Economics Uni Choices

Hi - id appreciate any thoughts and advice on my future picks. I’m interested in a career in investment banking afterwards.

stats: 3 A* predicted Maths Econ Geog and A* in EPQ

GCSEs 999888877 (state school north east)

Should have a strong personal statement when come to write (work experience, books, essay comps etc…)

1. Cambridge Land Economy
2. Warwick Econ
3. Durham Econ
4. Bristol Econ
5. Manchester Econ

Is unsure on my picks, particularly due to TMUA and whether I should try to avoid if possible. And also whether I need a stronger insurance.

Reply 1

PapiChamp

What made you pick land economy over regular economics?

Reply 2

PapiChamp

Your chosen unis are all strong you shouldn't worry about your insurance choice. If you are really passionate for Cambridge you should really try and prepare for the tmua.

Reply 3

Muttley79

Original post

by thomasclarke09

Hi - id appreciate any thoughts and advice on my future picks. I’m interested in a career in investment banking afterwards.
stats: 3 A* predicted Maths Econ Geog and A* in EPQ
GCSEs 999888877 (state school north east)
Should have a strong personal statement when come to write (work experience, books, essay comps etc…)
1. Cambridge Land Economy
2. Warwick Econ
3. Durham Econ
4. Bristol Econ
5. Manchester Econ
Is unsure on my picks, particularly due to TMUA and whether I should try to avoid if possible. And also whether I need a stronger insurance.

Which is your safe option?

Reply 4

Moonraker66

Assuming you are targeting BsC Economics rather than the BA, your maths will need to be really excellent as there is a huge step up in mathematical complexity compared to A Levels.There is a massive difference between these two types of degree in this subject and the BSc will nothing like your A Level Economics. Some of these universities will not even entertain an offer as you aren't studying Further Maths (I believe Warwick, which is known for its mathematical rigour of its course).

Probably the lowest entry requirement is Manchester at AAA which is only one grade lower, so this doesnt leave much margin in your results, so if you adopt these choices you should be willing to sit out a year of you have any slip ups as Economics rarely features in clearing on decent courses, espeically as there will be a high % of international students hoovering up places. Rather than seek a stronger insurance, you may consider a weaker choice in the next tier down?

Also, there are few graduate jobs in IB and a huge pool of graduates chasing these. This situation is likley to worsen due to the state of global economies and AI. Recruiters have their pick from the really elite universities and will not especially consider Economics any different from STEM subjects. If your heart is set on IB, you will need to target the best university that you can get into rather than thinking that the subject choice will open doors for you.

Reply 5

maxe12343

Original post

by Moonraker66

Assuming you are targeting BsC Economics rather than the BA, your maths will need to be really excellent as there is a huge step up in mathematical complexity compared to A Levels.There is a massive difference between these two types of degree in this subject and the BSc will nothing like your A Level Economics. Some of these universities will not even entertain an offer as you aren't studying Further Maths (I believe Warwick, which is known for its mathematical rigour of its course).
Probably the lowest entry requirement is Manchester at AAA which is only one grade lower, so this doesnt leave much margin in your results, so if you adopt these choices you should be willing to sit out a year of you have any slip ups as Economics rarely features in clearing on decent courses, espeically as there will be a high % of international students hoovering up places. Rather than seek a stronger insurance, you may consider a weaker choice in the next tier down?
Also, there are few graduate jobs in IB and a huge pool of graduates chasing these. This situation is likley to worsen due to the state of global economies and AI. Recruiters have their pick from the really elite universities and will not especially consider Economics any different from STEM subjects. If your heart is set on IB, you will need to target the best university that you can get into rather than thinking that the subject choice will open doors for you.

warwick econ state on their website, and 30% of students have taken it so is not necessary
We are looking for students with strong mathematical ability and A-level Mathematics or equivalent is therefore required for this programme.

•

Further Maths and Economics are not essential, although they are accepted subject choices for a student considering Economics at degree level. We treat them as any other strong A level subject: they have no special status.

•

We will only look at your top three grades (including Mathematics). A fourth A Level will not be considered.

Reply 6

Txnit_10

Btw Manchester could offer u early, I’ve applied for the same course early entry and got an offer

Reply 7

Moonraker66

Original post

by maxe12343

•

We will only look at your top three grades (including Mathematics). A fourth A Level will not be considered.

Maxe12343,

Thanks for updating my memory - it seems like the TMUA now carries more weight than Further Maths used to do, possibly because they do not want to discriminatre or preclude non-Further Maths applicants. I am sure that both Warwick and UCLH used to insist on Further Maths in the past, but can now clearly see that neither do. However, this doesnt change the thrust of my post in that these courses are effetcively Applied Maths degrees and will not feel anything like A Level Economics. This is something that is not apparent to many sixth formers and it is the STEM element that makes Bsc Economics attractive to IBs, along with all other STEM subjects.

I know A grade Maths students who struggle with the difficulty of degree level Bsc Economics in the elite schools and whilst Warwick may state that Further Maths is not essential I would be astonsihed if they did not take this into account, espeically for candidates who do not take the TMUA. Warwick will be heavily oversubscribed and can afford to be picky.