University ideas?

I'm currently in year 12, starting to think about going to university but I'm not entirely sure what I should be studying and where. I do Maths, English Lit, Chemistry and EPQ and hopefully I will achieve at least an AAA (and A* for EPQ). I have quite a few good things I will be able to put on my PS, but if anyone has any ideas for really helpful stuff I could do to set me ahead that would be great. I have so far liked the look of economics most but I am still very unsure. I love maths but I don't want to do it pure as I would also love to study something including a human/writing element. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or recommendations? Also - I've loved the look of St. Andrews but I'm worried about whether I'll get in, additionally like the look of Durham, York etc (ideally want to stay in the north of UK). Any suggestions about which university, or anything at all, would be massively appreciated!

I'm currently in year 12, starting to think about going to university but I'm not entirely sure what I should be studying and where. I do Maths, English Lit, Chemistry and EPQ and hopefully I will achieve at least an AAA (and A* for EPQ). I have quite a few good things I will be able to put on my PS, but if anyone has any ideas for really helpful stuff I could do to set me ahead that would be great. I have so far liked the look of economics most but I am still very unsure. I love maths but I don't want to do it pure as I would also love to study something including a human/writing element. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or recommendations? Also - I've loved the look of St. Andrews but I'm worried about whether I'll get in, additionally like the look of Durham, York etc (ideally want to stay in the north of UK). Any suggestions about which university, or anything at all, would be massively appreciated!

You are on the right track with your thinking; figure out WHAT you want to study then WHERE. Why not consider joint honours Maths and Economics? You get the best of both worlds then. The course is offered at:

Leeds
Warwick
Durham
Newcastle
Nottingham
Sheffield

PPE? Some form of Combined/Joint Honours?

Maths and Philosophy https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/reqs/2019-20/USHFMTHJPHI.html

History and Philosophy and Science : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/degrees/history-philosophy-science-bsc/

Law and Economics : https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/2021/degrees/www.ed.ac.uk/global/exchanges/index.php?action=programme&code=ML11

Firstly you are not going to get into Durham for Maths without Further Maths and probably STEP and will probably need A*A*A so I would look outside of that. Looking at your suggested universities it seems you prefer smaller cities than large ones and the 2 that come to mind up North are York and Lancaster. Both are smallish cities with campus universities. Another option might be Loughborough. It is a bit further South but has a good reputation in Maths and Economics and is a campus university in a small town.You could also look at Keele which is small and rural is and will ask for slightly lower grades. If you are looking for bigger cities then you could try Newcastle, Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and Liverpool.

Keele specialises in joint courses so could be worth a look.
Lancaster specialises in statistics which is something you might think of. Their Maths courses are a bit different to most as they dont or certainly didnt offer mechanics. Their first year consisted of Pure Maths as 1 module, Statistics as another and another subject as your third and you could take Economics as your third.

Maths courses vary massively in content and it is something you need to look into. Perhaps a course leaning towards more stats might be worth you looking into or joint courses involving Maths and Economics. The other options must be accounting and finance or something like Acturial Science or even Meteorology which I think Liverpool offer.

I think at this stage the best thing you can do is to apply for prospectuses from various universities and see which courses and universities really interest you. Go to any open days available and go for a few subject talks to give you more ideas on the subjects. You dont need to submit your application until January so spend the summer looking at what you want to do and tailor your Personal statement around that.

I wasn't too sure on Durham, it seems to have quite a bad reputation and an elitist-culture, although the location is perfect and I'm sure it must be very good - otherwise it wouldn't be so high-acclaimed. I almost definitely wouldn't be doing a Maths course, so the lack of STEP/MAT and Further Maths hopefully won't affect me too much.
You're spot on, I would definitely prefer somewhere which is big enough to feel exciting and new - without the chaotic atmosphere of a large city. Of course, this is just my opinion. York looks very good, but Lancaster is too near to home and I don't like how far removed the campus is. Not really sure about Loughborough, as I would love a picturesque and historic city - and Loughborough seems a tad drab. Don't know much about Keele - will have to have a better look.
That's great advice, thanks - I'll do more digging and less worrying!

I've looked a bit at PPE, but it seemed to have too much of a focus on Politics which isn't something I would particularly like to study. Thanks though, beginning to think a Combined Honours would be a good option!

Hi,

It’s great that you’re already starting to think about where you might like to go to University 😊 There are so many things to consider when you’re applying to university so checking out all of the different courses on offer and the different types of campus and city you might like is a great place to start.

If you’re interested in seeing what student life in York is like you can find out more information here. You can take our virtual campus tour or have a look at our courses to see if they’re for you. York is a great city to live in and our college system gives you a sense of community during your time at York. We also have some advice about writing your personal statement and how you can stand out from the crowd.

Good luck with your research and if you have any questions about life at York, please just ask!

Rachel

My eldest goes to Lancaster so ive got some useful info on the uni and the city here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6904136

They do financial mathematics
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/financial-mathematics-bsc-hons-gn13/#course-entry
Maths with statistics:
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/mathematics-with-statistics-bsc-hons-g1g3/
Maths operational research statistics and economics:
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/mathematics-operational-research-statistics-and-economics-morse-bsc-hons-gln0/#overview

Also economics and finance, accountancy.

Are you looking at Maths at all or not.

In that case have a look at the BASc in Arts and Sciences at UCL. Birmingham have a similar course.

Used to be, now thinking probably not.

It might be worth considering Durham in that case.