The Student Room Group

A level decision is it ok

After deliberation, I've decided to do

1) Maths: I ❤️ maths, also doing ocr fmsq so have an introduction to a level maths. gonna take it regardless of anything

2) Further Maths: basucally the same reasons as above. I was a bit unsure and still aren't 100% sure because of being scared of the difficulty level. But if I love maths and am good at it why not yk? I'm really excited to study this subject (feel like when I start to learn it I may regret saying that but..)

3) Econ: so what line can I go into with maths and fm? What subjects are compatible? I was left with economics or physics. Physics looks quite difficult and I dojt hate it nor do I love it. I don't think i have enough passion for physics to pursue it further. Economics has an essay element which I like because it also makes sure I can still write in good English etc. The only introduction to economics I've recieved is the economic part in geography and I don't mind it. I wouldn't say I love it or have a passion but I could foster it


So with Math, Fm, Econ the most obvious roles are finance/ econ/ accounting/maths etc.

I'm going uni so I guess I'll pursue a degree in one of those then get an internship or placement yr then work while tryna do cima etc.
yes if you like those subjects, because A level maths is quite hard and also keep your options open so that if you decide to change your career path in the future you can
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 2
Original post by labyr5nth
After deliberation, I've decided to do
1) Maths: I ❤️ maths, also doing ocr fmsq so have an introduction to a level maths. gonna take it regardless of anything
2) Further Maths: basucally the same reasons as above. I was a bit unsure and still aren't 100% sure because of being scared of the difficulty level. But if I love maths and am good at it why not yk? I'm really excited to study this subject (feel like when I start to learn it I may regret saying that but..)
3) Econ: so what line can I go into with maths and fm? What subjects are compatible? I was left with economics or physics. Physics looks quite difficult and I dojt hate it nor do I love it. I don't think i have enough passion for physics to pursue it further. Economics has an essay element which I like because it also makes sure I can still write in good English etc. The only introduction to economics I've recieved is the economic part in geography and I don't mind it. I wouldn't say I love it or have a passion but I could foster it
So with Math, Fm, Econ the most obvious roles are finance/ econ/ accounting/maths etc.
I'm going uni so I guess I'll pursue a degree in one of those then get an internship or placement yr then work while tryna do cima etc.


Don’t know if you’re here to flaunt your A level choices like a complete “d word” but yes you will be able to get into any uni if you do very well in them subjects, plus don’t do accounting at uni, when you can become one without a degree. I would hinder towards finance and econ OR both if you do want to work in top finance firms.
Reply 3
Original post by Rhewer1
Don’t know if you’re here to flaunt your A level choices like a complete “d word” but yes you will be able to get into any uni if you do very well in them subjects, plus don’t do accounting at uni, when you can become one without a degree. I would hinder towards finance and econ OR both if you do want to work in top finance firms.


no I'm not, just wanted to see the destination of others who took similar ones etc.
okay thanks for the accounting tip- prolly won't be pursuing it then.
wym by hindering towards finance and econ or both?? dym take a degree which has both finance and econ stuff?
Reply 4
Original post by labyr5nth
no I'm not, just wanted to see the destination of others who took similar ones etc.
okay thanks for the accounting tip- prolly won't be pursuing it then.
wym by hindering towards finance and econ or both?? dym take a degree which has both finance and econ stuff?


Yes I mean take it as a dual degree, but when I said don’t take accounting at uni, I don’t mean don’t pursue it if you want to become an accountant, just don’t go to university for it. Furthermore, I can state my case for taking both finance and economics, as in economics you will just be doing mathematics, with “model theory” you don’t really learn about stock evaluation, future value of a business and how to calculate if a business will actually turnover profit. You will learn the maths for it yes! But you will only be taught how to apply it to the “money terms” not “capital terms, discount value etc” at least not unless your econ modules has corporate finance as a module. However, taking some sort of finance classes, and not just pure econ classes, will massively help you in the job field and gives you more value in a business, cause calculate X is good but excel can do it 🤣 if you know your financial law, financial literacy etc it will do you good! Btw I’m not saying don’t take economics, if you want to become an investment banker, please do! But don’t be surprised if you’re up against mathematicians, physicists etc. if you have any more questions about econ, finance or even banking pls feel free to ask :smile:
Reply 5
Original post by Rhewer1
Yes I mean take it as a dual degree, but when I said don’t take accounting at uni, I don’t mean don’t pursue it if you want to become an accountant, just don’t go to university for it. Furthermore, I can state my case for taking both finance and economics, as in economics you will just be doing mathematics, with “model theory” you don’t really learn about stock evaluation, future value of a business and how to calculate if a business will actually turnover profit. You will learn the maths for it yes! But you will only be taught how to apply it to the “money terms” not “capital terms, discount value etc” at least not unless your econ modules has corporate finance as a module. However, taking some sort of finance classes, and not just pure econ classes, will massively help you in the job field and gives you more value in a business, cause calculate X is good but excel can do it 🤣 if you know your financial law, financial literacy etc it will do you good! Btw I’m not saying don’t take economics, if you want to become an investment banker, please do! But don’t be surprised if you’re up against mathematicians, physicists etc. if you have any more questions about econ, finance or even banking pls feel free to ask :smile:


thanks for the message lol its rly helpful n insighrful. I'm defo going uni cuz of my parents tho.
Oh I get what ur saying now thank you. u seem quite experienced have u studied economics yourself?
Reply 6
Original post by labyr5nth
thanks for the message lol its rly helpful n insighrful. I'm defo going uni cuz of my parents tho.
Oh I get what ur saying now thank you. u seem quite experienced have u studied economics yourself?


Yes 2nd year banking and finance student, but first year I took econ and finance but switched for the reasons I stated to you about “real world application” in economics you have to be good at statistics in the sense of calculation, but then I realised you learn about it in finance, but no job is going to make you calculate the SD,PV,FV or even ask you to calculate the future returns of investment for shareholders by hand! It would be on excel 🤣 for me personally I would say if you love statistics (maths) then you will love pure econ. But I would say to you take Economics and finance Bsc, just because it’s the best of both worlds in your situation. Hope that answered ur question and if you have any more questions please ask more than happy to give you some guidance :smile:
it depends on what career you want to pursue to decide between physics and econ for your third but both would be compatible with maths and fm and there shouldnt be an issue since you love maths!
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 8
If you decide you want to follow a career in Accounting then it will be quicker and financially more beneficial to start with an Accountancy firm straight after A levels. All the large firms offer apprentice schemes which are usually 5 years long and you are fully qualified after the 5 years, as long as you pass the exams. So for example, if you wanted to follow the ACCA route you would be a Chartered Accountant in 5 years and get paid for the whole of the 5 years. No student debt.

If you follow the degree route you have the 3 years of the degree followed by 3 years at the Accountancy firm to get to the same position as above. So 6 years instead of 5 above and saddled with the student debt.

Obviously you have to establish what career path is best for you. There are plenty of other options with Accountancy firms, not just ACCA.

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