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Should I study Economics or Physics?

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Reply 40
Original post by NickLCFC
Bad advice. Most universities require A level Maths for both economics and physics.


I'm definitely doing Maths, and probably/almost definitely FM. I want to stretch myself and I'm willing to work hard.
i think you should do maths and further maths, physics and philosophy. philosophy and mathematics go well together and so does mathematics and physics. there's an overlap between philosophy and mathematics in logic (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logic) and 'the philosophy of mathematics'. loads of mathematicians were also philosophers; e.g. pascal and descartes
Original post by petrus123
I am thinking of studying Maths, FM, Philosophy Pre-U, and Economics. But should I do Physics instead of Econ. I'm interested in Economics, but I'm also scoring highly in Physics.


It depends, what do you want to study at university?
Reply 43
Thanks for the advice. That's why I'm thinking of Maths, FM, and Philosophy. But then Economics seems very interesting and relevant - and even perhaps a degree possibility - so it's a tough choice for me.
Reply 44
Original post by hoping4Astars
It depends, what do you want to study at university?


The problem is that I don't really know yet :/
Original post by petrus123
Thanks for the advice. That's why I'm thinking of Maths, FM, and Philosophy. But then Economics seems very interesting and relevant - and even perhaps a degree possibility - so it's a tough choice for me.


i don't know your capabilities but have you considered taking all five? you could drop one or even two of them at A2 Level.
Original post by petrus123
I'm definitely doing Maths, and probably/almost definitely FM. I want to stretch myself and I'm willing to work hard.


Good choice, especially if you want to get into a competitive university.
Original post by petrus123
The problem is that I don't really know yet :/


Is it anything related to physics or economics (e.g. engineering, natural sciences, philosophy, ppe)? You must have some idea.
Reply 48
I thought about it, but I don't think it's a great idea. Our school doesn't recommend 5, and I want to aim for top grades (which will be harder with an extra subject). You don't need 5 subjects for uni, and I'm also probably going to do some other stuff (a programming project of some sort in sixth form + 2 or 3 Music Grade 8 exams in the next two years...)
Original post by NickLCFC
Good choice, especially if you want to get into a competitive university.


What's with the bold text fam?
Original post by hoping4Astars
What's with the bold text fam?


I just like writing in bold text tbh fam
Original post by NickLCFC
I just like writing in bold text tbh fam


Alright then
Original post by petrus123
I thought about it, but I don't think it's a great idea. Our school doesn't recommend 5, and I want to aim for top grades (which will be harder with an extra subject). You don't need 5 subjects for uni, and I'm also probably going to do some other stuff (a programming project of some sort in sixth form + 2 or 3 Music Grade 8 exams in the next two years...)


economics and philosophy are both tier 1 subjects according to cambridge's list of accepted subjects. however, neither of them are facilitating subjects which means no russell group universities require economics or philosophy for entry into any course. whichever you pick, you won't be disadvantaged in university admission for not taking the other; pick which one fascinates you the most.
Reply 53
Thanks :smile: Would you recommend any specific resources for piquing my curiosity (or realising I don't have much) in Physics?
Original post by petrus123
OK. Thanks. I'm intending to work hard and I'm also planning on doing the KhanAcademy Microeconomics and Macroeconomics courses over the summer as a fun intro :biggrin:



If i were you I would do Economics if looking to study it or Philosophy or something related at uni. Do Physics if you're more likely to do maths or computing, as it will be far more relevant.
Original post by petrus123
Thanks :smile: Would you recommend any specific resources for piquing my curiosity (or realising I don't have much) in Physics?


i didn't do physics a-level so i can't offer any solid advice. i can recommend you watch some physics videos or read some physics book to see if it interests you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2TMzWXIZhQ&list=PLijqQiSMHnP26XvZhMawCk_xh7TLgXZ7P
Reply 56
Original post by TimGB
If i were you I would do Economics if looking to study it or Philosophy or something related at uni. Do Physics if you're more likely to do maths or computing, as it will be far more relevant.


Maths and Computing are also subjects I enjoy and am (relatively) good at, although I think maybe the Economics route might be for me. From what I can see, if I decide I actually want to study Maths or Comp Sci, I have the required subjects with Maths+FM.
Reply 57
Thanks :smile:

EDIT: Wow :smile: This is a school friend of my Physics teacher from a couple of years ago - I've been watching his GCSE videos for revision!
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by petrus123
Maths and Computing are also subjects I enjoy and am (relatively) good at, although I think maybe the Economics route might be for me. From what I can see, if I decide I actually want to study Maths or Comp Sci, I have the required subjects with Maths+FM.



The typical maths combo is Maths-FM-Physics, but I'm not sure how much of an effect it will have on your chances if you don't take physics. As a maths undergraduate, I think computer science would be a lot more applicable (we write computer programs instead of essays for coursework).
Reply 59
Original post by TimGB
The typical maths combo is Maths-FM-Physics, but I'm not sure how much of an effect it will have on your chances if you don't take physics. As a maths undergraduate, I think computer science would be a lot more applicable (we write computer programs instead of essays for coursework).


Both sound fun - I'll just have to take a look. I'm just a little concerned that doing

Philosophy, Maths+FM+Physics
= Philosophy + Maths + Applied Maths + More Maths + More Applied Maths + Very Applied Maths and might be too specialised...

EDIT: Sorry if I've made a mistake in writing this; it's just my fear, backed by virtually no evidence whatsoever.
(edited 8 years ago)

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