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A level combination for economics

Hi,

I am currently taking my GCSEs so am choosing my A levels. So far I have chosen Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Physics as I would like to pursue a career in either physics or economics.

However I would also like to do English Literature A level and may replace it with Economics. I have looked online and all the economics courses I have seen accept English Literature. If I do decide to do economics at university, will taking English set me back against other candidates who do Economics? Thank you.

Reply 1

Original post by AnuragM
Hi,
I am currently taking my GCSEs so am choosing my A levels. So far I have chosen Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Physics as I would like to pursue a career in either physics or economics.
However I would also like to do English Literature A level and may replace it with Economics. I have looked online and all the economics courses I have seen accept English Literature. If I do decide to do economics at university, will taking English set me back against other candidates who do Economics? Thank you.

I don't think it will set you back, as maths and further maths are the most important. However econ A-level is definitely useful if you want to pursue a degree in it, and I don't really understand how you wouldn't be interested in doing it as an A-level but would be for a degree. Econ A-level is so much fun compared to the degree icl

Reply 2

The critical subject for Economics at Uni is Maths.
Even at top Unis, Economics is not a required A level.

Just be aware that Eng Lit is a 'heavy' A level and you may find it too much alongside STEM subjects.

Reply 3

Original post by amberlily051
I don't think it will set you back, as maths and further maths are the most important. However econ A-level is definitely useful if you want to pursue a degree in it, and I don't really understand how you wouldn't be interested in doing it as an A-level but would be for a degree. Econ A-level is so much fun compared to the degree icl
Yeah your point is valid, however I am thinking of taking a physics degree as I can possibly go into physics or economics in terms of work, however I don't know much about what degrees can lead to what jobs etc. I think I'll stick to economics to be on the safe side. Thank you

Reply 4

Original post by McGinger
The critical subject for Economics at Uni is Maths.
Even at top Unis, Economics is not a required A level.
Just be aware that Eng Lit is a 'heavy' A level and you may find it too much alongside STEM subjects.
I have asked my English teacher and she says that I will be able to cope with English even with the other A levels - from my standard of work so far. I think I'll stay with economics so that my workload will be easier. Thank you for the advice.

Reply 5

Hi @AnuragM,

A-Level Economics isn't necessary for studying Economics at degree level, but as mentioned above, Maths usually is - lots of schools/colleges don't offer A-Level Economics, so it's understandable that lots of students who might be interested in studying the course simply don't have access to it before university.

I studied both Economics and English Literature at A-Level (alongside Art and Chemistry), and although I couldn't say one was necessarily easier than the other in terms of the workload, I think Economics might be more relevant for you in the long term. It's still an essay subject, so it'll give offer a nice break from your other more STEM-based subjects, and the A-Level course offers a nice foundation for studying Econ at degree level. I also found it to be a really enjoyable A-Level - hopefully you do as well! 😁

Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 6

Original post by Kingston Reps
Hi @AnuragM,
A-Level Economics isn't necessary for studying Economics at degree level, but as mentioned above, Maths usually is - lots of schools/colleges don't offer A-Level Economics, so it's understandable that lots of students who might be interested in studying the course simply don't have access to it before university.
I studied both Economics and English Literature at A-Level (alongside Art and Chemistry), and although I couldn't say one was necessarily easier than the other in terms of the workload, I think Economics might be more relevant for you in the long term. It's still an essay subject, so it'll give offer a nice break from your other more STEM-based subjects, and the A-Level course offers a nice foundation for studying Econ at degree level. I also found it to be a really enjoyable A-Level - hopefully you do as well! 😁
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Hi Eve,

I really appreciate the advice. I think I will enjoy Economics even thought I haven't done it yet: I really enjoy human Geography. However I do enjoy English Lit as well which is why I'm stuck in the first place!

I'm still unsure about my career as above all, I really enjoy Physics and Maths, but I've also gained an interest in Economics. But I think I'll stick with Economics as it does seem exciting and is definitely better in the long term as you have said. Thank you once again.

Reply 7

Just a thought - if you are interested in both Economics and Human Geog, there is a degree subject called International Development that you may find relevant/interesting - examples :
Undergraduate degrees - School of Global Development* - About (uea.ac.uk)
Undergraduate prospectus : Undergraduate study : International Development : University of Sussex
International Development with Economics BSc (Hons) with professional placement (bath.ac.uk)

Reply 8

Original post by McGinger
Just a thought - if you are interested in both Economics and Human Geog, there is a degree subject called International Development that you may find relevant/interesting - examples :
Undergraduate degrees - School of Global Development* - About (uea.ac.uk)
Undergraduate prospectus : Undergraduate study : International Development : University of Sussex
International Development with Economics BSc (Hons) with professional placement (bath.ac.uk)

Thanks, I'll definitely check this out.

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