Economics vs Physics

I am absolutely torn between a degree in maths with economics or maths with physics

For context I am able to do both with the subjects I've chosen which are advanced higher: maths, maths of mechanics (Scottish equivalent to further maths), chemistry and physics. Looking at it I seem like more of a competitive applicant for physics but I feel with a good PS i can be one for econ.

Also i’m planning on applying to cambridge which i know doesn’t do joint courses so i’d either just apply to econ or natural sciences there

but basically I feel like i’m choosing too late and everyday I haven’t decided I become a weaker applicant for both. I just need HELP i’ve done so much research and I still can’t choose - I feel like all you can do with an econ degree is like data stuff and finance which sounds boring af but also like physics is hard

(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 1

normaw

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

19

Original post by alishayas

I am absolutely torn between a degree in maths with economics or maths with physics

For context I am able to do both with the subjects I've chosen which are advanced higher: maths, maths of mechanics (Scottish equivalent to further maths), chemistry and physics. Looking at it I seem like more of a competitive applicant for physics but I feel with a good PS i can be one for econ.

Also i’m planning on applying to cambridge which i know doesn’t do joint courses so i’d either just apply to econ or natural sciences there

but basically I feel like i’m choosing too late and everyday I haven’t decided I become a weaker applicant for both. I just need HELP i’ve done so much research and I still can’t choose - I feel like all you can do with an econ degree is like data stuff and finance which sounds boring af but also like physics is hard

Have you been to any open days and listened to some subject talks? Go to as many as you can and talk to staff and students about the courses.

Reply 2

swanseajack1

19

Original post by alishayas

I am absolutely torn between a degree in maths with economics or maths with physics

For context I am able to do both with the subjects I've chosen which are advanced higher: maths, maths of mechanics (Scottish equivalent to further maths), chemistry and physics. Looking at it I seem like more of a competitive applicant for physics but I feel with a good PS i can be one for econ.

Also i’m planning on applying to cambridge which i know doesn’t do joint courses so i’d either just apply to econ or natural sciences there

but basically I feel like i’m choosing too late and everyday I haven’t decided I become a weaker applicant for both. I just need HELP i’ve done so much research and I still can’t choose - I feel like all you can do with an econ degree is like data stuff and finance which sounds boring af but also like physics is hard

Why not just apply for Maths. Sometimes yoo can take a module or 2 from a different subject. Look into Maths degrees in more detail as they differ massively.

Reply 3

McGinger

18

Cambridge is one choice, one course - so you need to be looking at far more than 'what I could do at Cambridge', and those specific subjects or subject combinations.

Natural Science is a multi disciplinary STEM degree that offers different subject combinations at each of the Unis that offer this program - and can often include non-STEM subjects -
Cambridge - https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/natural-sciences
Bath https://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate-2024/natural-sciences/
York https://www.york.ac.uk/natural-sciences/undergraduate-study/
Nottingham https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/naturalsciences/index.aspx
etc etc.

Reply 4

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

15

Original post by alishayas

I am absolutely torn between a degree in maths with economics or maths with physics

For context I am able to do both with the subjects I've chosen which are advanced higher: maths, maths of mechanics (Scottish equivalent to further maths), chemistry and physics. Looking at it I seem like more of a competitive applicant for physics but I feel with a good PS i can be one for econ.

Also i’m planning on applying to cambridge which i know doesn’t do joint courses so i’d either just apply to econ or natural sciences there

but basically I feel like i’m choosing too late and everyday I haven’t decided I become a weaker applicant for both. I just need HELP i’ve done so much research and I still can’t choose - I feel like all you can do with an econ degree is like data stuff and finance which sounds boring af but also like physics is hard

Hi there,

I'm a student at Lancaster University and I studied a Natural Sciences BSc which sounds like it could be a good fit for what you mentioned. Natural Sciences degrees tend to vary by university, so it's definitely worth having a look around to see what course is right for you. At Lancaster, the degree is very flexible, you can choose 3 pathways out of a possible 21. The subjects range from maths, physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, earth sciences, and more, so there are many different possible combinations! The complete list of different pathways is in the brochure which can be found here - https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/natural-sciences/ . So you would be able to study maths with physics. You can also choose a pathway outside of the sciences, so you could study physics and economics for example. This could allow you to keep your options more open while you find which area you are most passionate about.

I have loved the degree, and have started studying a Mechanical Engineering Masters since that ended up being my favourite subject of my Natural Sciences undergraduate. One thing that is quite challenging with the degree is studying subjects in three different departments. It definitely advances time management skills because deadlines for the subjects can sometimes fall at similar times. If you are organised and plan ahead, I found this to be very manageable and even enjoyable! I actually preferred switching between the different ways of working and having a variety of learning types throughout my degree.

I also found that it helped me when applying for placement years as it showed that I could apply myself to different types of work. I did my placement year with the Environment Agency, helping with flood modelling and also some of the mechanical engineering projects. A natural Sciences degree set me up really well for this.

I absolutely loved the degree and if you have any questions, just let me know!

-Bethan (Lancaster University Student Ambassador)

Reply 5

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by alishayas

I am absolutely torn between a degree in maths with economics or maths with physics

For context I am able to do both with the subjects I've chosen which are advanced higher: maths, maths of mechanics (Scottish equivalent to further maths), chemistry and physics. Looking at it I seem like more of a competitive applicant for physics but I feel with a good PS i can be one for econ.

Also i’m planning on applying to cambridge which i know doesn’t do joint courses so i’d either just apply to econ or natural sciences there

but basically I feel like i’m choosing too late and everyday I haven’t decided I become a weaker applicant for both. I just need HELP i’ve done so much research and I still can’t choose - I feel like all you can do with an econ degree is like data stuff and finance which sounds boring af but also like physics is hard

You can go into data science and finance with a physics degree as well I'd note. Also neither degree is inherently harder than the other, just different. Both can also go into the vast range of generalist grad schemes in various business/managerial roles, the media, the civil service, banking and financial services, legal training contracts, etc, etc.

What are you actually interested in learning? The long term outcomes of those degrees are largely similar and the roles available to both are similar barring a handful of specialist roles (in the government economic service and NGOs or central banks on the economics side, vs more technical roles in the engineering and technology sectors from the physics side). So you may as well focus on the journey since the destination (or options for the destination) are largely similar if not the same.

Economics vs Physics

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