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what a-levels are good to do economics?

Hi so I'm hoping to do economics at uni and I'm currently in the process of deciding which A-levels to do before I get my results. I'm thinking of doing Maths, Further Maths, Geography and Religious Studies. Is that ideal or is it necessary for me to do an Economics A-Level if I want to go to Warwick/ LSE etc. ?
Reply 1
Original post by groupielove
Hi so I'm hoping to do economics at uni and I'm currently in the process of deciding which A-levels to do before I get my results. I'm thinking of doing Maths, Further Maths, Geography and Religious Studies. Is that ideal or is it necessary for me to do an Economics A-Level if I want to go to Warwick/ LSE etc. ?


Honestly, doing A level economics will give you the basics and help you out a bit (at least you'll know the demand supply stuff and micro and macro basics) so it will be a lot easier. I also recommend doing one subject you find very easy, such as a language or RS, because it's an easy good grade and if your personal statement is good universities will still give you an offer.
I would honestly not bother with geography. It's a very hard subject and there is a lot of case studies, RS has a lot of essays too.
Sure if you are good at learning theories and case studies, and you can write essays well, go for it. But I would recommend doing two hard subjects (or not so hard) and a third one where you will be able to get an amazing grade without much effort (such as I did DT)
I thought subjects mattered, but unless it specifies that you must do for example math and science, you can pick any subject apart from general studies I think?
I would say if you find RS easy go for it, but if you don't, I wouldn't.
Maths is essential. Further Maths I recommend because 1. It's a great course 2. Some unis like London School of Economics require further maths for economic degrees so if you want to go to a top uni, FM is essential.

And I also suggest doing another easy, enjoyable and respected A Level (basically not general studies) like the other guy said.
Economics isn't required for any course I know of - although it is of course helpful, as some aspects of the first year courses will be familiar, you may be able to take a more "advanced" track of core Economics modules, and it gives you some insight into the subject itself so you can decide if you definitely want to pursue it. Maths however is essential, and FM is extremely useful. These are probably more important than the other options and by taking both, with the latter as a 4th subject rather than a 3rd, you ensure that realistically any course is an option to apply to, pending your performance in the courses and exams.

Geography is relevant, in various ways, to Economics - development studies and aspects of natural resource use are important issues in practical economic considerations. It's also generally suitable as an essay based subject with some quantitative/data analysis aspects. RS is...not really relevant, but academically suitable broadly speaking. Some universities prefer RS less than other subjects, so be aware of where you're applying.

If you are interested in Economics, it does seem rather odd you don't want to take it at A-level. Is there a particular reason for this? If you are considering other options, I would definitely suggest thinking about taking Economics, as it's obviously relevant to your intended programme of study after 6th form. You may also want to consider History - it's generally considered a good subject for academic preparation for social science and humanities courses, including Economics. Oxford's PPE course has indicated it tends to be the best preparation for that specific course as well - although that is less technical than LSE/Warwick Economics.

Basically it's a perfectly suitable set of options, although there may be slightly better options available you're really splitting hairs to call them that.
Reply 4
Original post by grom19
Honestly, doing A level economics will give you the basics and help you out a bit (at least you'll know the demand supply stuff and micro and macro basics) so it will be a lot easier. I also recommend doing one subject you find very easy, such as a language or RS, because it's an easy good grade and if your personal statement is good universities will still give you an offer.
I would honestly not bother with geography. It's a very hard subject and there is a lot of case studies, RS has a lot of essays too.
Sure if you are good at learning theories and case studies, and you can write essays well, go for it. But I would recommend doing two hard subjects (or not so hard) and a third one where you will be able to get an amazing grade without much effort (such as I did DT)
I thought subjects mattered, but unless it specifies that you must do for example math and science, you can pick any subject apart from general studies I think?
I would say if you find RS easy go for it, but if you don't, I wouldn't.


Thanks for the help. I've already done economics for gcse so I'm pretty familiar with the basics. Yeah I heard geography is a lot but hopefully I'll be able to handle it. RS has always been easy so it's a safer option.
(edited 6 years ago)
Reply 5
Original post by artful_lounger
Economics isn't required for any course I know of - although it is of course helpful, as some aspects of the first year courses will be familiar, you may be able to take a more "advanced" track of core Economics modules, and it gives you some insight into the subject itself so you can decide if you definitely want to pursue it. Maths however is essential, and FM is extremely useful. These are probably more important than the other options and by taking both, with the latter as a 4th subject rather than a 3rd, you ensure that realistically any course is an option to apply to, pending your performance in the courses and exams.

Geography is relevant, in various ways, to Economics - development studies and aspects of natural resource use are important issues in practical economic considerations. It's also generally suitable as an essay based subject with some quantitative/data analysis aspects. RS is...not really relevant, but academically suitable broadly speaking. Some universities prefer RS less than other subjects, so be aware of where you're applying.

If you are interested in Economics, it does seem rather odd you don't want to take it at A-level. Is there a particular reason for this? If you are considering other options, I would definitely suggest thinking about taking Economics, as it's obviously relevant to your intended programme of study after 6th form. You may also want to consider History - it's generally considered a good subject for academic preparation for social science and humanities courses, including Economics. Oxford's PPE course has indicated it tends to be the best preparation for that specific course as well - although that is less technical than LSE/Warwick Economics.

Basically it's a perfectly suitable set of options, although there may be slightly better options available you're really splitting hairs to call them that.



I really enjoyed doing economics at GCSE but the only reason I'm unsure to do it it is because I've been told it's not preferred and I keep finding conflicting answers on whether it's recommended or not. Thank you for the feedback
Original post by groupielove
I really enjoyed doing economics at GCSE but the only reason I'm unsure to do it it is because I've been told it's not preferred and I keep finding conflicting answers on whether it's recommended or not. Thank you for the feedback


The only subjects that are not "preferred" are visual/performing arts subjects, for degrees that aren't in that area, and vocational qualifications and subjects like accounting etc. Any academic A-level is suitable in general; a shorthand way to check is to see if that subject is assessed by unseen written examination - 9 times out of 10 if it is, it's a suitable subject for continuing to study at university with. While some are "more preferred", these are fairly obvious - English, History, Geography, Economics, Sciences and Maths/FM, and sometimes some others, and as long as you take one of these you should be well placed to continue.

Yes, Economics is one of the "more preferred" subjects by most unviersities, and it's not remotely difficult to find any of the numerous FOI requests about A-levels taken by students successfully applying to e.g. Cambridge Economics, where any can see immediately almost all have Economics, Maths, and Further Maths. Anyone telling you it's not "preferred" is a dumbass and you should ignore them.

That is not to suggest that other subjects are "bad" either - just that some universities prefer some more than others. LSE is a social sciences specialist institution so generally is quite happy for students to have taken e.g. Psychology, Government & Politics, Sociology etc. Imperial on the other hand would be less impressed by this than if you had taken a full set of science and maths A-levels (preferably with FM). Equally CSM wouldn't care one jot about your further maths results compared to your portfolio presentation and at least a minimum result in A-level Art or equivalent.
(edited 6 years ago)

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