Maths or Economics at Cambridge?

1

I am considering applying to Cambridge but am not sure on whether to do maths or economics. I enjoy both these subjects equally but am better at maths. In my GCSEs I got 9999998876, with 9s in maths and further maths, and at A level I am predicted 4A* for fm physics and economics, with hopefully an A* in my EPQ on economics. In the TMUA I am getting around 18/20 each time without checking. I understand maths is a very competitive course so it may be wise to not apply, but I would like some advice please.

Reply 1

majaxrose

10

Original post

by dsvjhshj

I am considering applying to Cambridge but am not sure on whether to do maths or economics. I enjoy both these subjects equally but am better at maths. In my GCSEs I got 9999998876, with 9s in maths and further maths, and at A level I am predicted 4A* for fm physics and economics, with hopefully an A* in my EPQ on economics. In the TMUA I am getting around 18/20 each time without checking. I understand maths is a very competitive course so it may be wise to not apply, but I would like some advice please.

if you r not sure have a think about future prospects with each degree!

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post

by dsvjhshj

I am considering applying to Cambridge but am not sure on whether to do maths or economics. I enjoy both these subjects equally but am better at maths. In my GCSEs I got 9999998876, with 9s in maths and further maths, and at A level I am predicted 4A* for fm physics and economics, with hopefully an A* in my EPQ on economics. In the TMUA I am getting around 18/20 each time without checking. I understand maths is a very competitive course so it may be wise to not apply, but I would like some advice please.

maths 100%- econ is not a good degree and you will be more respected applying for maths

is the choice not obvious? You like both equally, better at maths, and maths is more respected and its a better degree

Reply 3

username5933938

9

Original post

by dsvjhshj

I am considering applying to Cambridge but am not sure on whether to do maths or economics. I enjoy both these subjects equally but am better at maths. In my GCSEs I got 9999998876, with 9s in maths and further maths, and at A level I am predicted 4A* for fm physics and economics, with hopefully an A* in my EPQ on economics. In the TMUA I am getting around 18/20 each time without checking. I understand maths is a very competitive course so it may be wise to not apply, but I would like some advice please.

I'm a Cambridge Econ student. The course at Cambridge is very theoretical and more mathematical than similar courses at other unis HOWEVER it is nothing like a maths degree. By nature of the field of economics, you cannot derive conclusive proofs or start from foundational axioms as you can in maths. All the goalposts can be moved. So if you really want to do pure maths, then I don't think an Econ degree is what you're looking for.

The maths you do in economics will be limited to (mostly) linear algebra and calculus (Lagrangians, Hamiltonians). Many of the models are mathematical, but they have a foundation in theory as well. As you can imagine, everything is very applied, and all the maths you do is with the objective of trying to explain some observable phenomenon.

That being said, if you enjoy thinking about how to explain complex economic relationships and human behaviour, then the course at Cambridge is extremely rewarding. It is academically rigorous and immensely challenging. You will learn to 'think like an economist' and you'll gain a skillset to be able to start exploring questions of your own.

Also, contrary to the reply above me, economics is a well respected discipline. Whether you want to go into the private sector or stay on in academia, a Cambridge economics degree is a signal that you're capable of handling the sorts of problems that you'll face. On the other side of things, it's also perfectly possible to start out as a mathematician and to specialise in economics later on. Many of the most famous and influential economists began as mathematicians!

TLDR; I think that both degrees are valuable. It just comes down to what you want to spend three years of your life studying. Have a think about it, there isn't a wrong decision.

(edited 9 months ago)

Maths or Economics at Cambridge?

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