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Economic History LSE, GCSE's and Employability

I haven't done Maths A-Level but want to enter into finance after uni, however i'm not sure if economic history at LSE is very employable? I do Economics, History, Geography and a Economics related EPQ for A-Levels and am hoping to get two A*s and an A. How would PPE at Warwick compare to econ history at LSE as it may be more relevant to employers. Also I'm not sure if my GCSE grades are strong enough, here are my GCSE grades:

English Lang: 9
English Lit: 9
Geography: 9
History: 9
Maths: 8
Physics: 7
Biology: 7
Computer science: 6
French: 6
Chemistry: 6

Reply 1

If you want to get into finance, your degree does not matter. In fact, these firms are actively looking for people with varying degrees to diversify their thinking pool. My sister works at KPMG and did not even do A level maths. The maths they need you to know, they will teach you. If you are good at fundamental GCSE level mathematics, which your Grade 8 displays, you will be fine. The most important thing is doing well in whatever you do before the application (A*s and As at A level and a first in your degree is a good start), then smashing their admissions process. In short, do what you love and the rest will fall into place.

Reply 2

Original post
by ArchieT443
I haven't done Maths A-Level but want to enter into finance after uni, however i'm not sure if economic history at LSE is very employable? I do Economics, History, Geography and a Economics related EPQ for A-Levels and am hoping to get two A*s and an A. How would PPE at Warwick compare to econ history at LSE as it may be more relevant to employers. Also I'm not sure if my GCSE grades are strong enough, here are my GCSE grades:
English Lang: 9
English Lit: 9
Geography: 9
History: 9
Maths: 8
Physics: 7
Biology: 7
Computer science: 6
French: 6
Chemistry: 6

Hiya!

Your GCSE grades are definitely competitive. Below are what LSE have listed on their page - you meet the "several... at 7, 8, and 9". You also meet the minimum requirements for PPE at Warwick.

For finance, as I personally am in the same boat as you at A-level having not done maths, I'm pursuing a dual honours in Econ & Politics at Bath, Lancaster etc, then a postgraduate MSc in Finance from Lancaster as they don't require A-level maths. Based on the Alumni and FT rankings of Lancaster, I don't think there'd be much issue getting jobs in Finance. You could consider doing something similar to this.

As @Amina_H296 said, people get into Finance from different degrees. I wouldn't worry as you can always specialise further with a postgrad.


Screenshot 2025-06-16 001352.png

Hope this helps!
(edited 7 months ago)

Reply 3

Original post
by Jaa_
Hiya!
Your GCSE grades are definitely competitive. Below are what LSE have listed on their page - you meet the "several... at 7, 8, and 9". You also meet the minimum requirements for PPE at Warwick.
For finance, as I personally am in the same boat as you at A-level having not done maths, I'm pursuing a dual honours in Econ & Politics at Bath, Lancaster etc, then a postgraduate MSc in Finance from Lancaster as they don't require A-level maths. Based on the Alumni and FT rankings of Lancaster, I don't think there'd be much issue getting jobs in Finance. You could consider doing something similar to this.
As @Amina_H296 said, people get into Finance from different degrees. I wouldn't worry as you can always specialise further with a postgrad.
Screenshot 2025-06-16 001352.png
Hope this helps!

Thank you for the advice, I am also considering politics with economics at Bath, especially because of their placement scheme. Not sure if it will be an issue for UCAS if im applying for different courses like econ history and politics with economics but thanks for the help

Reply 4

Original post
by Amina_H296
If you want to get into finance, your degree does not matter. In fact, these firms are actively looking for people with varying degrees to diversify their thinking pool. My sister works at KPMG and did not even do A level maths. The maths they need you to know, they will teach you. If you are good at fundamental GCSE level mathematics, which your Grade 8 displays, you will be fine. The most important thing is doing well in whatever you do before the application (A*s and As at A level and a first in your degree is a good start), then smashing their admissions process. In short, do what you love and the rest will fall into place.
Thanks, this helps me a lot with my concerns

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