Edexcel AS Economics A specification (8EC0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel AS 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel AS 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 AS Economics A (8EC0) 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
This AS Economics A course (Edexcel) introduces students to microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts, exploring how markets function and how economies operate at a national and global level. It aims to foster critical thinking and awareness of real-world economic issues. Students develop analytical, quantitative and evaluative skills while interpreting data and policy impacts. The course lays a strong foundation for further study in economics and related disciplines.Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Introduction to markets and market failure
- Nature of economics: scarcity, choice, production possibility frontiers, specialisation
- How markets work: demand, supply, price determination, elasticities
- Market failure: externalities, public goods, information gaps
- Government intervention: taxation, subsidies, regulation, state provision
Theme 2: The UK economy – performance and policies
- Measures of economic performance: GDP, inflation, unemployment, balance of payments
- Aggregate demand and supply: components and determinants
- National income: circular flow, injections and withdrawals, multiplier
- Economic performance: causes of growth, inflation, unemployment, trade imbalances
- Macroeconomic policy: demand-side and supply-side instruments, policy conflicts
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Markets and market failure
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks, 50% of AS Level
- Section A: Multiple choice and short answer questions
- Section B: Data response and one extended open-response question
Paper 2: The UK economy – performance and policies
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks, 50% of AS Level
- Section A: Multiple choice and short answer questions
- Section B: Data response and one extended open-response question
Assessment Notes
- Each paper assesses content from a single theme
- Use of quantitative skills is required (minimum 20% of marks)
- Contextualised questions based on UK economic issues and policy
- AS is a stand-alone linear qualification (no coursework)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel AS 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.
Share this article