IGCSE Economics Course

The IGCSE Economics course will help you to understand economic problems, issues and possible solutions that affect economies.

You will learn to apply everything you learn to real-life situations. Students will learn to appreciate interrelationships between microeconomics and macroeconomics.

igcse-economics-course

Enrolment Fee:

£395.00

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Description

The IGCSE Economics course is ideal for anyone wishing to gain knowledge and understanding of this subject. It will apply economic theory to support analysis of current economic problems and issues.  Learners will understand how resources are allocated and how this affects demand, supply and price.

This course will allow students to relate what they are learning around them locally, nationally and globally. This will include economic development such as living standards and poverty.  It will also cover international trade along with exchange rates.

The topics in this course are similar to those covered at A Level.  Therefore, if you do proceed to A Level Economics after IGCSE, you will have a good basis before going into more depth in respect of the subject.

Cambridge Syllabus up to 2026 Exams


Cambridge Course Code(s)

IGCSE Economics (9-1): 0987

IGCSE Economics (A*-G): 0455

(Please note, there is no difference in the course teachings for the two specifications.  The only difference is the grade you will receive once you have taken the exams.

0987 is graded 9-1, 9 being the highest

0455 is graded A* to G, A* being the highest.

Cambridge Exams: June & November

Cambridge Study Hours: 130 hours


This IGCSE Economics CAIE Course will develop an understanding of economic theory, terminology and principles. Students study the economics of different countries and how these interrelate. They also learn to work with simple economics data and to use the tools of economic analysis. Students apply understanding of economics to current economic issues.

The Cambridge IGCSE Economics syllabus provides a foundation for further study, including Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics, or the equivalent.


Cambridge IGCSE Economics Modules


1 The basic economic problem

  • The nature of the economic problem 
  • The factors of production 
  • Opportunity cost 
  • Production possibility curve (PPC) diagrams 

2 The allocation of resources

  • Microeconomics and macroeconomics 
  • The role of markets in allocating resources 
  • Demand 
  • Supply  
  • Price determination 
  • Price changes 
  • Price elasticity of demand (PED) 
  • Price elasticity of supply (PES) 
  • Market economic system 
  • Market failure 
  • Mixed economic system 

3 Microeconomic decision makers

  • Money and banking 
  • Households 
  • Workers 
  • Trade unions 
  • Firms 
  • Firms and production 
  • Firms’ costs, revenue and objectives 
  • Market structure 

4 Government and the macroeconomy

  • The role of government 
  • The macroeconomic aims of government 
  • Fiscal policy 
  • Monetary policy 
  • Supply-side policy 
  • Economic growth 
  • Employment and unemployment 
  • Inflation and deflation 

5 Economic development

  • Living standards 
  • Poverty 
  • Population 
  • Differences in economic development between countries

6 International trade and globalisation

  • International specialisation 
  • Globalisation, free trade and protection 
  • Foreign exchange rates 
  • Current account of balance of payments 

Cambridge Assessment up to 2026 Exams


All candidates take two components. 


Paper 1 Multiple Choice

45 minutes 

30 marks 

Candidates answer all 30 questions 

Paper 2 Structured Questions

2 hours 15 minutes 

90 marks 

Candidates answer one compulsory question and three questions from a choice of four. 

Cambridge Syllabus 2027-2029 Exams


Cambridge Course Code(s)

IGCSE Economics (9-1): 0987

IGCSE Economics (A*-G): 0455

(Please note, there is no difference in the course teachings for the two specifications.  The only difference is the grade you will receive once you have taken the exams.

0987 is graded 9-1, 9 being the highest

0455 is graded A* to G, A* being the highest.

Cambridge Exams: June & November

Cambridge Study Hours: 130 hours


This IGCSE Economics CAIE Course will develop an understanding of economic theory, terminology and principles. Students study the economics of different countries and how these interrelate. They also learn to work with simple economics data and to use the tools of economic analysis. Students apply understanding of economics to current economic issues.

The Cambridge IGCSE Economics syllabus provides a foundation for further study, including Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics, or the equivalent.


Cambridge IGCSE Economics Modules


1 The basic economic problem

  • The nature of the basic economic problem  
  • Factors of production  
  • Opportunity cost  
  • Production possibility curve (PPC) diagrams  

2 The allocation of resources

  • The role of markets in allocating resources  
  • Demand  
  • Supply  
  • Price determination  
  • Price changes  
  • Price elasticity of demand (PED)  
  • Price elasticity of supply (PES)  
  • Market economic system  
  • Market failure  
  • Mixed economic system  

3 Microeconomic decision-makers

  • Money and banking  
  • Households  
  • Workers  
  • Firms  
  • Firms and production  
  • Firms’ costs, revenue and objectives  
  • Types of markets  

4 Government and the macroeconomy

  • Government macroeconomic intervention  
  • Fiscal policy  
  • Monetary policy  
  • Supply-side policy  
  • Economic growth  
  • Employment and unemployment  
  • Inflation  

5 Economic development

  • Living standards  
  • Poverty  
  • Population  
  • Differences in economic development between countries 

6 International trade and globalisation

  • Specialisation and free trade  
  • Globalisation and trade restrictions  
  • Foreign exchange rates  
  • Current account of the balance of payments 

Cambridge Assessment 2027-2029 Exams


All candidates take two components.  


Paper 1 Multiple Choice

1 hour  

40 marks 

Candidates answer all 40 questions 

Paper 2 Structured Questions

2 hours  

80 marks 

Candidates answer one compulsory question and three questions from a choice of four. 

Edexcel Syllabus

Edexcel Course Code(s): 4EC1

Edexcel Exams: June & November

Edexcel Study Hours: 130 hours


Edexcel IGCSE Economics Modules


The market system:

  • The economic problem
  • Economic assumptions
  • Demand, supply and market equilibrium
  • Elasticity
  • The mixed economy
  • Externalities

Business economics:

  • Production
  • Productivity and division of labour
  • Business costs, revenues and profit
  • Business competition
  • The labour market
  • Government intervention

Government and the economy:

  • Macroeconomic objectives
  • Government policies
  • Relationships between objectives and policies

The global economy:

  • Globalisation
  • International trade
  • Exchange rates

Edexcel Assessment


All candidates take two components. 


Paper 1: Microeconomics and Business Economics 

1 hour 30 minutes 

80 marks 

The sub questions are a mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer, data response 

and open-ended questions. 

50% of the total International GCSE 

Paper 2: Macroeconomics and the Global Economy

1 hour 30 minutes 

80 marks 

The sub questions are a mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer, data response 

and open-ended questions. 

50% of the total International GCSE 

Q&A

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 2 years from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor. You do not have to wait until September, when a traditional school starts. 

Once you enrol, you will be asked to fill in an enrolment form. On the form it will ask when you wish to complete by, so we can ensure you are supported right up to when you take your exams.

Once you enrol, you will have access to our online portal 24/7. Here you will find study materials that have been specially prepared by your tutor, there will be assessments, study notes, eBooks and assignments all relating to your course. Everything in this course is structured to follow the course specification, so all topics and units cover everything you need to learn. Your tutor will mark your work and give you written feedback on areas you need to improve or explain what you have done well. You can also ask your tutor questions if you get stuck on a topic or need something explaining a little more. 

When you approach the exams, your tutor will set you a series of practise exam papers so that you can know what to expect in your exam, and you can go into them feeling confident.

You will be provided with eBooks for this course. If you want to purchase physical books in addition, then we can provide you with the book ISBN numbers.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations (including any practicals they wish to take) at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

All of our IGCSEs are available world wide. Meaning you can study with us from anywhere.

Cambridge, and Edexcel both have international exam centres, so you may be able to take the exams locally to you. Should you need any help finding a centre, then please do get in touch and we can assist you on this. 

We recommend that you are able to dedicate between 120 and 130 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments.

Yes, you can work at your own pace to complete this course. Despite having 24 months Tutor Support, once you enrol you will be asked when you wish to complete, and your tutor can work along side you to achieve this.

With online learning, having the flexibility is a real advantage. This allows you to set the pace. Take your time or Fast-track, get the qualification when you need it.

Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs are international qualifications. Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs can be taken worldwide including the United Kingdom. Both exam boards offer a similar specification however different courses can have a different structure. Both the Cambridge and Edexcel courses are full International GCSE qualifications.

It is recommended that you aim to book your examinations 4/6 month prior to sitting them to avoid late entry fee charges.  Additionally, we would advise that you contact a few exam centres and find out the best price, as they can fluctuate greatly. 

You will sit the same exam as thousands of students across the country in an exam centre, and achieve the same qualification as everyone else. IGCSE qualifications are recognised by universities employers, colleges and sixth form colleges, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Just like sitting your IGCSEs in a school, your tutor will be able to provide you with predicted grades, transcripts, certificate of graduation, and references for further education applications. 

Of course, all of our courses are tailored to cover the entire specification and are split into topics. You will have assignments to complete on every topic where your tutor will give you feedback. If you are struggling with an aspect then you can message your tutor and they can provide more information for you.

As your exams approach, your tutor will set a series of exam papers for you to take, so you can get a feel for the real thing.

If you complete all of your assignments, and your practise exam papers then there is no reason why you shouldn’t achieve a top grade. 

What support will I receive?

All International GCSE courses are online and learners will access materials via our learner portal.  The online course includes access and tutor support for two years.  All assignments are marked by one of our professional tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.

Whilst there is a Tutor to guide you, you will also be able to reach out to your Student Liaison Team for help with any other questions you may have. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

How do Online International GCSEs work?

Whether you are a learner based within or outside the UK, you can opt for our International GCSE courses with Cambridge International Education (CIE) or Pearson Edexcel. These awarding bodies allow you to sit exams worldwide.

For IGCSEs, you will receive two years access to the learner portal along with tutor support. Marked and graded assignments are included with the course along with practise mock exam papers.

Learners applying to college/university can receive help with references and predicted grades. They are also more than welcome to progress onto our A Level courses.

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