This discussion is now closed.
Check out other Related discussions
- A Level combination ppe??
- Would Economics hurt my chances for University course i want to do
- Economics or History?
- PPE vs Law degree
- Is Government & Politics, English lit, and History a good combination of A-levels?
- Evaluating my A-level Choices
- do u need a law degree for top law firms?
- Help - should I do PPE or Politics and Economics?
- GCSEs for Oxford PPE
- Oxford or Cambridge for Philosophy
- Official PPE Applicants Thread 2025
- PPE vs Politics and Economics help!!!
- A-Level Options, PPE
- Advice for A level Subjects
- Genuine question: would i be competitive for PPE courses?
- Applying for both HSPS and PPE
- Oxford PPE Predicted Grades
- are these good a level choices?
- PPE
- has anyone got offers from lse or kcl?
Which course? PPE, History or History and Politics
I'm really not sure on which course to apply for.
History
History and Politics
Politics, Philosophy and Economics
For reference: I'm 17, doing my AS levels, got 9A*s, 3.5As at gcse and am studying history, English lang/lit, maths and classics. I'm hoping for straight As, but I'm honestly not sure if I'll get that (AAAA or AAAB or AABB). I will probably drop classics next year and do an AS in philosophy instead.
I really want a course which is fairly ‘open’ and can be discussed and interpreted very differently, rather than one that is fairly factual (although facts are going to form the basis of discussions…). I’d rather argue about a particular point than learn about a new one.
I know little of economics and don't know how interesting I would find that.
I like discussing politics, philosophy and history.
Currently history's my favourite subject, but I hate classics, or at least the syllabus I'm studying.
I think history is usually governed by social, political, philosophical and religions concerns, so I would guess the ideas in PPE come into history quite a bit?
While I love discussing politics and philosophy I don't know how interesting it would be to actually pursue them academically.
HP would seem to be my best option but…
H=30% acceptance
HP=18%
PPE=23%
Is it possible to do history and transfer to HP after a year? How does this work socially? Will I essentially have to make new friends because I simply won’t see the ones I made in the first year?
Does one have a significantly higher workload? (PPE has more lectures than the others...)
I know my decision should come down to what I like the most, but I don't know what I would like the most, so any comments are welcome.
Thanks in advance
History
History and Politics
Politics, Philosophy and Economics
For reference: I'm 17, doing my AS levels, got 9A*s, 3.5As at gcse and am studying history, English lang/lit, maths and classics. I'm hoping for straight As, but I'm honestly not sure if I'll get that (AAAA or AAAB or AABB). I will probably drop classics next year and do an AS in philosophy instead.
I really want a course which is fairly ‘open’ and can be discussed and interpreted very differently, rather than one that is fairly factual (although facts are going to form the basis of discussions…). I’d rather argue about a particular point than learn about a new one.
I know little of economics and don't know how interesting I would find that.
I like discussing politics, philosophy and history.
Currently history's my favourite subject, but I hate classics, or at least the syllabus I'm studying.
I think history is usually governed by social, political, philosophical and religions concerns, so I would guess the ideas in PPE come into history quite a bit?
While I love discussing politics and philosophy I don't know how interesting it would be to actually pursue them academically.
HP would seem to be my best option but…
H=30% acceptance
HP=18%
PPE=23%
Is it possible to do history and transfer to HP after a year? How does this work socially? Will I essentially have to make new friends because I simply won’t see the ones I made in the first year?
Does one have a significantly higher workload? (PPE has more lectures than the others...)
I know my decision should come down to what I like the most, but I don't know what I would like the most, so any comments are welcome.
Thanks in advance
3.5 As? How?
OK - you are well qualified for all the courses so far. PPE recommends history and maths, and another essay subject is good.
How to decide? Firstly, wait and see what results you get - a B in maths for example would be worse for a PPE application than a history/h&P application.
Also, try reading some economicsy books, because if you hate it, then you should think twice about applying for it. A-Level textbooks are probably not the way to go here - try reading books by economists for the general public, like Freakanomics, or books by Krugman like 'The Accidental Theorist'. These books require no formal economics training to understand but explain well a lot of interest economic ideas in a variety of situations. Try reading the economist as well.
Have a look in detail on those websites you have mentioned about what you will actually do in your first year. Try and imagine what it would be like, and think about which appeals the most.
Finally, keep an open mind. I was sure I would apply to maths until a few months before applying, when I changed course completely. Things might jump out at you in the next few months as you research courses, so see what happens!
How to decide? Firstly, wait and see what results you get - a B in maths for example would be worse for a PPE application than a history/h&P application.
Also, try reading some economicsy books, because if you hate it, then you should think twice about applying for it. A-Level textbooks are probably not the way to go here - try reading books by economists for the general public, like Freakanomics, or books by Krugman like 'The Accidental Theorist'. These books require no formal economics training to understand but explain well a lot of interest economic ideas in a variety of situations. Try reading the economist as well.
Have a look in detail on those websites you have mentioned about what you will actually do in your first year. Try and imagine what it would be like, and think about which appeals the most.
Finally, keep an open mind. I was sure I would apply to maths until a few months before applying, when I changed course completely. Things might jump out at you in the next few months as you research courses, so see what happens!
Yep, by 3.5As I meant 3 full-course As and one shortcourse A.
kizer: Thanks for info. At AS I think maths is by far my easiest subject (C1/C2/D1). I did 'admaths' last year so this year has been a joke. Apparently next year is harder (C3/C4/S1). I struggle with exam technique in Classics and English though, as I'm not great at arguing points I don't believe in, whereas in history I can write what I honestly think so get better marks.
I'll make sure I read some form of 'popular economics' book over the summer hols. Good idea! (Although much mocking will ensue if I read it by the pool!
)
I've read what I study in the first year and they all look good, bar PPE, which seems a bit heavy in terms of facts and basics. 2nd/3rd years for all courses appeal to me about the same.
kizer: Thanks for info. At AS I think maths is by far my easiest subject (C1/C2/D1). I did 'admaths' last year so this year has been a joke. Apparently next year is harder (C3/C4/S1). I struggle with exam technique in Classics and English though, as I'm not great at arguing points I don't believe in, whereas in history I can write what I honestly think so get better marks.
I'll make sure I read some form of 'popular economics' book over the summer hols. Good idea! (Although much mocking will ensue if I read it by the pool!
)I've read what I study in the first year and they all look good, bar PPE, which seems a bit heavy in terms of facts and basics. 2nd/3rd years for all courses appeal to me about the same.
Well think of it this way: As far as history and politics goes, you can take political philosophy modules so unless you are interested in other branches of philosophy it is basically a question of history versus economics. Be aware that you can drop one of the Ps or the E and only focus on two subjects. I prefer history and politics to history because, for me, it has a greater emphasis on current affairs.
Agreed with the general thrust: read whatever books interests you over the summer, wait for your grades, then decide from a much more informed position. They're all, as you say, very good courses, though with different strengths.
By the way, have you considered History and Economics? Seems strange that you consider PPE, H and H&P but not H&E,
By the way, have you considered History and Economics? Seems strange that you consider PPE, H and H&P but not H&E,
Manellowzworth: Good point about current events.
Do you know if doing History for one year (as it's easier to get into) and then 'transferring' to History and Politics could work?
Isaiah Berlin: I would guess economics, out of P, P and E, would be my least favourite subject. I really like History, Politics and Philosophy, but that 'course' isn't available. If I did PPE, I'd get a basic knowledge of Economics and then, most likely, concentrate on Philosophy and Politics in years 2 and 3.
Final choices will wait until I've gotten my AS results, learnt a little about Economics and gone on the politics school.
Do you know if doing History for one year (as it's easier to get into) and then 'transferring' to History and Politics could work?Isaiah Berlin: I would guess economics, out of P, P and E, would be my least favourite subject. I really like History, Politics and Philosophy, but that 'course' isn't available. If I did PPE, I'd get a basic knowledge of Economics and then, most likely, concentrate on Philosophy and Politics in years 2 and 3.
Final choices will wait until I've gotten my AS results, learnt a little about Economics and gone on the politics school.
I would strongly advise you not to do PPE unless you like, or think you'd like, economics. It's a very different subject from philosophy and politics. However you are doing A level maths, which suggests you should be fine for the main problem PPEists have - not liking/being able to do maths.
From what you've said H&P sounds like a good course
From what you've said H&P sounds like a good course
As far as "making new friends" goes - from what I can tell the historians etc have a much different perspective to mean in terms of making friends on the course. Don't get me wrong they're all friends with each other in college - but for instance the other day I started a scenario with "You know when you're sat in lectures and you just get talking to someone and you sit together a few times and then realise you don't know their name and are too embarassed to ask?" I was met with blank stares. No... they didn't. Because unlike scientists, where we see each other 30 hours a week, they only have a couple of lectures together, so making friends on the course isn't such a big priority.
Drogue
I would strongly advise you not to do PPE unless you like, or think you'd like, economics. It's a very different subject from philosophy and politics. However you are doing A level maths, which suggests you should be fine for the main problem PPEists have - not liking/being able to do maths.
From what you've said H&P sounds like a good course
From what you've said H&P sounds like a good course
Sadly it's also the hardest to get in.
I don't mind maths. I can do it and it doesn't bore me, but I don't find it hugely interesting.
Bekaboo: Thanks for info. I suppose if everyone's also doing different topics, which you can in history, you'll be with lots of different people. Actually, that quite appeals to me.
Wez I got an offer with only half-decent grades. It may be harder to get in statistically, but I genuinely believe that its one of those subjects where if you are interested on a personal level it will come across at interview. I highly recommend queens (though I dont know much about it as a college yet). After speaking to friends who have had histpol interviews, the Queens tutors seemed very friendly and accessible, obviously sharp, and it has a high histpol intake.
From what you've said I'd say go for H&P.. and that's not just because that's what I applied for hehe!
It really is the best of both worlds - the amount of choice you get means that you can really cater to your own interests. Yes it is hard to get in, but if that's what you want to do then go for it! I was told by a particular teacher that it was stupid to apply for H&P because it's so competitive and that I should apply for straight History instead, and I got an offer. Seriously, don't be scared away by statistics, go for what you really want, not what you think will be easier to get into.
And college choice.. well I'm sure Queens is lovely Manellowzworth, but I'm obviously going to say New
! Actually, the H&P people who interviewed me at New were so lovely.. very friendly and welcoming. I originially applied to Balliol, but got a letter a few weeks before interview saying that I was being moved to New. I'd say that with the Oxford system of pooling it probably doesn't make too much difference where you apply (although I'm sure it does have some bearing on your chances).
It really is the best of both worlds - the amount of choice you get means that you can really cater to your own interests. Yes it is hard to get in, but if that's what you want to do then go for it! I was told by a particular teacher that it was stupid to apply for H&P because it's so competitive and that I should apply for straight History instead, and I got an offer. Seriously, don't be scared away by statistics, go for what you really want, not what you think will be easier to get into.
And college choice.. well I'm sure Queens is lovely Manellowzworth, but I'm obviously going to say New
! Actually, the H&P people who interviewed me at New were so lovely.. very friendly and welcoming. I originially applied to Balliol, but got a letter a few weeks before interview saying that I was being moved to New. I'd say that with the Oxford system of pooling it probably doesn't make too much difference where you apply (although I'm sure it does have some bearing on your chances).If you have a good history interview but your politics interview isnt as good you can be offered plain history. That happens to a number of people every year.
As for what the OP said, Im not there yet (and may never be) so Im not sure, but I would think that it would be difficult to change courses. With history to histpol it might be ok because they are similar, though by the same token with histpol and PPE to teach, the politics guys may just say no due to scheduling etc.
Edit: Mellow-Yellow, Id never actually been before interview and luckily I liked Queens, but if not Queens then New. Very pretty college.
As for what the OP said, Im not there yet (and may never be) so Im not sure, but I would think that it would be difficult to change courses. With history to histpol it might be ok because they are similar, though by the same token with histpol and PPE to teach, the politics guys may just say no due to scheduling etc.
Edit: Mellow-Yellow, Id never actually been before interview and luckily I liked Queens, but if not Queens then New. Very pretty college.
Definitely go for 'H&P' (it's actually called MHP) - all the people I know doing that love it and I know PPEists who switch to MHP. It sounds that History is your biggest love, with a huge interest in Politics - PPE's only slightly similar, but they're united in Politics.
Please don't be put off applying because of the acceptance rate. I have two friends who both wanted to apply for MHP, one was persuaded to apply for PPE by his teacher at school, the other was more stubborn and stuck out applying for MHP. They were both more suited to MHP, the one applying for MHP got in. Do what you actually want to do, not what you think you'll get in for. You might also want to note that last year PPE acceptance was 19/20% so the difference between the courses is marginal.
Also note that if you don't get in for MHP, you're at least considered for History. For PPE, you don't get that second option choice.
Finally, Merton this year has five MHPists. They all love their course and from the sounds of things, do amazingly at it (quite a few of them get over 80 on their essays, which is apparently unheard of at other colleges). Think about Merton
Ah. Just noted the Reading thing. I was at Kendrick...
Please don't be put off applying because of the acceptance rate. I have two friends who both wanted to apply for MHP, one was persuaded to apply for PPE by his teacher at school, the other was more stubborn and stuck out applying for MHP. They were both more suited to MHP, the one applying for MHP got in. Do what you actually want to do, not what you think you'll get in for. You might also want to note that last year PPE acceptance was 19/20% so the difference between the courses is marginal.
Also note that if you don't get in for MHP, you're at least considered for History. For PPE, you don't get that second option choice.
Finally, Merton this year has five MHPists. They all love their course and from the sounds of things, do amazingly at it (quite a few of them get over 80 on their essays, which is apparently unheard of at other colleges). Think about Merton
Ah. Just noted the Reading thing. I was at Kendrick...
Megsy
Please don't be put off applying because of the acceptance rate. I have two friends who both wanted to apply for MHP, one was persuaded to apply for PPE by his teacher at school, the other was more stubborn and stuck out applying for MHP. They were both more suited to MHP, the one applying for MHP got in. Do what you actually want to do, not what you think you'll get in for. You might also want to note that last year PPE acceptance was 19/20% so the difference between the courses is marginal.
Also note that if you don't get in for MHP, you're at least considered for History. For PPE, you don't get that second option choice.
Finally, Merton this year has five MHPists. They all love their course and from the sounds of things, do amazingly at it (quite a few of them get over 80 on their essays, which is apparently unheard of at other colleges). Think about Merton
Ah. Just noted the Reading thing. I was at Kendrick...[/QUOTE]
small world - iv got loads of friends who went to kendrick but switched to sixth form after gcses
Related discussions
- A Level combination ppe??
- Would Economics hurt my chances for University course i want to do
- Economics or History?
- PPE vs Law degree
- Is Government & Politics, English lit, and History a good combination of A-levels?
- Evaluating my A-level Choices
- do u need a law degree for top law firms?
- Help - should I do PPE or Politics and Economics?
- GCSEs for Oxford PPE
- Oxford or Cambridge for Philosophy
- Official PPE Applicants Thread 2025
- PPE vs Politics and Economics help!!!
- A-Level Options, PPE
- Advice for A level Subjects
- Genuine question: would i be competitive for PPE courses?
- Applying for both HSPS and PPE
- Oxford PPE Predicted Grades
- are these good a level choices?
- PPE
- has anyone got offers from lse or kcl?
Latest
Trending
Last reply 16 minutes ago
Oxbridge applicants for modern languages - 2025 entry (applying in 2024)University of Oxford
59
122
Last reply 1 day ago
Any Oxford Phil & Theo applicants heard back about interviews?
