[*mike]

I have applied for several economics based courses without ever having done the A level, is this a bad idea? I am starting to worry that I will not get into any of my chosen Unis

Unis I have applied for
Oxford - Econ and Managment
UCL - Econ and Stats
Warwick - Econ
Bristol - Econ and Finance
Leicester - Econ (BA)

GCSEs- 10A* 2A 2B
AS results- AAA
A level results- A (I'm doing further maths which is why I have a maths A2 level)

Subjects - Maths, Further Maths, Chem, Physics

I am also retaking my C4 exam in Jan to hope and get that A*. I am predicted A*A*AA

Thanks, any input will be appreciated

[Mr Inquisitive]

It's not a requirement per se; Economics is taught very differently at university. Your subjects sound brilliant.

[The Polymath]

(Original post by *mike)
I have applied for several economics based courses without ever having done the A level, is this a bad idea? I am starting to worry that I will not get into any of my chosen Unis

Unis I have applied for
Oxford - Econ and Managment
UCL - Econ and Stats
Warwick - Econ
Bristol - Econ and Finance
Leicester - Econ (BA)

GCSEs- 10A* 2A 2B
AS results- AAA
A level results- A (I'm doing further maths which is why I have a maths A2 level)

Subjects - Maths, Further Maths, Chem, Physics

I am also retaking my C4 exam in Jan to hope and get that A*. I am predicted A*A*AA

Thanks, any input will be appreciated

Nope, not a requirement. I would advise choosing the more mathematical Economics courses as opposed to the Artsy essay-type ones, as you don't have any essay subjects there. It seems like you've realised this yourself though, as those first four are very mathematical - why the Econ+*Finance*, if I may ask?

I would advise being very well prepared with further reading around the areas of philosopy, politics, economics, that you read/watch the news and related channels, and try to learn some basic economic principles, all so that you can demonstrate real enthusiasm and aptitude not just for Maths, but for Economics too

Weird how a lot of people do Maths A-level first, before FM A-level, and then only have 3 subjects How do unis view it? I also thought that FP1 tied in quite nicely with C3/4. It also relies on knowledge of C1+2, so you'll have to recap some of it (geometric equations, binomial etc.)

Anyone know what the reasoning behind the "Maths then FM" structure is?

[Selym95]

Economics would have been a lovely addition to your Maths, F Maths and Physics combo. Nevertheless, this should certainly not reduce your chances of gaining a place (unless the uni recommends you take economics) as you are studying 4 traditional subjects and seem to be excelling in all of them

[TheBrightShadow]

(Original post by The Polymath)
Nope, not a requirement. I would advise choosing the more mathematical Economics courses as opposed to the Artsy essay-type ones, as you don't have any essay subjects there. It seems like you've realised this yourself though, as those first four are very mathematical - why the Econ+*Finance*, if I may ask?

I would advise being very well prepared with further reading around the areas of philosopy, politics, economics, that you read/watch the news and related channels, and try to learn some basic economic principles, all so that you can demonstrate real enthusiasm and aptitude not just for Maths, but for Economics too

Weird how a lot of people do Maths A-level first, before FM A-level, and then only have 3 subjects How do unis view it? I also thought that FP1 tied in quite nicely with C3/4. It also relies on knowledge of C1+2, so you'll have to recap some of it (geometric equations, binomial etc.)

Anyone know what the reasoning behind the "Maths then FM" structure is?

AS level further maths is nine modules (i believe) , 6 of which are the full A level maths modules. that's why people who do A level further maths have already completed A Level maths in the first year.

[*mike]

(Original post by The Polymath)
Nope, not a requirement. I would advise choosing the more mathematical Economics courses as opposed to the Artsy essay-type ones, as you don't have any essay subjects there. It seems like you've realised this yourself though, as those first four are very mathematical - why the Econ+*Finance*, if I may ask?

I would advise being very well prepared with further reading around the areas of philosopy, politics, economics, that you read/watch the news and related channels, and try to learn some basic economic principles, all so that you can demonstrate real enthusiasm and aptitude not just for Maths, but for Economics too

Weird how a lot of people do Maths A-level first, before FM A-level, and then only have 3 subjects How do unis view it? I also thought that FP1 tied in quite nicely with C3/4. It also relies on knowledge of C1+2, so you'll have to recap some of it (geometric equations, binomial etc.)

Anyone know what the reasoning behind the "Maths then FM" structure is?

To be honest I have no idea why my school has decided to not take the parallel course option like most colleges. I think its may be because it gives us a chance to retake any mishaps with single maths, I think they view it as getting a good grade in single maths is better than getting an average grade in FM. Really not sure about this though, but I am definitely benefitting from this thouogh because I can now retake my C4 whereas single maths would not be able to since they take it in June)

And I chose the Econ and Finance course because Bristol is actually one of my insurance applications along with leicester. And I figured it would be easier to get into than pure econ. (Lower Entry requirements) I know this sounds like a terrible and pathetic reason but I have a huge fear of not getting into any of my 5 unis. And finance seem relevant to my P.S. Thanks for your reply btw!

(Original post by Mr Inquisitive)
It's not a requirement per se; Economics is taught very differently at university. Your subjects sound brilliant.

Thanks man, that is definitely a sigh of relief. I know it doesn't say it is a requirement but I am worried that Unis will prefer candidates with Econ A level

(Original post by Selym95)
Economics would have been a lovely addition to your Maths, F Maths and Physics combo. Nevertheless, this should certainly not reduce your chances of gaining a place (unless the uni recommends you take economics) as you are studying 4 traditional subjects and seem to be excelling in all of them

Thank you! I was extremely worried that not having taken Econ will put me at a disadvantage when compared to other candidates. Tbh my traditional subjects are the only thing I have going for me when being compared to other students.

[crazycake93]

How many times does someone have to ask this blasted question. NO!

It will put you at no major disadvantage. What I must add is that the maths requirements for Economics is generally an A*, especially at the places you have applied. Further maths at least to an AS is seen as a necessary requirement.

[*mike]

(Original post by crazycake93)

It will put you at no major disadvantage. What I must add is that the maths requirements for Economics is generally an A*, especially at the places you have applied. Further maths at least to an AS is seen as a necessary requirement.

I have picked the courses that definitely do not require an A* for maths. Apart from UCL which equires an A* for maths unless you do FM in which case it is AA.
Believe it or not, the page for warwick requres A*AAB but underneath it says that Maths must be at Grade A at A2 level. So I wa hoping for an A* in Chem and Physics. I'm not sure if the A at A2 level thing is a typo and meant to say A* though...
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/unde...conomics/l100/

[The Polymath]

(Original post by TheBrightShadow)
AS level further maths is nine modules (i believe) , 6 of which are the full A level maths modules. that's why people who do A level further maths have already completed A Level maths in the first year.

No, this isn't true. FM AS can be studied in parallel to normal Maths - it's three completely separate modules. Our school does AS Maths and AS FM in the first year.

[natninja]

(Original post by The Polymath)
Nope, not a requirement. I would advise choosing the more mathematical Economics courses as opposed to the Artsy essay-type ones, as you don't have any essay subjects there. It seems like you've realised this yourself though, as those first four are very mathematical - why the Econ+*Finance*, if I may ask?

I would advise being very well prepared with further reading around the areas of philosopy, politics, economics, that you read/watch the news and related channels, and try to learn some basic economic principles, all so that you can demonstrate real enthusiasm and aptitude not just for Maths, but for Economics too

Weird how a lot of people do Maths A-level first, before FM A-level, and then only have 3 subjects How do unis view it? I also thought that FP1 tied in quite nicely with C3/4. It also relies on knowledge of C1+2, so you'll have to recap some of it (geometric equations, binomial etc.)

Anyone know what the reasoning behind the "Maths then FM" structure is?

The reasoning behind it is so if you screw up A-level you can re-take it (I went up from A to A*) and also because FP2 and FP3 are largely built on C3 and C4 techniques so if you don't have a good grasp of them you are likely to struggle. (At least with Edexcel anyway). FP1 is nice and easy though there is no need to recap C1 and C2 as all the stuff is new material such as introduction to complex numbers and proof by induction - in terms of difficulty its in between C1 and C2.

[The Polymath]

(Original post by natninja)
The reasoning behind it is so if you screw up A-level you can re-take it (I went up from A to A*) and also because FP2 and FP3 are largely built on C3 and C4 techniques so if you don't have a good grasp of them you are likely to struggle. (At least with Edexcel anyway). FP1 is nice and easy though there is no need to recap C1 and C2 as all the stuff is new material such as introduction to complex numbers and proof by induction - in terms of difficulty its in between C1 and C2.

Perhaps, but further mathematicians don't normally screw up A-level

Our school does C1, S1, D1 in January, FP1, C2, M1 in June, then C3, C4, S2 next January, FP2, FP3, M2 in June.

That way FP1 is aided by a completed C1 and parallel C2, and FP2/3 are helped by C3 and C4 which are fresh in students' minds from January.

[natninja]

(Original post by The Polymath)
Perhaps, but further mathematicians don't normally screw up A-level

Our school does C1, S1, D1 in January, FP1, C2, M1 in June, then C3, C4, S2 next January, FP2, FP3, M2 in June.

That way FP1 is aided by a completed C1 and parallel C2, and FP2/3 are helped by C3 and C4 which are fresh in students' minds from January.

I managed to screw up C4... got 92% overall and an A :/ got an A* in Further first tiem around though

[TheBrightShadow]

(Original post by The Polymath)
No, this isn't true. FM AS can be studied in parallel to normal Maths - it's three completely separate modules. Our school does AS Maths and AS FM in the first year.

oh ok, which modules does your school do for FM AS?

dont worry ive seen your post later on!

[The Polymath]

(Original post by TheBrightShadow)
oh ok, which modules does your school do for FM AS?

FP1, S1, D1 (obviously we switch the applied modules on certification if necessary )

[The Polymath]

(Original post by natninja)
I managed to screw up C4... got 92% overall and an A :/ got an A* in Further first tiem around though

To do FM I'm guessing you at least did S1 - statistically, when I said "normally", that meant there will be those who do occasionally screw up

The logic is, though, that if you're doing FM, you're unlikely to need to resit - if normal maths people don't resit, why should the more gifted mathematicians?

Also, by doing C3 and C4 in January Year 13, there IS still the opportunity to resit if needed.

[Scratchyjam]

No you should be fine. Like The Polymath said, read up on Economics as you'll need to show you have a real interest for the subject on your personal statement/interview.

You've obviously got a real aptitude for Maths and that's the only essential subject you need for most Economics courses. Yes, Economics is desired but as long as you have your mathematical subjects i.e. Maths, FM and Physics you'll be as right as rain.

[natninja]

(Original post by The Polymath)
To do FM I'm guessing you at least did S1 - statistically, when I said "normally", that meant there will be those who do occasionally screw up

The logic is, though, that if you're doing FM, you're unlikely to need to resit - if normal maths people don't resit, why should the more gifted mathematicians?

Also, by doing C3 and C4 in January Year 13, there IS still the opportunity to resit if needed.

Well I suppose that the main logic is for people who want to do maths as a fast track A-level which a lot of people do so that they get 4 but are only doing three in U6. (Yeah I did M1 & M2 for normal A-level and S1, S2, M3, FP1, FP2, FP3 for further and D1 for security)

On a different note, for economics, at A-level there is nearly no mathematical content and the course is short, boring and easy (in my opinion anyway) but apparently at uni it's mostly calculus and all of A level econ is derived (whether directly or indirectly) from only a couple of principles such as opportunity cost and the fact that if something is mopre expensive people tend to buy less of it along with a couple of others.

[Flying_pigs1414]

A-Level Economics isn't a requirement to do Econ at Uni, so you wouldn't be at a disadvantage. You'll be introduced to everything in the first year anyway. Maths is The Big Deal to do Economics at university, not Econ at A Level. It should not be a disadvantage, especially not if you do some extra reading around the subject and speak about it with enough enthusiasm in your personal statement.

[*mike]

Thanks for all the replies guys, could anybody give me some topics for me to look over, I would just go ahead and read the AS textbook but I don't have time for that. Any help would be appreciated

[The Polymath]

(Original post by natninja)
Well I suppose that the main logic is for people who want to do maths as a fast track A-level which a lot of people do so that they get 4 but are only doing three in U6. (Yeah I did M1 & M2 for normal A-level and S1, S2, M3, FP1, FP2, FP3 for further and D1 for security)

On a different note, for economics, at A-level there is nearly no mathematical content and the course is short, boring and easy (in my opinion anyway) but apparently at uni it's mostly calculus and all of A level econ is derived (whether directly or indirectly) from only a couple of principles such as opportunity cost and the fact that if something is mopre expensive people tend to buy less of it along with a couple of others.

Yeah I agree about economics A-level - no maths other than the occasional percentages You touch on some interesting aspects, but the syllabus does not require any real understanding behind them and so the course itself is boring - by reading around the areas you cover it can become interesting though.

it all kicks off at uni though that's when you can finally analyse the graphs and theories properly using mathematics also GAME THEORY