying mistakes and weak areas for improvement
Obviously, you should test yourself from time to time on concepts you can do well. However, your main focus should be on whatever you struggle with.
Recognising your weak spots is a strategic move as it allows you to address them well before the exams loom. Look at the syllabus and focus on areas that you can’t understand or perform very well.
We all have topics that seem to elude our understanding more than others. When you come across such challenging areas, make a mental note and allocate extra study time to delve into the intricacies. Dive into more practice questions specifically tailored to these stumbling blocks – this targeted approach not only builds competence but bolsters your confidence, ensuring you’re well-prepared to conquer those troublesome topics when the exam day arrives.
Do you want to get an A or A* in your Economics A level? You’ve come to the right place. Here at The Profs, top grades are our forte. That’s why 35% of our students achieve an A* at A level, which is over 4x the national average!
Exam techniques and strategies
Firstly, perfecting time management is key. To refine this skill, consider practising with past papers under timed conditions. This will not only enhance your efficiency but also ensure you navigate through questions seamlessly, leaving ample time for tackling the more intricate ones targeted at A* students.
Secondly, some exam questions specifically challenge A* students, demanding strategic time allocation. Practising past papers is a valuable method to hone your time management skills, allowing you to navigate through the paper efficiently.
Recognising when to move on from a challenging question is vital. If you find yourself in a repetitive cycle without progress, you should swiftly shift your focus and prevent unnecessary time depletion. You can always circle back to the tricky questions later if you have time at the end.
Remember, when it comes to A level Economics, there are 4 exam muscles you must be ready to flex: essay writing, applying political theory/knowledge, evaluating economic concepts and developing diagrams.
Understand how to effectively use and expand diagrams to support your answers. Avoid merely drawing basic diagrams; instead, aim to enhance and elaborate on them. When incorporating a diagram into your economics response, ensure that you also provide written analysis to maximise your scoring potential.
Finally, work on your fluency by smashing past papers and dissecting mark schemes. Train your brain to think like an examiner, anticipating what they’re after. It’s not just about answers; show your work and make it crystal clear. Precision is your best mate, with accuracy over speed.
Allow one of our dedicated Economics tutors to walk you through Economics A level exam techniques and strategies. We can identify your weaknesses and strengths, and set you on a path to secure your A-A*!
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Benefit from our expert guidance in A level Economics
Unsure? Trust our results. 33% of our students achieved an A* in 2025, compared to the national average of 9%. Hence working with one of our experts will nearly quadruple your chances of success.
Our experienced Economics tutors offer methods for improvement by breaking down complex concepts and providing exam strategies. They also offer a deeper understanding of Economics by providing additional learning materials and immediate feedback.
Secure top marks in A-Level Economics by connecting with The Profs’ Essay Tutors, who offer expert insights tailored to students’ unique learning needs, paving the way for academic excellence and university success.
FAQs
Where can I find Econometrics tutors in London?
Right here at The Profs. We have top tutors for every level in every subject.
What are the key topics to focus on for A level Economics?
Key topics include microeconomics (supply and demand, market structures), macroeconomics (inflation, unemployment, economic growth), and evaluation skills (applying economic theories to real-world scenarios).
To find out more detailed information on the key topics for A level Economics A-A* students, read this blog.
How can I improve my essay writing skills for A level Economics?
Practise writing essays that analyse economic concepts in-depth, provide clear arguments supported by evidence, and include evaluations from different perspectives. Reviewing sample essays and seeking feedback from teachers or tutors can also be beneficial.
What resources can I use to prepare for A level Economics exams?
Utilise textbooks, revision guides, online resources (such as educational websites and YouTube channels), past exam papers, and study groups. Additionally, consider seeking support from tutors or attending revision courses for personalised assistance.
For more advice, read this blog.
How important is understanding economic theory versus applying it to real-world situations?
Both understanding economic theory and applying it to real-world situations are essential for success in A level Economics. While a strong grasp of theory provides the foundation, the ability to apply it to real-world contexts demonstrates higher-level thinking and analytical skills.
What strategies can I use to manage my time effectively during A level Economics exams?
Prioritise practising past papers under timed conditions to improve time management skills and familiarity with exam format. Create a study schedule to allocate time for revising different topics, practising essay writing, and reviewing concepts regularly to avoid last-minute cramming.
