Can I get into Cambridge/LSE econ without econ a level

Hi guys,

I’m picking my a levels this month, and I want to do econ at uni. Because I want to apply to competetive unis such as Cambridge, LSE and Imperial, I’m thinking of taking:

Further maths
Maths
Geography
Chemistry

I could switch chemistry for econ, but I prefer chemistry and I have to pick geography

Is it still possible to get into those competitive unis without econ since it’s kinda the core subject.

Thanks!

Reply 1

kk1805

Original post

by smellyyear7

Hi guys,
I’m picking my a levels this month, and I want to do econ at uni. Because I want to apply to competetive unis such as Cambridge, LSE and Imperial, I’m thinking of taking:
Further maths
Maths
Geography
Chemistry
I could switch chemistry for econ, but I prefer chemistry and I have to pick geography
Is it still possible to get into those competitive unis without econ since it’s kinda the core subject.
Thanks!

I'm an LSE student - you absolutely don't HAVE to do econ, geography covers an essay subject which is desirable, and you do further maths so that's perfect.

That being said I'd say pick Econ over chemistry, it just makes things easier in first year and at the end of the day if you want to study it at degree level you may as well just pick it at A Level. It's considerably easier than chem and your grades matter more. Also if you hate a level econ then it's a clear sign that you shouldn't take it at uni.

Reply 2

McGinger

Economics A level is not required or preferred for any Economics degree - Maths is the only critical subject.
And, your current A level subjects leave many other degree subjects / careers open to you if you happen to change your mind about a Economics degree along the way. Stick with your current choices.

Reply 3

smellyyear7

Original post

by kk1805

I'm an LSE student - you absolutely don't HAVE to do econ, geography covers an essay subject which is desirable, and you do further maths so that's perfect.
That being said I'd say pick Econ over chemistry, it just makes things easier in first year and at the end of the day if you want to study it at degree level you may as well just pick it at A Level. It's considerably easier than chem and your grades matter more. Also if you hate a level econ then it's a clear sign that you shouldn't take it at uni.

Thx for replying

I’m still lowk considering chemistry because I find it very easy nd I basically know all the AS content and I also head that Econ a level is a lot different to degree level so you don’t need it

If I don’t need it do you think it’s worth taking if I would find chemistry easir

Reply 4

thegeek888

Original post

by smellyyear7

Thx for replying
I’m still lowk considering chemistry because I find it very easy nd I basically know all the AS content and I also head that Econ a level is a lot different to degree level so you don’t need it
If I don’t need it do you think it’s worth taking if I would find chemistry easir

Do Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and either Economics or Geography.

If not, you will have a much higher chance of getting an offer for BSc Geography with Economics.

Reply 5

kk1805

Original post

by smellyyear7

Thx for replying
I’m still lowk considering chemistry because I find it very easy nd I basically know all the AS content and I also head that Econ a level is a lot different to degree level so you don’t need it
If I don’t need it do you think it’s worth taking if I would find chemistry easir

Econ at degree level is different, yes absolutely and you could definitely take Chemistry and still be absolutely fine.

But doing econ at A level still helps a lot and you still do end up covering some of the concepts within it at uni. I honestly think it's a great A level to take just to get a better understanding of the economy and understand current affairs.

My thing is if you're doing econ at uni and you have the option to take it at A Level, just take it. I guarantee you you're gonna use more from econ a level than chem a level at uni haha.

geog + econ defintiely DOES NOT mean you can't apply for straight economics, yes you could also deifnitely apply to geography and economics but it's absolutely no disadvantage for straight econ

Reply 6

smellyyear7

Thx for replying

I understand your point about taking econ<chemistry

I’m just thinking about if it will disadvantage me specifically for applying to Cambridge, LSE and maybe imperial for econ, as I’d assume that most of the people applying will have econ as one of their subjects

Reply 7

kk1805

Original post

by smellyyear7

Thx for replying
I understand your point about taking econ<chemistry
I’m just thinking about if it will disadvantage me specifically for applying to Cambridge, LSE and maybe imperial for econ, as I’d assume that most of the people applying will have econ as one of their subjects

As I said, it's neither an advantage or a disadvantage to take Chemistry over Econ or vice versa, I just personally think it makes more sense to take the subject that you're already set on at university. Most people applying to econ take econ for a levels for that reason haha.

Reply 8

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by smellyyear7

Yes, you can. A-level Economics isn't require for any economics degree in the UK and they don't (in principle) assume any content from A-level Economics.

Maths is normally required, while further maths is normally desirable (and for LSE, implicitly required if your school offers it). Beyond that there are no subject requirements for economics.

That said LSE do note for applicants to single honours economics if only offering three subjects, they expect the third subject to be an essay based subject (such as geography). So just something to bear in mind if you would aim to drop it.

Reply 9

84AL-yzang

I take Geo, Econ, Media and Business and I'd suggest you take Econ because Business is viewed as a vocational A-level at LSE. If you are applying for Econ Bsc, your TMUAs are probably a more essential indicator than you subjects because uni level Econ expects students to have solid math skills. However, as LSE Econ is extremely competitive, I also suggest you to look out for some econ related courses like Economic History, Econ with Geo etc...