A-Levels

Hi there.

Maths, Further Maths and Physics as far as I’m aware would enable you to do any of the degrees you mentioned.

With regards to your question about economics - it depends on the Uni. If you would consider doing economics at top Unis (Oxbridge, UCL, Durham, LSE, Warwick etc) then whilst explicitly you would still meet the entry requirements, you would be at a disadvantage compared to those who had studied economics. But - this is something that could be pretty much fixed through a fair bit of extra reading and super curriculars, which could also show your passion for economics. You’d just have to play catch up and put a fair bit of time in to give yourself the best shot at making a competitive application (mainly needed for your personal statement).

If you’re planning to go for Oxbridge, LSE or Warwick I’d say though getting an offer would be considerably more difficult. Again, you would need to work hard over the Year 12 summer to read up on economics a fair bit.

However, all that being said - Maths, Further maths and Physics is an academically rigorous and respected combination. You’re better off doing them and getting A/A*s than doing Maths, Further maths and economics and hating it. Your chosen combination will still keep many doors open, and whilst you would be at a bit of a disadvantage for top economics Uni courses, if you really worked hard and did a lot of extra reading you would still have every chance. Good luck!

thx, what about for manchester or any other Russell Group economics?

Also if I were to do economics would I be at a disadvantage for not doing economics at A-level?

Hi there.

Maths, Further Maths and Physics as far as I’m aware would enable you to do any of the degrees you mentioned.

With regards to your question about economics - it depends on the Uni. If you would consider doing economics at top Unis (Oxbridge, UCL, Durham, LSE, Warwick etc) then whilst explicitly you would still meet the entry requirements, you would be at a disadvantage compared to those who had studied economics. But - this is something that could be pretty much fixed through a fair bit of extra reading and super curriculars, which could also show your passion for economics. You’d just have to play catch up and put a fair bit of time in to give yourself the best shot at making a competitive application (mainly needed for your personal statement).

If you’re planning to go for Oxbridge, LSE or Warwick I’d say though getting an offer would be considerably more difficult. Again, you would need to work hard over the Year 12 summer to read up on economics a fair bit.

However, all that being said - Maths, Further maths and Physics is an academically rigorous and respected combination. You’re better off doing them and getting A/A*s than doing Maths, Further maths and economics and hating it. Your chosen combination will still keep many doors open, and whilst you would be at a bit of a disadvantage for top economics Uni courses, if you really worked hard and did a lot of extra reading you would still have every chance. Good luck!

Hello I want to ask 1 more thing: Out of Maths,Further Maths,Economics and Physics, which 3 A-levels should I choose to have the best possible outcome at each of the degrees I mentioned above?

This is incredibly difficult to answer. Ideally, you need to narrow down your degree choices further;

Physics/Maths/Engineering = Maths, Physics and Further Maths

Economics/Accountancy/Finance = Maths, Further Maths and Economics

However, for top Unis, some may only accept Further Maths as a fourth A Level. In an ideal world, taking Maths, Physics and Economics alongside Further Maths AS (instead of an EPQ or any other enrichment) would be the best idea. If you can only do three A Levels, I’d check top Unis you’d be interested in to see if they allow Further Maths as one of three A Levels. If they do, I’d say Maths, Further Maths and Physics, purely because top Unis for economics would still consider you if you had a strong application (as far as I know, none outright require economics A Level); on the other hand, for Physics/Maths/Engineering at top Unis, Maths, Physics and Further Maths would pretty much be needed outright or as an implied condition. However, this is still not optimal—if you had the option to take economics but didn’t, top Unis for economics will question why you didn’t take it.

As already outlined, I would aim to do Maths, Physics, Economics A Levels then Further Maths AS to truly keep all your options open. If you can’t do this, try and narrow down your degree choices and look at which A Levels the Unis you’re interested in require specifically (in most cases, if they aren’t the super competitive ones then Maths, Physics and Economics A Levels without any further maths would be fine).

If in all doubt, try and speak to a teacher or careers counsellor at school, or just consider ultimately which three you’d enjoy more and do better at. Good luck!

Thank you very much, your so much help. I will just stick to Maths, Physics and economics. Thank you again

You’re welcome. Good luck with your studies and I hope things work out for you. Best of luck!