In the UK, A-level Economics is primarily offered by four main examination boards: AQA, Edexcel (Pearson), OCR, and WJEC/Eduqas, along with Cambridge International for a global audience. The core economic content is broadly similar across all boards, as they are all regulated by Ofqual, but they differ in their assessment styles, exam structures, and topical organisation.
| Feature | AQA | Edexcel (Pearson) | OCR | Cambridge International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content Structure | Clear split into distinct microeconomics (Paper 1) and macroeconomics (Paper 2) units. | Organised into four integrated themes across two years (Themes 1 & 3 Micro; Themes 2 & 4 Macro). | Focuses heavily on developing analytical and evaluative skills alongside core knowledge. | Covers a broader range of topics tailored for an international context, often split into AS and A2 components. |
| Assessment Style | Uses data response and essays for Papers 1 & 2, with Paper 3 featuring multiple-choice questions and a case study. | Emphasises application of theory to real-world examples and requires strong evaluation skills. | Known for being more interpretive and wordier, suiting students who enjoy in-depth analysis. | Assessed through two exams for AS and two additional for the full A-Level, allowing for modular assessment. |
| Synoptic Paper | Paper 3 is a synoptic paper that combines micro and macro concepts through multiple-choice and case study questions. | Paper 3 is an application-heavy, synoptic case study based entirely on real-world contexts. | Includes synoptic assessment in its final paper, integrating various topics. | Synoptic elements are tested across the different A2 papers. |
| Perceived Difficulty/Style | Often considered straightforward and predictable in its exam structure. | Strong emphasis on application and evaluation; some find it more data-heavy. | Can feel wordier but suits students who enjoy detailed analysis and interpretation. | Assessment structure and international focus distinguish it from domestic UK boards. |
For detailed syllabi and resources, you can visit the specific exam board websites:
Automatically updated from /a-level/economics, up to four levels deep.