OCR AS Economics specification (H060)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR AS Economics 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 OCR AS Economics 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 OCR AS Economics (H060) 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 OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
This AS Level Economics course (OCR) provides a structured introduction to microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. It encourages students to think critically about real-world economic issues, interpret data, and assess the value of economic models. Learners develop skills in analysis, quantitative reasoning, and evaluation, gaining insight into both domestic and international economic contexts. The course promotes ethical and sustainable considerations and prepares students for further study or employment.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Microeconomics
- The economic problem: scarcity, opportunity cost, rationality, economic agents
- Allocation of resources: incentives, efficiency, economic systems
- Production possibility curves: movements and shifts
- Specialisation and trade: division of labour, money as medium of exchange
- Demand and supply: determinants, elasticity (PED, YED, XED, PES), market equilibrium
- Consumer and producer surplus: impact of price changes
- Market failure: externalities, public goods, information gaps
- Government intervention: taxation, subsidies, regulation, failure
Component 2: Macroeconomics
- Circular flow of income: injections, leakages, income/expenditure measures
- Aggregate demand and supply: components, determinants, equilibrium shifts
- Economic growth: GDP, economic cycle, short-run and long-run growth
- Development: sectoral structure, HDI, sustainability indicators
- Employment and unemployment: measurement, causes, effects
- Inflation: CPI, RPI, causes, consequences, index numbers
- Balance of payments: current account, components, imbalances
- Macroeconomic policy: fiscal (taxation, expenditure), monetary (rates, QE), supply-side measures
- Policy conflicts and trade-offs
- The global context: international trade, exchange rates, developed/emerging economies
Assessment structure
Component 01: Microeconomics
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 60 marks, 50% of AS Level
- Section A: 15 multiple choice questions
- Section B: Data response questions (1–10 marks)
- Section C: Extended response (choose 1 of 2 titles)
Component 02: Macroeconomics
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 60 marks, 50% of AS Level
- Same structure as Component 01
Assessment Notes
- Both components are externally assessed
- Linear qualification with no coursework
- Minimum 15% of marks target quantitative skills
- Emphasis on interpretation of economic data and diagrammatic analysis
- Synoptic assessment: skills from both components required in both exams
Grading
- Graded A–E
- No tiered entry
- Qualification title: OCR Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Economics
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR AS Economics 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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