Oxford PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Students and Applicants

Hey I'm planning (still can change) on taking:

A levels: Economics, Philisophy (should I change for History) and Spanish, (possible a fourth)

As Levels: Maths and Italian

Are these sound choices for Oxford or should I consider changing a few of them.

Reply 6462

Nymthae

16

Philosophy and History are both fine, it won't matter.

If you were to do a fourth then i'd just continue with the Maths, as that will be the most useful to you but you don't need to decide that yet.

They say you can apply with any set of subjects. 90% have Maths to atleast AS, but I expect quite a high percentage of those to have it to A2 too. It won't rule you out if you were to drop it etc. though, it would just help you more when you're there (by the sounds).

They're fine :smile:

Reply 6463

Original post by Nymthae

Philosophy and History are both fine, it won't matter.

If you were to do a fourth then i'd just continue with the Maths, as that will be the most useful to you but you don't need to decide that yet.

They say you can apply with any set of subjects. 90% have Maths to atleast AS, but I expect quite a high percentage of those to have it to A2 too. It won't rule you out if you were to drop it etc. though, it would just help you more when you're there (by the sounds).

They're fine :smile:

Yeh I saw that. The only thing is I'm not a natural mathematician, I need to work my ass off to understand it. So I'm worried about maths.

Reply 6464

You have quite a good set of subjects there. All respected too.

But like ^^^^ he's said, it would be way beneficial if you continue with A2 maths as lots of applicants would have that. Don't forget that PPE at Oxford is one of the most competitive course in the UK so you need to do all you can to maximise your chances of standing out.

Then your PS statement is also another relevant factor.

Anyway, just focus and getting working on getting at least AAA on the subjects you which to take.

Good luck.

Reply 6465

Original post by *Hakz*

You have quite a good set of subjects there. All respected too.

But like ^^^^ he's said, it would be way beneficial if you continue with A2 maths as lots of applicants would have that. Don't forget that PPE at Oxford is one of the most competitive course in the UK so you need to do all you can to maximise your chances of standing out.

Then your PS statement is also another relevant factor.

Anyway, just focus and getting working on getting at least AAA on the subjects you which to take.

Good luck.

Thanks man :smile:

Reply 6466

username202682

17

Maths to A2. The rest supplement your application.

Reply 6467

Original post by Tweaky

Yeh I saw that. The only thing is I'm not a natural mathematician, I need to work my ass off to understand it. So I'm worried about maths.

Not all of us are mathematicians. If you study enough and put the work in then you'll realise you can make it.

I'm doing pure economics and the mathematical content is killing me but my advice is to get your head down and do what has to be done :smile:

Reply 6468

cloudstr1f3r

Do History, don't do Philosophy...

Reply 6469

Original post by cloudstr1f3r

Do History, don't do Philosophy...

Wouldn't make a difference to his application. Believe me, they are equally respected as they're both traditional.

Reply 6470

ak9779

9

Original post by *Hakz*

Wouldn't make a difference to his application. Believe me, they are equally respected as they're both traditional.

Actually, this isn't true. Look at the Russel Group guide - philosophy isn't on their recommended 'facilitiating subjects' list.

http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/media/informed-choices/InformedChoices-latest.pdf

Reply 6471

mrdreamerstar

Wait, are you going to be prime minister?

Reply 6472

Ha, wouldn't be able to answer than question. I don't have to much of a first for power.... So probably not.

Reply 6473

Original post by ak9779

Actually, this isn't true. Look at the Russel Group guide - philosophy isn't on their recommended 'facilitiating subjects' list.

http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/media/informed-choices/InformedChoices-latest.pdf

If that's what you follow when thinking of which subjects you need to do then you certainly aren't looking properly.

History and Philosophy provide similar skills and one won't necessarily put the OP at an advantage. They're both traditional & respected so I don't see your point.

Reply 6474

Castelbajac

Original post by ak9779

Actually, this isn't true. Look at the Russel Group guide - philosophy isn't on their recommended 'facilitiating subjects' list.

http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/media/informed-choices/InformedChoices-latest.pdf

"There are some advanced level subjects, which provide suitable preparation
for entry to university generally, but which we do not include within the
facilitating subjects, because there are relatively few degree programmes
where an advanced level qualification in these subjects would be a
requirement for entry" (Page 23)

I think you've misunderstood the meaning of 'facilitating subjects'. As Philosophy A Level is not required for a degree in Philosophy it's not considered a facilitating subject. Whereas History A Level is required for a degree in History, it is therefore considered 'facilitating'. Since the OP clearly stated he wants to study PPE it doesn't matter if he studies Philosophy or History since neither are required for the course but they are both equally respected.

Reply 6475

Original post by Castelbajac

"There are some advanced level subjects, which provide suitable preparation
for entry to university generally, but which we do not include within the
facilitating subjects, because there are relatively few degree programmes
where an advanced level qualification in these subjects would be a
requirement for entry" (Page 23)

I think you've misunderstood the meaning of 'facilitating subjects'. As Philosophy A Level is not required for a degree in Philosophy it's not considered a facilitating subject. Whereas History A Level is required for a degree in History, it is therefore considered 'facilitating'. Since the OP clearly stated he wants to study PPE it doesn't matter if he studies Philosophy or History since neither are required for the course but they are both equally respected.

Thank you.

Reply 6476

cloudstr1f3r

That's exactly my point, unless you're doing Pre-U Philosophy & Theology, stick with History...

History not only opens a path of PPE, but also other history joint courses such as History & Economics... If you do philosophy, you're basically burying an alternative path to study at Oxford which is perhaps what you ultimately wish for.

Reply 6477