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A Level Subjects for Economics

Hello,

I am currently in Year 11 and thinking about what to take for A Levels. I would like to do Economics at one of the top 5 universities and I understand that Economics is a fiercely competitive degree. I was just wondering what would be the best subjects to take and whether four would be ok?

I was thinking about taking Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Biology/Chemistry.

Is that combination ok or would the universities think that the science subject wouldn't really be relevant considering I want to study Economics at University?

Thank you.

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Reply 1
I'm doing Business Studies, Economics, Religious Studies and General Studies and am aiming for a relatively good uni.
Reply 2
MullyGrubber
Hello,

I am currently in Year 11 and thinking about what to take for A Levels. I would like to do Economics at one of the top 5 universities and I understand that Economics is a fiercely competitive degree. I was just wondering what would be the best subjects to take and whether four would be ok?

I was thinking about taking Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Biology/Chemistry.

Is that combination ok or would the universities think that the science subject wouldn't really be relevant considering I want to study Economics at University?

Thank you.


Could you do 5 AS levels?

Maths
Further maths
Economics
+ Essay subject (e.g. history)
+ Science subject (e.g. physics)

If not, I think your options are fine. You have maths, fm and economics which are the important ones, plus a respected subject as a 4th AS level.
Reply 3
MullyGrubber
Hello,

I am currently in Year 11 and thinking about what to take for A Levels. I would like to do Economics at one of the top 5 universities and I understand that Economics is a fiercely competitive degree. I was just wondering what would be the best subjects to take and whether four would be ok?

I was thinking about taking Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Biology/Chemistry.

Is that combination ok or would the universities think that the science subject wouldn't really be relevant considering I want to study Economics at University?

Thank you.


Maths, Further Maths, Economics and History/Physics/Chemistry/Language/Geography would be perfect. It doesn't matter if one of them isn't directly related to Economics, the universities know they're all still respectable subjects.
MullyGrubber
Hello,

I am currently in Year 11 and thinking about what to take for A Levels. I would like to do Economics at one of the top 5 universities and I understand that Economics is a fiercely competitive degree. I was just wondering what would be the best subjects to take and whether four would be ok?

I was thinking about taking Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Biology/Chemistry.

Is that combination ok or would the universities think that the science subject wouldn't really be relevant considering I want to study Economics at University?

Thank you.



Your subject choices are great, especially that you're taking Further Maths, which will help your application greatly.
Also, Biology/Chemistry are one of the most respected subjects out there, and they will definetely not put you at any disadvantage.
Reply 5
5? Sounds like a lot but yeah if it helps I'll give it a go. Would it be ok to drop 1 of the five for A2? History..hmm, I don't do it at GCSE but it won't hamper me in any way will it? By the way, what does History involve?

Thank you for your replies, very helpful.
Reply 6
If you don't like History don't take it! It's better to have less respected subjects but to atleast obtain A's only. If History isn't an option there's allways something like english literature from the essay-based subjects.
Reply 7
MullyGrubber
5? Sounds like a lot but yeah if it helps I'll give it a go. Would it be ok to drop 1 of the five for A2? History..hmm, I don't do it at GCSE but it won't hamper me in any way will it? By the way, what does History involve?

Thank you for your replies, very helpful.


You don't have to do 5. It's a lot of work, but if you want to go to a top 5 uni, then having 5 AS levels and 4 A2 levels (it would be normal to drop one for A2) would make you a lot more attractive as a candidate than someone with 4AS and 3A2. However you can still get in with 4AS levels, so don't worry if you don't want to do it.

I know people who didn't do history for GCSE, and then did it at A-level and do ok. However only do it if you're interested in it. Perhaps have a chat with a history teacher to see what you do for A-level. If not, a subject like English Lit, which shows you can write essays would also be good. It's up to you.
Reply 8
Oh I see. I think I'll give History a miss, I am not particularly interested in it.

Thanks for the advice everyone, much appreciated!
Reply 9
I'd go for Politics as one
I do it and have found the two overlap/link in a lot. It helps when writing essays for each :smile:
and then Maths, Further Maths, Economics.
Reply 10
MullyGrubber
Hello,

I am currently in Year 11 and thinking about what to take for A Levels. I would like to do Economics at one of the top 5 universities and I understand that Economics is a fiercely competitive degree. I was just wondering what would be the best subjects to take and whether four would be ok?

I was thinking about taking Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Biology/Chemistry.

Is that combination ok or would the universities think that the science subject wouldn't really be relevant considering I want to study Economics at University?

Thank you.



Solid subject = no problem when it comes to choosing universties...

Although, I would recommend history instead of a science - but it's not a big deal if you don't study it (just shows your writing capabilities)

But to answer your question - no, the univesites won't worry about the science subject - they know it'll provide you with the relevant skill set for an economics degree
Reply 11
You're definately on the right track with these choices - Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are the subjects most desired by presigious, venerable institutions such as LSE... Are you studying Economics at GCSE level?
Reply 12
MullyGrubber
Hello,

I am currently in Year 11 and thinking about what to take for A Levels. I would like to do Economics at one of the top 5 universities and I understand that Economics is a fiercely competitive degree. I was just wondering what would be the best subjects to take and whether four would be ok?

I was thinking about taking Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Biology/Chemistry.

Is that combination ok or would the universities think that the science subject wouldn't really be relevant considering I want to study Economics at University?

Thank you.


I'd recommend physics as it links with fm very well,
geography is a subject which is much easier to get a high A in at AS-level so if you're thinking of doing 5 i would recommend: maths, fm, economics, physics, geography.
i would not recommend chemistry or biology on their own as it is easier to get higher marks if you do both together,
i did just chemistry and people that did biology as well in my class were ahead in the scientific techniques
Reply 13
hi,
I am wanting to do economics at a top university and am thinking for my a-levels;maths (and fsmq which i've already done)
further maths
economics
and politics. However my form tutor told me politics is a weak subject and good universities dont like it. Is this true and, if so, what should is a good subject to do?
thanks
Reply 14
charlie224
hi,
I am wanting to do economics at a top university and am thinking for my a-levels;maths (and fsmq which i've already done)
further maths
economics
and politics. However my form tutor told me politics is a weak subject and good universities dont like it. Is this true and, if so, what should is a good subject to do?
thanks

check out the sticky in the A-levels forum.
What other subjects are you interested in?
What subjects and grades are you predicted at GCSE?
Why are you interested in Politics A-level?
Reply 15
i quite like physics and history, and am predicted a-stars in both. I thought politics would be interesting, but my aim is to do economics at university so i am not really bothered what subjects i do at a-level as long as it will help. My GCSE predictions are;
english lan-a
english lit-a
business-a star
history-a star
french-a
music-a star
biology-a star
physics-a star
chemistry-a star
maths-a star
Reply 16
charlie224
i quite like physics and history, and am predicted a-stars in both. I thought politics would be interesting, but my aim is to do economics at university so i am not really bothered what subjects i do at a-level as long as it will help. My GCSE predictions are;
english lan-a
english lit-a
business-a star
history-a star
french-a
music-a star
biology-a star
physics-a star
chemistry-a star
maths-a star

You look strong in a number of areas. I suggest you start 5 subjects at AS, e.g. Math, Further Maths, Economics, Politics and History. And then you can drop one for A2 if you want.
Reply 17
MullyGrubber
Hello,

I am currently in Year 11 and thinking about what to take for A Levels. I would like to do Economics at one of the top 5 universities and I understand that Economics is a fiercely competitive degree. I was just wondering what would be the best subjects to take and whether four would be ok?

I was thinking about taking Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Biology/Chemistry.

Is that combination ok or would the universities think that the science subject wouldn't really be relevant considering I want to study Economics at University?

Thank you.


do Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Physics. If you really dont want to, then choose chemistry out of chem/bio.
Reply 18
MullyGrubber
Hello,

I am currently in Year 11 and thinking about what to take for A Levels. I would like to do Economics at one of the top 5 universities and I understand that Economics is a fiercely competitive degree. I was just wondering what would be the best subjects to take and whether four would be ok?

I was thinking about taking Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Biology/Chemistry.

Is that combination ok or would the universities think that the science subject wouldn't really be relevant considering I want to study Economics at University?

Thank you.


Having four is fine, and that combination would be perfect for Economics. The main issue, of course, is whether or not you can achieve the required grades. The issue, though, is you'll have to keep all four subjects to A2 (and won't be able to drop one) since certain universities such as Warwick require four A-Levels if you're doing Maths and Further Maths.
Reply 19
charlie224
hi,
I am wanting to do economics at a top university and am thinking for my a-levels;maths (and fsmq which i've already done)
further maths
economics
and politics. However my form tutor told me politics is a weak subject and good universities dont like it. Is this true and, if so, what should is a good subject to do?
thanks


It's not as weak as some make out. If those are the subjects you want to take at A-Level, then do it. Providing you're a good candidate anyway (have the right grades, a good personal statement, and a good reference) then you'll stand a chance and a university won't reject you based on the fact you chose Politics instead of a science.

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