[hBreadman]

(Firstly, I'm new to TSR so sorry if I've done this wrong..)

In Semptember when I return to school for Y11 we are supposed to start making our A level option choices, I've narrowed it down a bit, but would really appreciate opinions of those doing PPE/applying for PPE, based upon what you have chosen.

My shortlist:
- Economics
- Maths
- Further Maths (I know you need to take maths for this, but there's a chance I can do the two combined..)
- English Literature
- Philosophy & Ethics
- Classical Civilisation
- History

So, basically, any advice on which of those seven would be the best to choose or anything I haven't included that you think would be useful..
(And, if it helps, my university of choice would be Oxford - Exeter College. I know, it's a bit premature to know the exactly where you want to go to uni at by 15..)

Thanks

[16dan2life]

Maths- really useful
Economics- Interesting
Further Maths- Can be stressful but not really necessary, useful for straight econ
History- Oxford state history can be useful for PPE but not essential

I'd personally take
Maths, Econ, Philosophy, History(take 5 if you can)

[magicmuggle]

As a possible PPE-er I'm taking Maths, History, Economics and English (I may also do English and/or History, hence English). Maths and History are pretty much essential (the website says maths is useful and not essential, but you have to show a significant aptitude for maths and Maths A level is an easy way to do this). The other two could be any from the list you chose, although PPE subjects would probably be helpful!

[hBreadman]

Thanks - what you've said has been useful. I know Oxford's website does suggest history, but is it really essential? I'm doing both Latin and Ancient Greek so was drifting towards class civ to almost 'complete' my classics studies (which is quite fitting with PPE's history).

(Original post by 16dan2life)
Maths- really useful
Economics- Interesting
Further Maths- Can be stressful but not really necessary, useful for straight econ
History- Oxford state history can be useful for PPE but not essential

I'd personally take
Maths, Econ, Philosophy, History(take 5 if you can)

Yep, I spoke to some of my teachers about A levels before the end of term, who suggested asking to do five, as my school allow it for 'certain students'. What would you chose as the fifth? Now thinking Maths, Philosophy, History, Economics and Class Civ.

[hBreadman]

(Original post by magicmuggle)
As a possible PPE-er I'm taking Maths, History, Economics and English (I may also do English and/or History, hence English). Maths and History are pretty much essential (the website says maths is useful and not essential, but you have to show a significant aptitude for maths and Maths A level is an easy way to do this). The other two could be any from the list you chose, although PPE subjects would probably be helpful!

Where were you thinking of doing PPE?

[16dan2life]

(Original post by hBreadman)
Thanks - what you've said has been useful. I know Oxford's website does suggest history, but is it really essential? I'm doing both Latin and Ancient Greek so was drifting towards class civ to almost 'complete' my classics studies (which is quite fitting with PPE's history).



Yep, I spoke to some of my teachers about A levels before the end of term, who suggested asking to do five, as my school allow it for 'certain students'. What would you chose as the fifth? Now thinking Maths, Philosophy, History, Economics and Class Civ.

Yh that's fine

By achieving 5 A's at AS, don't be to upset if you don't get an offer from Oxford( or underachieve in the interview/TSA), you can most likely get offers from York, Warwick, Durham etc

I'd recommend you apply to( all PPE)
Oxford- AAA
York- AAA
Warwick- A*AA
Durham- A*AA
Lancaster- AAB

Note- entry requirements may change when you apply

[hBreadman]

(Original post by 16dan2life)
Yh that's fine

By achieving 5 A's at AS, don't be to upset if you don't get an offer from Oxford( or underachieve in the interview/TSA), you can most likely get offers from York, Warwick, Durham etc

I'd recommend you apply to( all PPE)
Oxford- AAA
York- AAA
Warwick- A*AA
Durham- A*AA
Lancaster- AAB

Note- entry requirements may change when you apply

Thanks again, everything you've said has been very helpful

[Chief Wiggum]

I'd suggest doing Maths and History anyway, since Oxford say they're useful I think. Economics would also probably be pretty helpful.

[Endless Blue]

Definitely Maths and History out of that list I'd say.

As for the rest I'd say take Economics/Philosophy - just go with whichever you think you'll enjoy most/be best at. Take FMaths if you want.

[Poppyxx]

Hmm you really don't need to do 5 A Levels.

You are far better off doing 4, getting high grades in them, and having a life outside of the classroom.

Any of your list would be fine for PPE - I'd strongly advise taking Maths, Further Maths isn't really necessary unless you're going to apply for straight Economics at certain universities. Then you just need an essay subject, so pick which interest you the most. History is recommended so Oxford must like it over English. That said, not every PPEists did History A Level. Personally I'd pick Maths, Hist, Class Civ (since you said you enjoyed classics) and then whatever one you want.

I also disagree with the list of where you should apply. Mainly because you're 15. I recognise it's important to think about university courses when picking A Level subjects, but you don't need to think of exactly where to apply yet. Just having a general idea is good enough. A lot of PPE applicants don't apply for PPE everywhere by the way.

[Sun!]

Just to agree with everyone else above, Maths and History are the most useful subjects for PPE.

I would pick a third A-Level/ fourth AS as something you think you will do very well at. If you can do 5 AS Levels and 4 A Levels then thats very good.

[hBreadman]

After reading what everyone has put, I've realised how important to the course history is (especially if I still want to apply to Oxford then). Seeing to it isn't purely economics I'm interested in, I feel happy in sidelining my plans to do further maths.
Great advice guys! Still, happy to hear any other opinions!


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[Carterb06]

Hi guys, Ive recently got my AS results receiving decent grades in Biology, Geography and Philosophy. However I got an E in maths, and therefore dropped it. I really want to pursue a degree in P+E or PPE (Politics, Economics and Philosophy).The reason for dropping maths was due to my poor grade and I feel I would't have been able to get an A or B in it, affecting my uni chances. All the uni's I've looked at (Cardiff, Sheffield, Swansea, Manchester etc) don't specify you need Maths at A level. Im at no means bad at Maths, just came down to unlucky papers on the day. Do you think I would still be able to achieve at least a 2.1 at one of these Uni's without having maths at A-Level. Do you think I would struggle?

Many thanks, any views appreciated.

[08rbut]

This may sound stupid, but our form tutor who is our Head of Careers advises us not to take 5 AS subjects. This is because they think this is the reason that our Head Girl didn't get into Oxford a couple of years ago, apparently she was showing she was academic, but was not showing any other side for example if she was good at Drama or took part in Tennis club.

I don't know how ridiculous this sounds, its just what my teacher told us. I would take 5 myself if she hadn't said don't - mind you, I am not really going to apply to Oxford!