Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
International GCSE Economics specification 4EC1.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE · Specification 4EC1
Online IGCSE Economics Course
Study Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Economics at home through
structured online lessons covering markets, business economics,
government policy and the global economy. Start at any time and
work at a pace that fits your plans.
Immediate access to the online course
21 lessons across four Economics modules
Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials
Start your Economics course
£14.99 / month
Today’s payment:
£24.99
Includes:
- Course materials subscription
- Academic induction session and booking fee
Then
£14.99 per month
🔒 Minimum 6 months subscription applies.
Course overview
Economics IGCSE course at a glance
Prepare for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Economics through a structured home-study course that develops economic knowledge, numerical skills and confidence in applying theory to real-world decisions and current events.
Course structure
4 modules · 21 lessons
Study markets, business economics, government policy and the global economy.
Recommended study time
Approximately 200 hours
Work through the course at a pace that suits your timetable and intended examination date.
Enrolment
Start at any time
There is no fixed term date, so you can begin when it suits your study plans.
Assignments
9 assignments
Seven tutor-marked assignments followed by two complete practice examination papers.
Assessment
2 written papers
Both papers last 90 minutes and contribute 50% of the qualification.
Quantitative skills
Data, calculations and graphs
Develop confidence with percentages, economic data, statistics and supply-and-demand diagrams.
Assessment and grading
Exams only · Grades 9–1
There is no coursework or controlled assessment, with Grade 9 representing the highest achievement.
Understand the economics behind everyday decisions
The course connects economic theory to current events and real-life choices made by consumers, businesses and governments, helping you develop reasoned arguments and informed judgements.
How it works
How your IGCSE Economics course works
Study through a clear sequence of online lessons, economic examples, activities and assessments designed to build your knowledge steadily and prepare you for both final examination papers.
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Enrol and start online
Enrol at any time and receive immediate access to your online course. Your included academic induction session helps you understand the course and plan your studies.
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Work through structured lessons
Each lesson develops economic theory through clear explanations, diagrams, calculations, current examples and links to the Pearson Edexcel 4EC1 specification.
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Check your understanding
Complete practice tests and tutor-marked assignments covering economic terminology, calculations, data interpretation, analysis and evaluation.
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Prepare for your examinations
Complete full practice papers to develop your timing, diagram skills, use of economic evidence and ability to make reasoned judgements.
Flexible additional support
Add personal support when you need it
The course can be studied independently using the lesson materials and suggested answers. Tutor marking, mock-exam marking, email support, one-to-one tutorials and printed materials can be purchased separately when useful.
What you’ll study
Explore the IGCSE Economics course content
The course is organised into four modules and 21 structured lessons, moving from markets and business economics to government policy, international trade and the global economy.
Module 1 The Market System Begin with scarcity, demand and supply, market equilibrium, elasticity, wages and employment in a free economy. 6 lessons
- The Basic Problems of Economics
- The Price System — Demand and Supply
- Equilibrium Price
- Elasticity of Demand
- Elasticity of Supply
- Wages and Employment in a Free Economy
Module 2 Business Economics Study production, economies of scale, market competition, monopoly, oligopoly and the public and private sectors. 5 lessons
- Production
- Economies of Scale
- Competition
- Monopoly and Oligopoly
- Public and Private Sectors
Module 3 Government and the Economy Explore unemployment, inflation, growth, the balance of payments, environmental issues and government economic policy. 4 lessons
- Macroeconomic Objectives (1): Unemployment and Inflation
- Macroeconomic Objectives (2): Growth, Balance of Payments and the Environment
- Government Economic Policy Instruments (1): Demand-side and Supply-side Policy
- Government Economic Policy Instruments (2): Demand-side and Supply-side Policy
Module 4 The Global Economy Finish with globalisation, international trade, trading blocs, the World Trade Organization and exchange rates before revising for your examinations. 6 lessons
- Globalisation
- International Trade (1): Why Trade? Barriers
- International Trade (2): Imports, Exports and EU Trade
- International Trade (3): Trading Blocs and the WTO
- Exchange Rates
- Revision
Practice Exam — Paper 1
Practice Exam — Paper 2
From individual markets to the global economy
The course begins with the decisions made by consumers, workers and businesses before progressing to government policy, international trade and the relationships between national economies.
Exams and assessment
How the IGCSE Economics course is assessed
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Economics is assessed through two written examination papers. Together they test economic knowledge, calculations, diagrams, data interpretation, analysis and the ability to reach reasoned conclusions.
Paper 1 · Microeconomics and Business Economics
4EC1/01
90 minutes
Exam duration
80 marks
Available marks
50%
Of the qualification
Paper 1 covers the market system and business economics, including demand and supply, elasticity, production, competition, the labour market and government intervention.
Paper 2 · Macroeconomics and the Global Economy
4EC1/02
90 minutes
Exam duration
80 marks
Available marks
50%
Of the qualification
Paper 2 covers government and the economy, macroeconomic objectives, economic policy, globalisation, international trade and exchange rates.
Question structure
Four compulsory questions
Each paper contains four compulsory questions worth 20 marks each.
Question styles
Data and economic analysis
Questions include multiple-choice, short-answer, data-response and open-ended tasks.
Quantitative skills
10% of available marks
Calculations, graphs and the interpretation of quantitative economic data are assessed across both papers.
Coursework
No coursework component
The qualification is assessed entirely through the two written examinations.
Arranging your examination
Exam entry is arranged separately
Home-educated students normally enter as private candidates at an approved examination centre. Examination entry and centre fees are not included in the course subscription.
Support and add-ons
Add extra Economics support when you need it
Your course subscription provides the structured online materials needed for independent study. Additional tutor support, marking and printed materials can be purchased separately whenever they would be useful.
Written feedback
Assignment marking
Submit individual assignments for marking and receive detailed tutor feedback on your economic knowledge, calculations, diagrams, analysis and conclusions.
Exam preparation
Mock exam marking
Complete full examination-style papers and receive feedback focused on data response, economic reasoning, timing and how marks are awarded.
Ongoing guidance
Email Tutor Support
Ask subject questions by email while working through the course and receive help when an economic concept, calculation or diagram needs further explanation.
Live tuition
One-to-one tutorials
Book an individual online session with a tutor to work through difficult topics, practise diagrams or prepare for an examination.
Printed materials
Economics course pack
Add a printed, spiral-bound copy of the course materials if you prefer to study, annotate and revise away from the screen.
Flexible by design
Choose only what you need
Add-ons are optional. Study independently, purchase support for selected assignments or combine several services as your needs change.
Explore your options
See all available learning support
Prospective students can compare the different support services. Existing students can purchase course-specific add-ons through their account.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the IGCSE Economics course
Find answers about starting the course, studying Economics at home, examination papers, mathematical skills, course materials and the additional support available.
Can I start the Economics course at any time?
Yes. There are no fixed term dates, so you can enrol and begin studying when it suits you. You can then work through the course at a pace that fits your intended examination date.
Do I need previous experience of Economics?
No. For most students this will be their first formal study of Economics. The course begins with the basic economic problem and develops the subject progressively.
How long does the course take to complete?
We recommend allowing approximately 200 hours of study. The actual completion time will depend on your previous knowledge, weekly study schedule and chosen examination date.
Which examination specification does the course cover?
The course prepares students for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Economics specification 4EC1.
Do I need to buy a textbook?
No. The Oxford Home Schooling course is complete in itself, so there is no compulsory supporting textbook. An optional Pearson Edexcel Economics Student Book is recommended for students who would like additional reading.
Do I need to be strong at Mathematics?
No advanced prior mathematical knowledge is required. Students should be comfortable with simple percentages, fractions, statistics and line graphs. The course explains the quantitative material used in the lessons.
Is tutor marking included in the subscription?
Tutor marking is not included in the monthly course subscription. Marking can be purchased separately for individual assignments or as a marking bundle.
Can I get help from a tutor?
Yes. Optional support includes assignment marking, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one online tutorials. You can add support when it becomes useful rather than paying for it throughout the course.
How are the examinations structured?
There are two 90-minute papers, each worth 80 marks and 50% of the qualification. Paper 1 covers microeconomics and business economics, while Paper 2 covers macroeconomics and the global economy.
Should I follow current economic news?
Yes. Economics is closely connected to current events. Following reliable economic and financial news will help you apply theory to real decisions, policies and economic changes.
Course materials
No compulsory textbook required
The Oxford Home Schooling Economics course is complete in itself,
so you do not need to purchase another textbook in order to follow
the lessons or prepare for the examinations.
Optional additional reading
Students who would like another perspective may use the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Economics Student Book by Rob Jones, ISBN 9780435991289. This is recommended rather than compulsory.
Keep your economic knowledge current
Economics is closely connected to current events. Reading reliable economic, business and financial news will help you apply the course theory to changing prices, employment, government policy, international trade and the wider economy.
Ready to begin?
Start your online IGCSE Economics course
Enrol at any time and begin working towards the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Economics qualification through a structured, flexible home-study course.
- Start studying at any time
- Immediate access to the online course
- Work at a pace that suits your examination plans
Start your Economics course
Return to the enrolment panel to review today’s payment and add the course to your basket.