Economics or Chemical engineering?

Cdw2008

1

I am struggling to decide between Economics and Chemical engineering at university. My A-levels are Maths, Economics and Chemistry. I like the structure and more contact time of an Engineering degree, but find Economics more interesting but am worried I will struggle with the more independent study and essay writing aspects. Has anyone got experience of Econ or Chem eng or had this same dilemma. Any advice.

Reply 1

LSBU

Official Rep

11

Original post

by Cdw2008

I am struggling to decide between Economics and Chemical engineering at university. My A-levels are Maths, Economics and Chemistry. I like the structure and more contact time of an Engineering degree, but find Economics more interesting but am worried I will struggle with the more independent study and essay writing aspects. Has anyone got experience of Econ or Chem eng or had this same dilemma. Any advice.

Hi there,

It’s completely normal to feel torn between Economics and Chemical Engineering, especially when you’re strong in both Maths and Chemistry. The good news is that your A-level subjects, Maths, Economics, and Chemistry; keep both options open, so you’re in a great position whichever route you decide to take.

At London South Bank University (LSBU), we offer degrees in both areas, including BSc (Hons) Economics, BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting, and BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering. Each path develops different but equally valuable skills.

If you enjoy problem-solving, applying science, and working on structured, practical projects, Chemical Engineering might be the better fit. The course focuses on applying chemistry, physics, and maths to design and improve processes used in industries such as energy, food, and pharmaceuticals. At LSBU, the Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons) is professionally accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and it combines lab work, design projects, and real industry experience, with plenty of contact time and structured teaching.

On the other hand, if you’re more drawn to understanding how economies work, analysing data, and exploring how people and businesses make decisions, Economics could be more rewarding. LSBU’s BSc (Hons) Economics offers a blend of theory and application, with modules on finance, data analysis, and policy. While Economics involves more independent study and essay-based assessment, LSBU provides strong academic support, small group tutorials, and career-focused teaching that helps you stay on track.

In short, Chemical Engineering suits students who enjoy a more structured, scientific approach with hands-on projects, while Economics is ideal if you’re interested in global issues, financial systems, and analytical thinking. Both lead to great career options, engineering graduates often enter technical and energy industries, while economics graduates work in finance, consulting, or policy.

If you’re still deciding, I’d really recommend coming to our Open Day on Saturday the 15th November. You’ll be able to talk to lecturers and students from both courses and get a real feel for the teaching style, workload, and opportunities available.

👉 You can sign up here: LSBU Open Day.
👉 You can also chat with our students through our Unibuddy platform: Chat with our students.

Whatever you choose, both degrees at LSBU are highly respected, and your mix of skills in maths, chemistry, and analysis will set you up for success in either field.

Reply 2

Wired_1800

20

Original post

by Cdw2008

I am struggling to decide between Economics and Chemical engineering at university. My A-levels are Maths, Economics and Chemistry. I like the structure and more contact time of an Engineering degree, but find Economics more interesting but am worried I will struggle with the more independent study and essay writing aspects. Has anyone got experience of Econ or Chem eng or had this same dilemma. Any advice.

Very different subjects.

Have you considered a course like Maths and Economics? It could give you the balance that you need.

Some unis:

Surrey: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/undergraduate/economics-and-mathematics

LSE: https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/undergraduate/bsc-mathematics-and-economics

Durham: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/economics-and-mathematics-l125/#entry-requirements

If not, consider PPE.

Reply 3

knightslasher

4

Economics tends to have better career prospecys

Reply 4

knightslasher

4

Original post

by Wired_1800

Very different subjects.
Have you considered a course like Maths and Economics? It could give you the balance that you need.
Some unis:
Surrey: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/undergraduate/economics-and-mathematics
LSE: https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/undergraduate/bsc-mathematics-and-economics
Durham: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/economics-and-mathematics-l125/#entry-requirements
If not, consider PPE.

Without further maths, i think he may struggle for lse and even durham

Reply 5

Wired_1800

20

Original post

by knightslasher

Without further maths, i think he may struggle for lse and even durham

That’s fair

Reply 6

1siap

1

Original post

by Cdw2008

I am struggling to decide between Economics and Chemical engineering at university. My A-levels are Maths, Economics and Chemistry. I like the structure and more contact time of an Engineering degree, but find Economics more interesting but am worried I will struggle with the more independent study and essay writing aspects. Has anyone got experience of Econ or Chem eng or had this same dilemma. Any advice.

I was in the same situation as you last year. I'm also studying maths, chem and econ and i decided to apply for chem eng over econ, just because i think it has a wider range of career prospects and its something i can genuinely see myself doing in the future. with econ, i felt like I'd just end up in a finance related degree which isn't something i want.

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