English or PPE?
I have been accepted by Warwick to study PPE in 2024, and I'm really excited to go to university. My issue is that I'm unsure whether I will like my course.
I don't do maths a level, and whilst I have been having tutoring sessions of AS Maths since September, I'm still scared that I won't be able to be as good as my classmates with a natural ability in the subject.
On the other hand, I'd like to think that I have a natural talent in English Literature. This is not to brag!! I'm just saying this as I achieved full marks in my English Lit GCSE, and also full marks in my A Level coursework. Am I making a mistake by not pursuing this as a degree? Is it a waste, that I'm going for PPE instead of the subject which I am clearly better at?
Also, with English, I am able to think so outside the box and - if I argue my point well enough - anything can be correct. I'm not sure about degree level, but I assume that with politics I feel as if all my arguments will be constrained.
I suppose I'm doing this post because I want to know whether I should end my English studies at A Level, or if I should take a gap year and try for English lit at Oxford (and be far more likely to get in than PPE).
For the record, I want to do a conversion degree to law and specialise as a corporate lawyer (and a PPE degree will really help with this).
I don't do maths a level, and whilst I have been having tutoring sessions of AS Maths since September, I'm still scared that I won't be able to be as good as my classmates with a natural ability in the subject.
On the other hand, I'd like to think that I have a natural talent in English Literature. This is not to brag!! I'm just saying this as I achieved full marks in my English Lit GCSE, and also full marks in my A Level coursework. Am I making a mistake by not pursuing this as a degree? Is it a waste, that I'm going for PPE instead of the subject which I am clearly better at?
Also, with English, I am able to think so outside the box and - if I argue my point well enough - anything can be correct. I'm not sure about degree level, but I assume that with politics I feel as if all my arguments will be constrained.
I suppose I'm doing this post because I want to know whether I should end my English studies at A Level, or if I should take a gap year and try for English lit at Oxford (and be far more likely to get in than PPE).
For the record, I want to do a conversion degree to law and specialise as a corporate lawyer (and a PPE degree will really help with this).
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by aloevera4
I have been accepted by Warwick to study PPE in 2024, and I'm really excited to go to university. My issue is that I'm unsure whether I will like my course.
I don't do maths a level, and whilst I have been having tutoring sessions of AS Maths since September, I'm still scared that I won't be able to be as good as my classmates with a natural ability in the subject.
On the other hand, I'd like to think that I have a natural talent in English Literature. This is not to brag!! I'm just saying this as I achieved full marks in my English Lit GCSE, and also full marks in my A Level coursework. Am I making a mistake by not pursuing this as a degree? Is it a waste, that I'm going for PPE instead of the subject which I am clearly better at?
Also, with English, I am able to think so outside the box and - if I argue my point well enough - anything can be correct. I'm not sure about degree level, but I assume that with politics I feel as if all my arguments will be constrained.
I suppose I'm doing this post because I want to know whether I should end my English studies at A Level, or if I should take a gap year and try for English lit at Oxford (and be far more likely to get in than PPE).
For the record, I want to do a conversion degree to law and specialise as a corporate lawyer (and a PPE degree will really help with this).
I don't do maths a level, and whilst I have been having tutoring sessions of AS Maths since September, I'm still scared that I won't be able to be as good as my classmates with a natural ability in the subject.
On the other hand, I'd like to think that I have a natural talent in English Literature. This is not to brag!! I'm just saying this as I achieved full marks in my English Lit GCSE, and also full marks in my A Level coursework. Am I making a mistake by not pursuing this as a degree? Is it a waste, that I'm going for PPE instead of the subject which I am clearly better at?
Also, with English, I am able to think so outside the box and - if I argue my point well enough - anything can be correct. I'm not sure about degree level, but I assume that with politics I feel as if all my arguments will be constrained.
I suppose I'm doing this post because I want to know whether I should end my English studies at A Level, or if I should take a gap year and try for English lit at Oxford (and be far more likely to get in than PPE).
For the record, I want to do a conversion degree to law and specialise as a corporate lawyer (and a PPE degree will really help with this).
Ask Warwick if you can defer your place for 2025 entry and then have a good think over the summer holidays about what course you really want to study and where.
Reply 2
as a warwick ppe grad who also did not study maths A level i can confirm making it through the two required quant modules (maths and stats A) was a real grind and not fun if you don't enjoy that
i think ppe is much more employable degree (im a software engineer) and i really enjoyed it
i think ppe is much more employable degree (im a software engineer) and i really enjoyed it
Whether you do English lit or PPE your outcomes for going into law via the SQE or a conversion or going to be the same. And PPE is not particularly more relevant to corporate law than English lit or any other degree.
If you prefer English lit, and are confident you can get a good classification at a reputable uni with it, no reason not to pursue that.
Note also that research has found subject does not overly impact employability (in fact even for STEM vs non-STEM subjects, career outcomes are the same for graduates within 10 years - the researchers did find differences based on the calibre of the university the graduates went to though, surprisingly).
If you prefer English lit, and are confident you can get a good classification at a reputable uni with it, no reason not to pursue that.
Note also that research has found subject does not overly impact employability (in fact even for STEM vs non-STEM subjects, career outcomes are the same for graduates within 10 years - the researchers did find differences based on the calibre of the university the graduates went to though, surprisingly).
Reply 4
11
Original post by HoldThisL
as a warwick ppe grad who also did not study maths A level i can confirm making it through the two required quant modules (maths and stats A) was a real grind and not fun if you don't enjoy that
i think ppe is much more employable degree (im a software engineer) and i really enjoyed it
i think ppe is much more employable degree (im a software engineer) and i really enjoyed it
Hi! Thank you for your reply
Could you tell me a bit more about the Warwick course? I'm still really confused about what I want to do, so having a bit of advice would be great.Firstly, how do employers see Warwick? Do they recognise it as on par with the other leading universities in the UK?
Also, in your second and third year, did you do the pathway with economics included? And did you get much support with the mathsy side of economics during first year?
Thank you!
Reply 5
Original post by aloevera4
Hi! Thank you for your reply Could you tell me a bit more about the Warwick course? I'm still really confused about what I want to do, so having a bit of advice would be great.
Firstly, how do employers see Warwick? Do they recognise it as on par with the other leading universities in the UK?
Also, in your second and third year, did you do the pathway with economics included? And did you get much support with the mathsy side of economics during first year?
Thank you!
Could you tell me a bit more about the Warwick course? I'm still really confused about what I want to do, so having a bit of advice would be great.Firstly, how do employers see Warwick? Do they recognise it as on par with the other leading universities in the UK?
Also, in your second and third year, did you do the pathway with economics included? And did you get much support with the mathsy side of economics during first year?
Thank you!
warwick let you focus on either p, p, or e (dropping your least preferred) or continue studying all three after the first year
first year is mostly required modules (minimal choice) and requires a 15 credit class in each maths and stats. the easier option limits you with further quantitative study, but still allows you to get a bsc
after the first year you can do about 50% of which discipline you prefer
warwick has very good reputation among employers, especially in finance + with respect to economics and maths courses
i majored in economics, and took applied econometrics (as oppose to pure econometrics, for which you need the harder stats module in the first year) in order to get the bsc. support was not especially good and i mostly coasted on naturally good skills in statistics. i almost failed the maths class
someone with a better work ethic than me would do better, and its not like its a major challenge. at the end of the day, the course does not require A level maths
Reply 6
Original post by aloevera4
I have been accepted by Warwick to study PPE in 2024, and I'm really excited to go to university. My issue is that I'm unsure whether I will like my course.
I don't do maths a level, and whilst I have been having tutoring sessions of AS Maths since September, I'm still scared that I won't be able to be as good as my classmates with a natural ability in the subject.
On the other hand, I'd like to think that I have a natural talent in English Literature. This is not to brag!! I'm just saying this as I achieved full marks in my English Lit GCSE, and also full marks in my A Level coursework. Am I making a mistake by not pursuing this as a degree? Is it a waste, that I'm going for PPE instead of the subject which I am clearly better at?
Also, with English, I am able to think so outside the box and - if I argue my point well enough - anything can be correct. I'm not sure about degree level, but I assume that with politics I feel as if all my arguments will be constrained.
I suppose I'm doing this post because I want to know whether I should end my English studies at A Level, or if I should take a gap year and try for English lit at Oxford (and be far more likely to get in than PPE).
For the record, I want to do a conversion degree to law and specialise as a corporate lawyer (and a PPE degree will really help with this).
I don't do maths a level, and whilst I have been having tutoring sessions of AS Maths since September, I'm still scared that I won't be able to be as good as my classmates with a natural ability in the subject.
On the other hand, I'd like to think that I have a natural talent in English Literature. This is not to brag!! I'm just saying this as I achieved full marks in my English Lit GCSE, and also full marks in my A Level coursework. Am I making a mistake by not pursuing this as a degree? Is it a waste, that I'm going for PPE instead of the subject which I am clearly better at?
Also, with English, I am able to think so outside the box and - if I argue my point well enough - anything can be correct. I'm not sure about degree level, but I assume that with politics I feel as if all my arguments will be constrained.
I suppose I'm doing this post because I want to know whether I should end my English studies at A Level, or if I should take a gap year and try for English lit at Oxford (and be far more likely to get in than PPE).
For the record, I want to do a conversion degree to law and specialise as a corporate lawyer (and a PPE degree will really help with this).
Hi @aloevera4
Ultimately, you want to do a degree you will enjoy. This isn't always the course you are best at but by the sounds of it you are not convinced by PPE at all. My fist suggestion is speak to Warwick about deferring and also about the different courses as they may allow you to switch to English Lit. In terms of thinking about your future career, although a PPE degree may be helpful it will unlikely be the determining factor on future success so I would think about your enjoyment and needs now as a priority 🙂
Reply 7
Original post by aloevera4
I have been accepted by Warwick to study PPE in 2024, and I'm really excited to go to university. My issue is that I'm unsure whether I will like my course.
I don't do maths a level, and whilst I have been having tutoring sessions of AS Maths since September, I'm still scared that I won't be able to be as good as my classmates with a natural ability in the subject.
On the other hand, I'd like to think that I have a natural talent in English Literature. This is not to brag!! I'm just saying this as I achieved full marks in my English Lit GCSE, and also full marks in my A Level coursework. Am I making a mistake by not pursuing this as a degree? Is it a waste, that I'm going for PPE instead of the subject which I am clearly better at?
Also, with English, I am able to think so outside the box and - if I argue my point well enough - anything can be correct. I'm not sure about degree level, but I assume that with politics I feel as if all my arguments will be constrained.
I suppose I'm doing this post because I want to know whether I should end my English studies at A Level, or if I should take a gap year and try for English lit at Oxford (and be far more likely to get in than PPE).
For the record, I want to do a conversion degree to law and specialise as a corporate lawyer (and a PPE degree will really help with this).
I don't do maths a level, and whilst I have been having tutoring sessions of AS Maths since September, I'm still scared that I won't be able to be as good as my classmates with a natural ability in the subject.
On the other hand, I'd like to think that I have a natural talent in English Literature. This is not to brag!! I'm just saying this as I achieved full marks in my English Lit GCSE, and also full marks in my A Level coursework. Am I making a mistake by not pursuing this as a degree? Is it a waste, that I'm going for PPE instead of the subject which I am clearly better at?
Also, with English, I am able to think so outside the box and - if I argue my point well enough - anything can be correct. I'm not sure about degree level, but I assume that with politics I feel as if all my arguments will be constrained.
I suppose I'm doing this post because I want to know whether I should end my English studies at A Level, or if I should take a gap year and try for English lit at Oxford (and be far more likely to get in than PPE).
For the record, I want to do a conversion degree to law and specialise as a corporate lawyer (and a PPE degree will really help with this).
I just finished my first year PPE at Warwick, I did the maths and stats B, they were really hard for me but I still did quite well - I did do alevel maths so that helped. They offer maths and stats A modules (you can do AB, BA, AA,BB) which are supposed to be doable from a non alevel maths pov, the exams are online on the exam catalogue and I can answer some questions about the content of the modules if you'd like (remembering I did B so it's more than you have to) - I think if youre willing to try it can be done, the tutors are VERY helpful
. There are loads of people who do those modules and then run as fast as possible from maths after the first year because they don't like it - first year doesn't count towards your final classification either so it's really up to you.Also, on assessments:
•
40% average across stats and maths TOGETHER is all that's needed to pass it (achievable without the hardest bits)
•
The modules have diff assesment methods like online tests worth 10% or so each, some quizzes (in maths we got all week with infinite tries on them (they're like 4 questions) and stats were 8 hour windows with one retry -both use your best score) for a couple %, there is also a group project in stats that you can pick up 20% in, I did much better than I imagined I would in that and it helped my grade out greatl
For law conversion PPE at Warwick should be really good but doing whatever you're academically interested in should be your priority because it can be really hard to do bits you don't massively like at uni. Plus I'm sure English especially at a "good" uni would suffice for most law conversions especially if you take optional law modules if you can do that etc
If you're really stuck, defer and take time out maybe.
Reply 8
11
Original post by Chrisballs
I just finished my first year PPE at Warwick, I did the maths and stats B, they were really hard for me but I still did quite well - I did do alevel maths so that helped. They offer maths and stats A modules (you can do AB, BA, AA,BB) which are supposed to be doable from a non alevel maths pov, the exams are online on the exam catalogue and I can answer some questions about the content of the modules if you'd like (remembering I did B so it's more than you have to) - I think if youre willing to try it can be done, the tutors are VERY helpful . There are loads of people who do those modules and then run as fast as possible from maths after the first year because they don't like it - first year doesn't count towards your final classification either so it's really up to you.
Also, on assessments:
For law conversion PPE at Warwick should be really good but doing whatever you're academically interested in should be your priority because it can be really hard to do bits you don't massively like at uni. Plus I'm sure English especially at a "good" uni would suffice for most law conversions especially if you take optional law modules if you can do that etc
If you're really stuck, defer and take time out maybe.
. There are loads of people who do those modules and then run as fast as possible from maths after the first year because they don't like it - first year doesn't count towards your final classification either so it's really up to you.Also, on assessments:
•
40% average across stats and maths TOGETHER is all that's needed to pass it (achievable without the hardest bits)
•
The modules have diff assesment methods like online tests worth 10% or so each, some quizzes (in maths we got all week with infinite tries on them (they're like 4 questions) and stats were 8 hour windows with one retry -both use your best score) for a couple %, there is also a group project in stats that you can pick up 20% in, I did much better than I imagined I would in that and it helped my grade out greatl
For law conversion PPE at Warwick should be really good but doing whatever you're academically interested in should be your priority because it can be really hard to do bits you don't massively like at uni. Plus I'm sure English especially at a "good" uni would suffice for most law conversions especially if you take optional law modules if you can do that etc
If you're really stuck, defer and take time out maybe.
Thank you so much!! This is really kind of you and super helpful. After lots of time thinking I have decided to continue doing PPE at Warwick, and now I'm really looking forward to going. What you said about maths was also very helpful, since I remain concerned about not doing the A Level.
You've been really kind 🙂 Hope to see you in September!
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