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Finance/economics vs med

Looking between finance/economics against medicine, extremely distraught between the two, the entirety of Y12 kind of just went into medicine, did the work experiences and all. Felt that being a doctor would be right for me, without really asking myself questions about work life balance, the pay in the UK, and several other factors. Have already submitted 4 choices for medicine, relatively sure I will get interviews for all of them, but just don't know what to do about finance. I have researched in to both extensively now, which sucks that I am doing it now after 4 choices for med have been sent through, but the degrees for economics/finance seem relatively easy but the job is what interests me to some extent with its lucrative pay and engaging work. Honestly, seeking advice from people in the same position as me, any people who switched from med to finance, or the other way? I am in Year 13 by the way, the deadline for the 5th choice is in January. Thank you in advance guys.

Reply 1

ErasistratusV

From what I am reading I see a person who has applied to medicine without actually being sure of wanting to study and work within medicine. You need to make your mind up and I mean rapidly because if you haven't by the time it comes to interview they WILL detect it during interview.

Economics and finance are not easy fields to get work in. The people who become successful in these areas work longer hours than any resident doctor would, I can promise you that.

Reply 2

McGinger

If you are even thinking 'maybe Medicine?' then pick the other subject every time.

Reply 3

zayansalman

Original post

by ErasistratusV

From what I am reading I see a person who has applied to medicine without actually being sure of wanting to study and work within medicine. You need to make your mind up and I mean rapidly because if you haven't by the time it comes to interview they WILL detect it during interview.
Economics and finance are not easy fields to get work in. The people who become successful in these areas work longer hours than any resident doctor would, I can promise you that.

I was pretty sure the entire time that becoming a doctor was what I wanted, but I never considered the other factors to it such as the salary etc. I kind of pushed it to the side in the hopes those worries would subside, I am honestly not sure now. Though, what you are saying is true, I did research earlier, did a week of work experience and knew this was the work I wanted to do my entire life. I feel guilty for stringing along my parents with the fact that I was certain on medicine, when I should have expressed more of my concerns, I did express them earlier but they told me to study whatever you believe you enjoy the most, and that was medicine, but I am unsure if I have it in me to sacrifice the majority of my life for an unrewarding healthcare system in the NHS. I feel like I betrayed myself maybe, telling myself everything will work it out in the end, but now that application has actually been sent, the doubts have only begun to increase.

Reply 4

zayansalman

Original post

by McGinger

If you are even thinking 'maybe Medicine?' then pick the other subject every time.

At the same time, the monotony to an extent in finance, is that something I can do my whole life? However the earlier financial independence and eventual freedom in finance can not be ignored, no?

Reply 5

ErasistratusV

If you genuinely don't want to study medicine and work in medicine then categorically do not start the course. You'll spend 5 years of your life grinding for utterly no reason and finish it up with debt and a very sour taste in your mouth.

Parents encouraging people to do courses they do not want to do is insanity of the highest order. Medicine doesn't just stop at the end of year 5: it's lifelong. There is no way off the hamster wheel. I cannot stress this enough to people considering applying to this course. The medical degree is merely the entry point to a 10-15 year process to reach consultant level. You will work nights, weekends, holidays. If you have even the slightest doubt that medicine isn't quite the fun zone you thought it was then you need to work this out well before starting next September.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 6

McGinger

The degrees for economics/finance seem relatively easy.

Based on what exactly - you have not done an Economics degree.

Reply 7

ErasistratusV

I know people who have done the London finance/banking thing and the idea that you get paid a shed load of money from the outset and that it is just easy and low stress is simply not true. The new entrants into that game work 60+ hours a week. Only the senior managers or departmental leads are the guys sticking solely to the 9-5 and maybe working from home 2-3 days a week. The juniors are the ones expected to be in the office when the overseas markets in Asia/North America/Pacific are open.

Reply 8

LSBU

Official Rep

Original post

by zayansalman

Hi there,

It’s completely normal to feel torn between two very different career paths, especially after investing so much time into medicine. Many students only later realise they also need to consider work-life balance, long-term lifestyle goals and job satisfaction, not just academic ability. You’re not behind, and you definitely haven’t made a mistake, you still have options. Your four Medicine choices can still lead to interviews, and your 5th UCAS choice gives you a real opportunity to explore finance, economics or another science route without closing any doors.

At LSBU, while we don’t offer Medicine, we do offer Biomedical Sciences - BSc (Hons), which is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). This accreditation ensures the course meets professional standards, supports NHS and research career pathways, and provides a strong foundation if you’re still interested in health sciences but unsure about becoming a doctor. For students thinking about switching from Medicine to something science-based but still meaningful, this course is a respected and flexible alternative.

If you’re leaning toward the finance side, LSBU has several highly regarded degrees designed to support strong employability in the business and financial sectors. Accounting and Finance - BA (Hons) offers professional accreditation with exemptions from major bodies such as ACCA and CIMA, which helps fast-track your professional qualifications after graduation. Business Management (Finance pathway) - BA (Hons) is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), meaning you graduate with both a degree and a recognised leadership qualification. We also offer Economics (Finance pathway) - BSc (Hons), a practical, career-focused programme that prepares you for financial analysis, investment roles, banking and consultancy.

LSBU is an excellent choice for both UK and international students because of our strong industry links, hands-on teaching style and supportive environment. Our central London campus places you right next to the South Bank, Waterloo, Elephant & Castle and major transport links, giving you incredible access to the financial district, cultural hubs and internship opportunities. On top of that, LSBU has some of the cheapest university accommodation in central London, which is a huge advantage for affordability and living convenience.

If you’d like to hear from people who’ve faced similar choices or switched pathways, you can chat directly with current LSBU students through our Unibuddy platform. They’ll share honest, personal experiences that might help you feel more confident about your decision.

👉 You can chat with our students through our Unibuddy platform: Chat with our students.

Whatever you decide, you haven’t ruined anything, you’re simply at a crossroads, and it’s completely okay to take the time you need to choose the path that feels right for your future.