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International Home Study

International A Level Economics Course

International A Level Economics Course will help you apply economic theory to support analysis of current economic problems and issues, and encourage students to appreciate the interrelationships between microeconomics and macroeconomics.  

This course should allow students to relate what they are learning to the world around them – locally, nationally and globally.

a-level-economics-course-international

Enrolment Fee:

£395.00

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Description

This International A Level Economics Distance Learning is ideal for anyone wishing to gain a knowledge and understanding of this subject or for anyone who wishes to study at a higher level at University and gain UCAS points. You will also find this course extremely valuable if you are looking for a progression route for further training whilst employed.

International A Level Economics CAIE exams are in June and November (Also March for India).

International A Level Economics Edexcel exams are in January, June and October.

Our courses at International Home Study allow our students to work at their own pace and we work to ensure all our student’s needs are met. Our resources will cover the requirements of the course making sure you stay on track with the subject you choose.

Support

The course will be delivered online including 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.

You will be provided with the telephone number for your dedicated Student Support Team who will be available for any other queries that you may have whilst completing your course. 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.

Assessment

The course contains a number of assignments which your tutor will mark and give you valuable feedback on. You will also have access to a range of online resources.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations at an approved centre when an examination forms part of the course. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

Whats included?

Students will be provided with logins for the student portal where they will find all the study materials they need to complete their course. They will also be provided with an e-textbook to assist them in completing their assignments.

Students will be provided with a Tutor who will help guide them through their course, and their Tutor will expect them to submit a number of assignments in order that their progress can be monitored. These assignments will be graded for them and feedback provided. You will also be able to ask the Tutor any questions about the course or for more help if needed. Once their course has been completed, they will then be allocated practice exam papers to ensure that they are familiar with the procedure and layout of their exams. Learners will be expected to complete these under exam conditions (i.e.. stick to the time scales allowed and try to find somewhere quiet), their Tutor can then provide them with a grade and feedback. More practice papers can be provided if required.

Difference between Cambridge & Edexcel Exam Boards 

Cambridge and Edexcel A Levels are international qualifications. Cambridge A-Levels can be taken worldwide including the United Kingdom, whereas Edexcel A-Levels can only be taken outside of 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 A Level qualifications.

For the sciences, (biology, chemistry and physics) there are some differences between the specifications. With Edexcel all of the specification is taught in theory and as a result you will be assessed by written exam papers, including the practical element. If you sat the sciences with Cambridge, you will have to perform the practical element at a nearby centre, and this is not optional.

Fees

Course fees for payment in full include:

  • Assessment and feedback on all assignments.
  • Access to your personal Tutor via our online portal.
  • Access to a range of online resources, student materials, assessments, assignments, eBooks etc
  • Practice exam papers to prepare you for the real thing.
  • Help with UCAS application if attending University.
  • Tutor references and predicted grades once a satisfactory amount of work has been completed.
  • Help finding an exam centre for you to sit your exam.

Cambridge (until 2022)

Awarding Body: Cambridge

Course Code: 9708

Study Hours:  Recommended 300 – 360 hrs

Exams Available: June & November (also March in India only)


This International A’ Level Economics Course with Cambridge will teach learners how to explain and analyse economic issues and arguments, evaluate economic information, and organise, present and communicate ideas and judgements clearly.

The course 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.

Syllabus for Exams in 2022.

The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics are:

  • Scarcity and choice

The fundamental problem in economics is that resources are scarce and wants are unlimited, so there is always a choice required between competing uses for the resources.

  • The margin and change

Decision-making by individuals, firms and governments is based on choices at the margin; that is, once behaviour has been optimised, any change will be detrimental as long as conditions remain the same.

  • Equilibrium and efficiency

Prices are set by markets, are always moving in to and out of equilibrium, and can be both efficient and inefficient in different ways and over different time periods.

  • Regulation and equity

There is a trade-off between, on the one hand, freedom for firms and individuals in unregulated markets and, on the other hand, greater social equality and equity through the government regulation of individuals and markets.

  • Progress and development

Economics studies how societies can progress in measurable money terms and develop in a wider more normative sense.

Modules

Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Economics Level study the AS topics:

1.Basic economic ideas and resource allocation

  • Scarcity, choice and opportunity cost
  • Positive and normative statements
  • Factors of production
  • Resource allocation in different economic systems and issues of transition
  • Production possibility curves
  • Money
  • Classification of goods and services
  1. The price system and the micro economy
  • Demand and supply curves
  • Price elasticity, income elasticity and cross-elasticities of demand
  • Price elasticity of supply
  • Interaction of demand and supply
  • Market equilibrium and disequilibrium
  • Consumer and producer surplus
  1. Government microeconomic intervention
  • Maximum and minimum prices
  • Taxes (direct and indirect)
  • Subsidies
  • Transfer payments
  • Direct provision of goods and services

Nationalisation and privatisation

  1. The macro economy
  • Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply analysis
  • Inflation
  • Balance of payments
  • Exchange rates
  • The terms of trade
  • Principles of absolute and comparative advantage
  • Protectionism
  1. Government macro intervention
  • Types of policy: fiscal, monetary and supply side policy
  • Policies to correct balance of payments disequilibrium
  • Policies to correct inflation and deflation

Candidates for Cambridge International A Economics study the AS topics and the following topics:

1.Basic economic ideas and resource allocation

  • Efficient resource allocation
  • Externalities and market failure
  • Social costs and benefits; cost-benefit analysis
  1. The price system and the micro economy
  • Law of diminishing marginal utility
  • Indifference curves
  • Budget lines
  • Types of cost, revenue and profit, short-run and long-run production
  • Different market structures
  • Growth and survival of firms
  • Differing objectives of a firm
  1. Government microeconomic intervention
  • Policies to achieve efficient resource allocation and correct market failure
  • Equity and policies towards income and wealth redistribution
  • Labour market forces and government intervention:
    • Demand and supply of labour
    • Wage determination in perfect markets
    • Wage determination in imperfect markets
  • Government failure in microeconomic intervention
  1. The macro economy
  • Economic growth, economic development and sustainability
  • National Income statistics
  • Classification of countries
  • Employment/unemployment
  • The circular flow of income
  • Money supply (theory)
  • Keynesian and Monetarist schools
  • The demand for money and interest rate determination
  • Policies towards developing economies; policies of trade and aid

 

  1. Government macro intervention
  • Government macro policy aims
  • Inter-connectedness of problems
  • Effectiveness of policy options to meet all macroeconomic objectives

Exam Papers

Paper 1: Multiple Choice

Written Examination: 1 hour

Availability: June and November

Assessment Overview: 30 multiple choice questions based on the AS Level syllabus content.

30 marks

Paper 2: Data Response and Essay

Time: 2 hours

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview:

Section A: one data response question (20 marks)

Section B: one structured essay from a choice of three (20 marks) Based on the AS Level syllabus content

40 marks

Paper 3: Multiple Choice

Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview. 30 multiple choice questions based on the A Level syllabus content.

30 marks

Paper 4: Data Response and Essays

Practical examination: 2 hours

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview:

Section A: one data response question (20 marks) Section B: two essays from a choice of six (50 marks) Based on the A Level syllabus content

70 marks

Cambridge (from 2023)

Awarding Body: Cambridge

Course Code: 9708

Study Hours:  Recommended 300 – 360 hrs

Exams Available: June & November (also March in India only)


This International A’ Level Economics Course with Cambridge will teach learners how to explain and analyse economic issues and arguments, evaluate economic information, and organise, present and communicate ideas and judgements clearly.

The course 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.

Syllabus for exams in 2023, 2024 and 2025

The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics are:

Scarcity and choice

The fundamental problem in economics is that resources are scarce and wants are unlimited, so there is always a choice required between competing uses for the resources and an opportunity cost in making this choice.

The margin and decision-making

In economic theory, decision-making by consumers, firms and governments is based on choices at the margin – for example firms will produce up to the point where the revenue generated by an extra unit of output is equal to the cost of producing it. However, economic decision-making can be based on facts, theory, effectiveness, priorities/objectives and values/ethical judgements.

Equilibrium and disequilibrium

Individual markets and the economy as a whole are always moving into and out of equilibrium, constantly altering the allocation of resources.

Time

Economic conditions change in different time periods, such as the short run and the long run. Individuals, firms, markets and governments are able to respond to these changes in different ways depending on the time frame. Some economic decisions have a time frame element – trading off a cost in the present for a benefit in the future, for example.

Efficiency and inefficiency

Individual markets and the economy as a whole can be both efficient and inefficient in different ways when using scarce resources.

 

The role of government and the issues of equality and equity

There is a trade-off between, on one side, freedom for firms and individuals in unregulated markets and, on the other side, greater social equality and equity through government regulation of individuals and markets.

Progress and development

Economics studies how societies can progress in measurable money terms and develop in a wider more normative sense regarding living standards, inclusivity and sustainability.

Candidates for Cambridge International A Economics study the AS topics and the following topics:

  1. Basic economic ideas and resource allocation
  • Scarcity, choice and opportunity costs
  • Economic methodology
  • Factors of production
  • Resource allocation in different economic systems
  • Production possibility curves
  • Classification of goods and services
  1. The price system and the micro-economy
  • Demand and supply curves
  • Price elasticity, income elasticity and cross elasticity of demand
  • Price elasticity of supply
  • The interaction of demand and supply
  • Consumer and producer surplus
  1. Government microeconomic intervention
  • Reasons for government intervention in markets
  • Methods and effects of government intervention in markets
  • Addressing income and wealth inequality
  1. The macro-economy
  • National income statistics
  • Introduction to the circular flow of income
  • Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply analysis
  • Economic growth
  • Unemployment
  • Price stability
  1. Government macroeconomic intervention
  • Government macroeconomic policy objectives
  • Fiscal policy
  • Monetary policy
  • Supply-side policy
  1. International economic issues
  • The reasons for international trade
  • Protectionism
  • Current account of the balance of payments
  • Exchange rates
  • Policies to correct imbalances in the current account of the balance of payments

A Level Candidates also study these additional topics:

  1. The price system and the microeconomy
  • Utility
  • Indifference curves and budget lines
  • Efficiency and market failure
  • Private costs and benefits, externalities and social costs and benefits
  • Types of cost, revenue and profit, short-run and long-run production
  • Different market structures
  • Growth and survival of firms
  • Differing objectives and policies of firms
  1. Government microeconomic intervention
  • Government policies to achieve efficient resource allocation and correct market failure
  • Equity and redistribution of income and wealth
  • Labour market forces and government intervention
  1. The macroeconomy
  • The circular flow of income
  • Economic growth and sustainability
  • Employment/unemployment
  • Money and banking
  1. Government macroeconomic intervention
  • Government macroeconomic policy objectives
  • Links between macroeconomic problems and their interrelatedness
  • Effectiveness of policy options to meet all macroeconomic objectives
  1. International economic issues
  • Policies to correct disequilibrium in the balance of payments
  • Exchange rates
  • Economic development
  • Characteristics of countries at different levels of development
  • Relationship between countries at different levels of development
  • Globalisation

Exam Papers

Paper 1: Multiple Choice

Written Examination: 1 hour

Availability: June and November

Assessment Overview: 30 multiple choice questions based on the AS Level syllabus content.

30 marks

Paper 2: Data Response and Essay

Time: 2 hours

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview:

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.

60 marks

Paper 3: Multiple Choice

Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview. 30 multiple choice questions based on the A Level syllabus content; knowledge of material from the AS Level subject content is assumed.

30 marks

Paper 4: Data Response and Essays

Practical examination: 2 hours

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview:

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.

60 marks

Edexcel

Awarding Body: Edexcel

Specification codes: XEC11/ YEC11

Edexcel Exams: January, June & October 

Edexcel Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours


The Edexcel International A’ Level Economics Course will help you develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the subject and appreciate the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider economic and social environment.

This course will develop your analytical and quantitative skills, together with qualities and attitudes that will equip you for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life.

Candidates for Edexcel International A Level Economics Level study the AS topics:

1: Markets in Action

  • Introductory concepts
  • Consumer behaviour and demand
  • Supply
  • Price determination
  • Market failure
  • Government intervention in markets

2: Macroeconomic performance and policy

  • Measures of economic performance
  • Aggregate demand (AD)
  • Aggregate supply (AS)
  • National income
  • Economic growth
  • Macroeconomic objectives and policies

Edexcel A Level Economics Candidates also study these additional topics:

3: Business behaviour

  • Types and sizes of businesses
  • Revenue, costs and profits
  • Market structures and contestability
  • Labour markets
  • Government intervention

4. Developments in the global economy

  • Causes and effects of globalisation
  • Trade and the global economy
  • Balance of payments, exchange rates and international competitiveness
  • Poverty and inequality
  • The role of the state in the macroeconomy
  • Growth and development in developing, emerging and developed economies

Exam Papers

Paper 1: Markets in Action

Written Examination: 1 hour 45 minutes

Availability: January, June and November

Assessment overview:

Section A: Six multiple-choice questions (6 marks).

Section B: Five short-answer questions (20 marks).

Section C: A five-part question, based on data provided in a source booklet (34 marks). Section D: One 20-mark essay question from a choice of two (20 marks).

80 marks

Paper 2: Macroeconomic performance and policy

Written Examination: 1 hour 45 minutes

Availability: January, June and October

Assessment overview:

Section A: Six multiple-choice questions (6 marks).

Section B: Five short-answer questions (20 marks).

Section C: A five-part question, based on data provided in a source booklet (34 marks). Section D: One 20-mark essay question from a choice of two (20 marks).

80 marks

Paper 3: Business behaviour

Written Examination: 2 hours

Availability: January, June and November

Assessment overview:

Section A: Six multiple-choice questions (6 marks).

Section B: A five-part question, based on data provided in a source booklet (34 marks). Section C: Two 20-mark essay questions from a choice of three (40 marks).

80 marks.

Paper 4: Developments in the global economy

Written Examination: 2 hours

Availability: January, June and October

Assessment overview:

Section A: Six multiple-choice questions (6 marks).

Section B: A five-part question, based on data provided in a source booklet (34 marks). Section C: Two 20-mark essay questions from a choice of three (40 marks).

80 marks.

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 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.

Most of our A Levels are available internationally. We offer A Levels with three different awarding bodies, AQA, Cambridge and Edexcel. If the course is only available via the AQA awarding body then of course you can still take our course, however the exams must be taken in the UK.

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, then please do get in touch and we can assist you on this. 

We recommend that you are able to dedicate between 300 and 360 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.

For example, any A-Level course undertaken has a recommended 360 guided learning hours. Breaking down a 360 hour course into 12 weeks, you would need to be able to commit to 30 hours per week of studying. It is entirely up to you the amount of time you can commit to studying. But 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.

Yes you will gain UCAS points and these depend on your final grade once you have completed your exams. 

For more information about UCAS points click here

All of our A Level awarding bodies will give you a full A Level qualification. There will be slight differences between the specifications and what you will actually learn. 

For the Science courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), there would be a difference in how you sit practical elements. 

AQA offers practicals but they are optional.

With the Cambridge exam board, you will be expected to perform the practical elements, they are compulsory. Which means finding an exam centre that has a lab for you to complete this. 

With Edexcel, the practical elements are all taught in theory and are assessed via a written exam, therefore you can sit your full exam at a typical Edexcel approved exam centre. 

More information about science practicals can be found here

In most cases yes, what we would ask is for the course codes that you have taken in sixth form/college and we will see if we can match them up. 

In most cases you can, If you go to the individual course page you should be able to see if this option is available for you. 

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. A-Level qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Just like sitting your A Levels in a school, your tutor will be able to provide you with predicted grades, and references for university 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.