A-Levels for PPE at Uni

Hi. I'm a student currently in year 11, I'm currently on track for all 9s/8s at GCSE. After a-levels I'd like to study politics/ppe at a top university (ideally Oxford). Currently very stuck on my a-level choices. I'm thinking of doing maths, further maths, politics and law but I've heard that there is a lot of "snobbery" around law courses. Also stuck on whether to do further maths or an EPQ. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Reply 1

penguinfloof

4

Original post by jude.c

Hi. I'm a student currently in year 11, I'm currently on track for all 9s/8s at GCSE. After a-levels I'd like to study politics/ppe at a top university (ideally Oxford). Currently very stuck on my a-level choices. I'm thinking of doing maths, further maths, politics and law but I've heard that there is a lot of "snobbery" around law courses. Also stuck on whether to do further maths or an EPQ. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Hello!
I'm not too sure about law, however in terms of your further maths and EPQ dilemma I may be of some help. If your school allows it I would recommend signing up for both and then you can drop whichever you'd like at the start of year 12 after trying them out. However if this is not an option, I'd recommend EPQ since it's lasts less than a year and there is no final exam for it so its less stressful. An EPQ would especially be good if you like writing essays, even if you don't choosing an interesting topic can make EPQ enjoyable. Doing 4 A-levels is hard and a lot of extra work which I personally wouldn't recommend unless your really like fm or need it for you're uni course or back up uni course. All university give you an offer for only 3 A-levels so 4 is not necessary. All in all, it's how well you can manage your time.
Hope this helps, good luck with GCSEs!

Reply 2

McGinger

20

Start by looking at the 'entry requirements' listed on relevant course pages on a range of Uni websites for PPE and similar degrees. This will tell you the A level subjects that are either essential or preferred. Make sure you also check any specific GCSE requirements.

Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA Hons (L0V0) - Lancaster University
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) (BSc) - Undergraduate, University of York
Politics, undergraduate courses : University of Sussex
Economics | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol

Reply 3

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

16

Original post by jude.c

Hi. I'm a student currently in year 11, I'm currently on track for all 9s/8s at GCSE. After a-levels I'd like to study politics/ppe at a top university (ideally Oxford). Currently very stuck on my a-level choices. I'm thinking of doing maths, further maths, politics and law but I've heard that there is a lot of "snobbery" around law courses. Also stuck on whether to do further maths or an EPQ. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Hi @jude.c

Like others have said, 4 A levels aren't necessary as unis only require 3. I'd definitely recommend looking at unis that offer politics/PPE and seeing what their grade and subject requirements are if they have any. Lancaster's PPE course currently requires AAB with any A levels of your choice! https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/philosophy-politics-and-economics-ba-hons-l0v0/2025/
While the politics course entry requirements is ABB and again no particular subject specific A levels. https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/politics-ba-hons-l200/2025/
I'd recommend studying the A levels that you would enjoy studying if none of the unis you plan on applying for require any specific subjects.

Hope this helps,
Rachel -Lancaster student ambassador.

Reply 4

tsr2411

6

Original post by jude.c

Hi. I'm a student currently in year 11, I'm currently on track for all 9s/8s at GCSE. After a-levels I'd like to study politics/ppe at a top university (ideally Oxford). Currently very stuck on my a-level choices. I'm thinking of doing maths, further maths, politics and law but I've heard that there is a lot of "snobbery" around law courses. Also stuck on whether to do further maths or an EPQ. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Hi I study PPE right now, first year student.

•

Further maths isn’t necessary at all, you can take it if you’re interested in it or considering Maths/ Pure econ as other degree options but for PPE, not needed

•

Politics - helpful, I’d encourage you to take it

Most unis don’t expect you to come with knowledge of philosophy, politics or economics (not required) but I’d A Level economics is very useful - means that the first year’s content is essentially recapping the content you’ve already learnt before so it’s much easier to get a good understanding and not be lost.
Other subjects I’d recommend - History, Maths (the logic module of philosophy requires a mathematical approach to understanding it in a way), Geography and ofc the obvious philosophy and politics.

(edited 1 month ago)

A-Levels for PPE at Uni

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