IB - Should I take Math HL to major Economics in the UK?

Hi there! I've been taking IB since the 6th grade and I'm currently in the last year of MYP (10th grade), which means that I will have to submit my subject selection form for IB DP soon (in 19 days, to be precise).

I've been really considering to major in Economics in the UK, and I am definitely going to take Economics HL, but is it necessary to take Math HL?

I go to school in Southeast Asia and my school is one of the top 3 IB schools in the capital. The Math HL class in my school is extremely difficult, and we'd have to consistently score 6-7s in our assessments to even be recommended to take Math HL. Only about 5-10% of the students in each batch take Math HL and actually survive until the very end (more than half of the students drop to SL in the first year).

I'm not aiming for universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Warwick because I know for a fact that they do require Math HL. But how about Nottingham, Exeter, Surrey, Bath, King's College, etc.? And do you know any other good universities in the UK that accepts Math SL to major in Economics?

And also, an additional question: is it better to take English B HL or English A SL? Do universities focus more on whether or not it is an A/B language, or whether or not I take it in standard/higher level? English isn't my first language, but I feel more comfortable writing essays and analyzing books in English as compared to my mother tongue. Or should I just take English A HL? How 'hard' is the class?

I'm in quite a dilemma here, so it would be remarkable if anyone replied. Thank you very much!

Hi there!

Thank you for inquiring about Bath. I'm a second year student of International Management and Spanish and I have a few friends studying economics here and they love it!

The entry for requirements for Economics at Bath can be found here. In short, you don't necessarily need Higher Level Maths, although it is preferred. If you have a grade 7 in Mathematics at the Standard Level you will also be considered.

Furthermore, to find which English language requirements you need to meet before studying here, you can follow this link.

If you have any more questions at all about studying economics or at Bath, please do not hesitate to ask!

All the best,

Ellen

Hi there! I've been taking IB since the 6th grade and I'm currently in the last year of MYP (10th grade), which means that I will have to submit my subject selection form for IB DP soon (in 19 days, to be precise).

I've been really considering to major in Economics in the UK, and I am definitely going to take Economics HL, but is it necessary to take Math HL?

I go to school in Southeast Asia and my school is one of the top 3 IB schools in the capital. The Math HL class in my school is extremely difficult, and we'd have to consistently score 6-7s in our assessments to even be recommended to take Math HL. Only about 5-10% of the students in each batch take Math HL and actually survive until the very end (more than half of the students drop to SL in the first year).

I'm not aiming for universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Warwick because I know for a fact that they do require Math HL. But how about Nottingham, Exeter, Surrey, Bath, King's College, etc.? And do you know any other good universities in the UK that accepts Math SL to major in Economics?

And also, an additional question: is it better to take English B HL or English A SL? Do universities focus more on whether or not it is an A/B language, or whether or not I take it in standard/higher level? English isn't my first language, but I feel more comfortable writing essays and analyzing books in English as compared to my mother tongue. Or should I just take English A HL? How 'hard' is the class?

I'm in quite a dilemma here, so it would be remarkable if anyone replied. Thank you very much!

You will be at a disadvantage for Bath if you don't do HL maths. You also need to consider if you really want to do Economics since at University it is quite a mathematical degree. The obvious course to look at if you want a good reputation but less maths would be Bristol.

Yeah, I'm planning to do something in the lines of Econ/Finance/Business but I'm not so sure yet. And I heard it's also a disadvantage if I took Business at HL/SL? Would it be better if I took History HL?

Thanks for the info! Appreciate it

Business is not well regarded and a good grade at History would undoubtedly give you an advantage as well as teaching skills you would find useful at University.

Hi! Thank you so much for taking your time to reply.

Well that's a relief. I was terrified because I didn't think I could handle Math HL, haha!

I have a couple more questions though; would they still accept me if I take Business & Management at SL/HL? Because I know a lot of universities see it as a 'soft' subject, but I honestly don't know what other HL subject to pick.. I wanted to take Psychology HL but unfortunately, my school doesn't offer that subject. My other HL subjects are English A and Economics, and since I'm pretty sure I'm doing Math at SL, I need to pick one more HL subject.

And, another question, how is living in Bath like? I've travelled to London but I haven't visited Bath yet.

Thank you so much

There isn't much difference between English A HL and SL. For HL, you have to produce two written tasks whereas for SL, you only have to produce one and read less number of texts. This is for Lang-lit btw, not Literature.

As for Maths HL, there are many good unis that don't require Maths HL for Economics. Have a look at their website.
From the top of my head I can think of these at the moment:
-Leeds
-Aston
-Lancaster
-Manchester (BA, not Bsc.)
-Leicester
-Birmingham
-Exeter (Business Econ.)
-UEA

Ah I see. But I'm taking two A languages so I guess it's safer for me to take English A SL instead, it's my second language anyway. And I heard it's pretty hard to get a 7 at English A HL? I think it's an extremely interesting subject though.

Thank you so much for the information! Very very helpful.

Alright then, my mind is made up. HL English, Econ and History it is. Lol, wish me luck!