Edexcel A Level Economics A specification (9EC0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel A Level Economics A exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel A Level Economics A specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel A Level Economics A (9EC0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Economics A aims to develop learners’ interest and enthusiasm for the subject, encouraging an understanding of economic concepts and real-world issues through both microeconomic and macroeconomic perspectives. The course prepares students for progression to university-level economics or related fields such as public sector or environmental economics. It promotes analytical, quantitative, and evaluative skills to help students think like economists, enabling them to critically engage with local, national and global economic issues. The specification ensures a rigorous academic foundation aligned with international standards, while supporting the development of transferable skills essential for higher education and employment.Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Introduction to markets and market failure
- Nature of economics
- How markets work
- Market failure
- Government intervention
Theme 2: The UK economy – performance and policies
- Measures of economic performance
- Aggregate demand and supply
- National income and the multiplier
- Economic growth and the trade cycle
- Macroeconomic objectives and policy instruments
Theme 3: Business behaviour and the labour market
- Business growth and demergers
- Business objectives
- Revenues, costs, and profits
- Market structures and efficiency
- Labour market demand, supply, and wage determination
- Government intervention in product and labour markets
Theme 4: A global perspective
- Globalisation, trade, and competitiveness
- Balance of payments and exchange rates
- Poverty and inequality
- Growth and development in emerging economies
- Financial sector and central banks
- Public finances and macroeconomic policies in global context
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Markets and business behaviour
- Assesses microeconomics (Themes 1 and 3)
- Section A: Multiple-choice and short-answer questions
- Section B: One data response question
- Section C: One extended open-response from a choice of two
- 2 hours, 100 marks, 35% of total qualification
Paper 2: The national and global economy
- Assesses macroeconomics (Themes 2 and 4)
- Section A: Multiple-choice and short-answer questions
- Section B: One data response question
- Section C: One extended open-response from a choice of two
- 2 hours, 100 marks, 35% of total qualification
Paper 3: Microeconomics and macroeconomics
- Synoptic paper covering all four themes
- Two sections, each with one data response including a choice of extended open-response
- 2 hours, 100 marks, 30% of total qualification
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel A Level Economics A isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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