Mphil Economics Masters Oxbridge

You definitely won't have a chance if you don't apply! That said, you will be up against people with Firsts (not having one doesn't rule you out, though) *but* 69% going into final year makes me think you'll have an excellent chance of attaining a First this year (most people pull their grades up in their final year) plus, it's also a very strong 2:i also. 58% in micro is obviously not ideal, but if this was this last academic year, they'll likely cut a bit more slack than usual (there's also an option to ask them to consider mitigating circs, if you feel your university hasn't accounted for them - there should be a link on the course home page) and also, one grade that's somewhat lower than your normal range doesn't really count for too much - if we see something like that, which is rather anomalous, we tend to assume that there was perhaps issues with the class, or one of the assessments, or you didn't gel with the tutor, or whatever: it shouldn't, on its own, prevent you from being considered.

I realise you have to invest (most likely, anyway, unless you are exempt) £75 in applying -but if you were my student, with that profile, I'd be strongly suggesting you consider it, and coming from LSE will also improve your chances too, as it's known to be very strong in economics in particular, for obvious reasons. Worst case scenario, they don't accept you - you can then reapply with your First Class degree next autumn, and take a year out to stash the cash in preparation, or go somewhere else in September (maybe even stay on at LSE?) instead.

Sorry your modules and grades seem a little muddled so could you make them a little clearer? Also what are the modules you think you'll take in your final year?

Obviously being on a First would be better but I wouldn't say that a 2:1 rules you out, especially since you are so close to the boundary. As the person above me said, an economics-related degree from LSE is a very good signal regardless.

Anecdotally, I think entry standards are higher for the Oxford MPhil than the Cambridge MPhil. This is because the Oxford course is two years and feeds directly to their DPhil programme. In Cambridge, the MPhil is one year and designed for those planning on working afterwards; they have a separate MRes course for those wanting to do the DPhil. So, and take this with a grain of salt, Cambridge might be a little bit more lenient but only just because again these are high demand courses at prestigious universities.

Sorry for the confusion:

First year:
Math: 76
Econ:78
Politics:60
Philosophy: 66
Stats: 58

2nd year:
Maths: 86
Politics: 68
Stats: 74
Micro: 58
Logic: 71

3rd year:
Macro: 64
Metrics: 66
Philosohy of Econ: 72
Politics II: 72
Political Economy: 69

I’ve heard that about Cambridge as well. Would it be easier to get into Mphil Econ or Mphil Econ + Finance at Cambridge do you think?

Maths and Stats in your second year look good. Lower mark in Micro in second year could be better but respectable 2:1 in Metrics. What economics modules are you doing in your fourth year?

MPhil Econ will be easier for you I reckon. You have no finance background (academic and I assume professional) and intake for the Finance & Econ course is lower.

Thank you. Yes I have no finance background at all. I think I shall take Public Economics in my fourth year to bolster my microeconomics background. I also have an outside option to take any course at the university. Do you think I should be looking to take an additional economics course alongside Public?

You definitely won't have a chance if you don't apply! That said, you will be up against people with Firsts (not having one doesn't rule you out, though) *but* 69% going into final year makes me think you'll have an excellent chance of attaining a First this year (most people pull their grades up in their final year) plus, it's also a very strong 2:i also. 58% in micro is obviously not ideal, but if this was this last academic year, they'll likely cut a bit more slack than usual (there's also an option to ask them to consider mitigating circs, if you feel your university hasn't accounted for them - there should be a link on the course home page) and also, one grade that's somewhat lower than your normal range doesn't really count for too much - if we see something like that, which is rather anomalous, we tend to assume that there was perhaps issues with the class, or one of the assessments, or you didn't gel with the tutor, or whatever: it shouldn't, on its own, prevent you from being considered.

I realise you have to invest (most likely, anyway, unless you are exempt) £75 in applying -but if you were my student, with that profile, I'd be strongly suggesting you consider it, and coming from LSE will also improve your chances too, as it's known to be very strong in economics in particular, for obvious reasons. Worst case scenario, they don't accept you - you can then reapply with your First Class degree next autumn, and take a year out to stash the cash in preparation, or go somewhere else in September (maybe even stay on at LSE?) instead.

What are your options? Basically you need to demonstrate that you are comfortable with economics despite not doing a pure economics degree.

I have a lot of economics options. Basically, international, monetary, political economy, public, developmental etc.

Just wondering, what do you think my chances are for getting into the MSc Economics course at LSE. i.e. do you think I have a better chance since I'm doing my undergrad at LSE than say Oxbridge?

Thank you so much for this response. I’ll definitely apply to LSE, Cam, and Oxford. Do you have any thoughts on whether similar programs at say Durham, St Andrew’s and UCL are worth exploring?