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Conquer International A-Level Economics

Build International A-Level Economics understanding with practice on micro and macroeconomics and the global economy.

Content reviewed February 2026 · Aligned to current specifications

About International A-Level Economics

International A-Level Economics provides an advanced study of how economies function at both the micro and macro level. The syllabus covers market structures, price theory, government intervention, national income, monetary and fiscal policy, international trade, development economics and behavioural economics, analysed through economic models and real-world data.

The modular examination structure allows students to sit AS and A2 economics papers in separate sessions, building the qualification progressively and with opportunities to resit individual units. Assessment includes data response questions, essay writing and case study analysis, testing the ability to apply economic theory to real-world situations and evaluate competing policy options.

International A-Level Economics is highly regarded by universities worldwide for applications to economics, business, finance, politics, law and international relations. It develops analytical thinking, quantitative reasoning and the ability to construct and evaluate complex arguments.

Topics Covered

Basic Economic Ideas Price System Government Intervention Macroeconomic Policy International Trade Economic Development Money & Banking Economic Integration

Exam Boards

International A-Level Economics is available from these exam boards

How UpGrades Helps

Exam-Style Questions

Practice with Economics questions that mirror the format and difficulty of real International A-Level exams.

Detailed Explanations

Understand not just the answer, but the reasoning and methodology behind every Economics solution.

Progress Tracking

See exactly how you're progressing across all 8 Economics topics with detailed analytics.

Study Tips for Economics

  • Draw diagrams for every concept as you learn it. International A-Level Economics is heavily diagram-based, and being able to draw, label and explain supply-demand, cost curves, AD/AS and other models quickly is essential.
  • Follow international economic news and relate current events to your studies. Being able to reference real-world examples of inflation, trade disputes, fiscal policy or market failure demonstrates applied understanding.
  • Practice writing evaluative conclusions. At A-Level, simply presenting arguments for and against is not enough - you need to weigh them up and reach a justified judgement.
  • Master the mathematical content (elasticity calculations, multiplier effects, terms of trade) through regular practice problems.

Exam Tips for International A-Level Economics

  • In essay questions, use the introduction to define key terms and outline your argument. This sets a professional tone and demonstrates command of economic vocabulary.
  • Include relevant, correctly drawn diagrams in every answer where applicable. Diagrams earn marks independently of your written explanation.
  • When evaluating policies, consider short-run versus long-run effects, the significance of assumptions, and who benefits and who loses. This depth of analysis earns the highest marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is International A-Level Economics accepted for economics degrees? +
Yes. All major universities, including the London School of Economics, accept International A-Level Economics as equivalent to the domestic A-Level. Most economics degrees also require A-Level Mathematics.
Do I need Maths for International A-Level Economics? +
Strong mathematical skills are important. You need confidence with graphs, algebra, percentages and basic calculus concepts. Taking A-Level Mathematics alongside Economics is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to study economics at university.
How is International A-Level Economics different from UK A-Level Economics? +
The content is broadly similar, but International A-Level Economics uses a modular structure with multiple exam sessions per year, draws on international examples and case studies, and offers resit opportunities for individual units.
What is the difference between microeconomics and macroeconomics? +
Microeconomics studies individual markets, firms and consumers - topics like supply and demand, market structures and market failure. Macroeconomics examines the economy as a whole - topics like GDP, inflation, unemployment, trade and government policy. Both are covered equally in the International A-Level.

Economics at other levels: A-Level Economics · iGCSE Economics

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