The Student Room Group

Subject choice appropriate for Economics at Oxbridge?

Scroll to see replies

Reply 20
Original post by Doonesbury
You can't use generalist data to prove a subject-specific point. The IFS data doesn't analyse out the institutions by subjects.

(Although I agree Cambridge is better than the other place :wink: )


I concede that your point is correct; the data has not been split into subjects, however, LSE is a 'world-wide known' university and research think-tank that specialises in social sciences - specifically Economics (hence the name) with the vast majority of graduates having an Economics-based degree... by definition, it should provide a 'better' education in Economics.
Reply 21
Original post by ns_2
I concede that your point is correct; the data has not been split into subjects, however, LSE is a 'world-wide known' university and research think-tank that specialises in social sciences - specifically Economics (hence the name) with the vast majority of graduates having an Economics-based degree... by definition, it should provide a 'better' education in Economics.

And yet the median salaries at 1 year, 3 years and 5 years all have Cambridge ahead.

Anyway, it's moot. OP needs to find the course they actually want to study and then the small matter of getting those Offers...

Potential earnings 5 years or more from now is a distraction. The degree (or university) doesn't create the earnings, it's the individual who does that.
(edited 6 years ago)
Apply to Oxbridge and LSE. Get offers from both and then decide where you want to go. Stop thinking about which one is better now.
Reply 23
Original post by Doonesbury
And yet the median salaries at 1 year, 3 years and 5 years all have Cambridge ahead.

Anyway, it's moot. OP needs to find the course they actually want to study and then the small matter of getting those Offers...

Potential earnings 5 years or more from now is a distraction. The degree (or university) doesn't create the earnings, it's the person that does that.


True. Very, very true.

You could have a Masters in Economics, if you are not prepared to work hard to progress, to develop, to ameliorate - you might as well just get a job in ASDA.
Reply 24
Original post by ns_2
True. Very, very true.

You could have a Masters in Economics, if you are not prepared to work hard to progress, to develop, to ameliorate - you might as well just get a job in ASDA.


I don't know about ASDA but Aldi and Lidl grad schemes can be pretty lucrative. £70k+ after 4 years. :wink:

Posted from TSR Mobile
Reply 25
Original post by Doonesbury
I don't know about ASDA but Aldi and Lidl grad schemes can be pretty lucrative. £70k+ after 4 years. :wink:

Posted from TSR Mobile


Really? That's not actually that bad...
Original post by Doonesbury
You can't use generalist data to prove a subject-specific point. The IFS data doesn't analyse out the institutions by subjects.

(Although I agree Cambridge is better than the other place :wink: )


To what extent will not having Economics in my A-level profile come to affect me in the short-listing process? Is it typical of applicants to not have an Economics A-level for the degree?

I do like Economics and I’m worried I perhaps haven’t given it enough chance. Would A-level Physics instead of Economics really come to affect me when applying for the course and in the long term, given my career ambitions?
Reply 28
Original post by CandidateZero
To what extent will not having Economics in my A-level profile come to affect me in the short-listing process? Is it typical of applicants to not have an Economics A-level for the degree?

I do like Economics and I’m worried I perhaps haven’t given it enough chance. Would A-level Physics instead of Economics really come to affect me when applying for the course and in the long term, given my career ambitions?


It's not required for Cambridge. Maths and History are good. FM is nice to have. Physics instead of Economics is absolutely fine.

If you think you will do better at A-level with Physics then choose it.

Posted from TSR Mobile
(edited 6 years ago)
How are you predicted 3A*'s and an A at a-level based on GCSE results?
A lot can happen in two years.
Reply 30
Original post by AOA_
How are you predicted 3A*'s and an A at a-level based on GCSE results?
A lot can happen in two years.


They will be target grades not formal predictions. Via ALPS or similar.

Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by AOA_
How are you predicted 3A*'s and an A at a-level based on GCSE results?
A lot can happen in two years.


Ha, I completely agree. It was on the grounds of some induction exams, my result in specific subjects at GCSE and my average GCSE point score. Not really comprehensive predictions, I agree - but they’re ‘minimum’ target grades.

Edit: I use ‘predictions’ and ‘target grades’ interchangeably because my school seems to do so.
(edited 6 years ago)
Original post by Doonesbury
They will be target grades not formal predictions. Via ALPS or similar.

Posted from TSR Mobile


Original post by CandidateZero
Ha, I completely agree. It was on the grounds of some induction exams, my result in specific subjects at GCSE and my average GCSE point score. Not really comprehensive predictions, I agree - but they’re ‘minimum’ target grades.


Okay, I see
Original post by Doonesbury
They will be target grades not formal predictions. Via ALPS or similar.

Posted from TSR Mobile


Sorry to be of further hassle but do the Admissions exams at Oxbridge (and other high ranking universities) for Economics require the applicant to have a detailed knowledge of Economics - say, that which is gained from the Economics A-level? Or is it much more general, which my further reading of Economics & my EPQ would help me gain? Many thanks.
Reply 34
Original post by CandidateZero
Sorry to be of further hassle but do the Admissions exams at Oxbridge (and other high ranking universities) for Economics require the applicant to have a detailed knowledge of Economics - say, that which is gained from the Economics A-level? Or is it much more general, which my further reading of Economics & my EPQ would help me gain? Many thanks.


No specific economics knowledge is needed. You can check the specification at
http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/ecaa_specification.pdf


Posted from TSR Mobile

Quick Reply