Should I apply for a PPE at Oxford?

1

Im currently a year 12 student studying Economics, Psychology, Philosophy and Ethics at A-level. I'm aware that most universities require an A* in maths, but Oxford doesn't as you can demonstrate quantitive skills through the TSA instead. I got a 7 in GCSE maths and a 6 in further maths, do you think I should I apply and would have a chance of getting in with thorough preparation for the TSA? or should I focus on doing a course like Politics and IR, or a HSPS, instead -- which would lead me to a route into politics (being an MP, etc.) as well?

Reply 1

Marni_808

12

Original post

by 5ahar_

Im currently a year 12 student studying Economics, Psychology, Philosophy and Ethics at A-level. I'm aware that most universities require an A* in maths, but Oxford doesn't as you can demonstrate quantitive skills through the TSA instead. I got a 7 in GCSE maths and a 6 in further maths, do you think I should I apply and would have a chance of getting in with thorough preparation for the TSA? or should I focus on doing a course like Politics and IR, or a HSPS, instead -- which would lead me to a route into politics (being an MP, etc.) as well?

Hi

)

I have a question: What are your predicted grades?

If you are not the best at maths, you can absolutely apply to PPE at Oxford, especially if you have a strong interest in Economics and Philosophy also. Many MPs studied PPE at Oxford so this would be a great option if you aspire to pursue a career in politics.

Reply 2

marcus.0

11

The TSA is no longer a thing. Oxford evaluate your GCSE profile as a whole, and you having 2 non-A*s will hurt your chances a bit.

Reply 3

xyz1234567

11

The TSA has been replaced by the TARA so your mathematical and reasoning skills will still be assessed.

Oxford recommends Maths A level for PPE which you don’t have, and your GCSE grades don’t suggest that Maths is your strength. They will absolutely look at specific GCSE grades for relevant subjects as well as your overall profile, especially where it is a subject important to the degree which you aren’t doing for A level. In all honesty then I think this would be a setback. You would have to do extremely well on the TARA to prove your mathematical ability.

Reply 4

artful_lounger

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

22

Original post

by 5ahar_

Im currently a year 12 student studying Economics, Psychology, Philosophy and Ethics at A-level. I'm aware that most universities require an A* in maths, but Oxford doesn't as you can demonstrate quantitive skills through the TSA instead. I got a 7 in GCSE maths and a 6 in further maths, do you think I should I apply and would have a chance of getting in with thorough preparation for the TSA? or should I focus on doing a course like Politics and IR, or a HSPS, instead -- which would lead me to a route into politics (being an MP, etc.) as well?

Note that while Oxford don't formally require A-level Maths, it's still deemed "recommended" and historically at least more than 90% of successful applicants are taking A-level Maths.

I'm not sure PPE is the best option in this case, and think your other options (politics/IR/HSPS) seem to be a better fit for your subjects :smile:

Reply 5

UoW Jasmine

Official Rep

7

Original post

by 5ahar_

Im currently a year 12 student studying Economics, Psychology, Philosophy and Ethics at A-level. I'm aware that most universities require an A* in maths, but Oxford doesn't as you can demonstrate quantitive skills through the TSA instead. I got a 7 in GCSE maths and a 6 in further maths, do you think I should I apply and would have a chance of getting in with thorough preparation for the TSA? or should I focus on doing a course like Politics and IR, or a HSPS, instead -- which would lead me to a route into politics (being an MP, etc.) as well?

Hi!

This is a bit adjacent to your main question, but if you’re thinking about options alongside Oxford or as alternatives, it might be worth having a look at EPP (Economics, Psychology and Philosophy) at Warwick. It actually aligns very closely with the A-levels you’re doing, so I thought I’d mention it in case you hadn’t come across it, as it’s quite a niche course. Currently the entry requirements also accept a grade 7 in GCSE maths.

I’m currently in my final year studying EPP, and one of the nice things about it is that it combines the quantitative side from economics with the more essay-based/ conceptual side of psychology and philosophy. It also stays quite flexible in terms of career options, including politics, public policy, research, finance, consulting, etc. I know you mentioned being more interested in the politics route specifically, but the degree still develops a lot of the analytical skills that are useful for that space too.

Not saying it should replace PPE or HSPS if those are your top choices, just another option worth looking into since it seems to match your subject combination really well. Good luck with your applications!

Best wishes,
Jasmine (Student Ambassador)

Reply 6

thegeek888

18

Original post

by 5ahar_

Im currently a year 12 student studying Economics, Psychology, Philosophy and Ethics at A-level. I'm aware that most universities require an A* in maths, but Oxford doesn't as you can demonstrate quantitive skills through the TSA instead. I got a 7 in GCSE maths and a 6 in further maths, do you think I should I apply and would have a chance of getting in with thorough preparation for the TSA? or should I focus on doing a course like Politics and IR, or a HSPS, instead -- which would lead me to a route into politics (being an MP, etc.) as well?

Microsoft Word - PPE_admissions_2022-23_further_statistics_final

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS

1064 (57%) applicants offered A-levels.

Applicants for PPE may have done any combination of subjects at school. History and Maths are useful backgrounds, but are considered not essential. Maths Although a background in Maths is not formally required for admission, PPE applicants should have sufficient interest in, and aptitude for, maths to cope with the mathematical elements of the course.

Maths is a particular advantage for the Economics component of the course, as well as for the first year logic course in Philosophy, and for understanding theories and data in Politics.

Of the applicants offering A-Levels, 887 had A-Level Maths (or Maths and Further Maths).

Of the 453 applicants offering A-Levels who were interviewed, 394 (87%) had A-Level Maths.

Of the 160 applicants offering A-Levels who were awarded a place, 147 (92%) had Maths.

The following diagrams show the distribution of marks in the three components of the TSA for A-Level applicants with and without A-Level Maths. The average marks for A-Level applicants with Maths were 59.5, 68.1, and 63.9 in the Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Essay components respectively. For A-Level applicants without Maths, the average marks were 52.4, 62.4, and 62.3.

Should I apply for a PPE at Oxford?

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