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

SamF1992

Hi Everyone!

So, I'm currently studying Economics, Politics, History and Spanish (AS)
and I really want to go onto study PPE (Hopefully at Oxford- dont know if I would get in but will still apply...)

Thing is though is that I'm not taking Maths and even though they say its 'useful but not essential', something like 90% of people last year who got onto the course took Maths.

I got an A at GCSE in Maths but I dont think its exactly my strong point! But I really enjoy Economics so I'm at a loss really as to whether I should still go for PPE or opt for something else like History and Politics where I might have more of a chance.

What do you guys think?

Tizane

Definitely do Maths. I'm a PPE fresher without Maths at A level and Economics is much more difficult without any background in it. There are elementary maths lectures (which are really good) but it's extra work on top of an already intense workload. If I could go back to the start of sixth form now, I'd have definitely done Maths.

Reply 6481

*Hakz*

15

I'd say do maths to at least AS level.

Economics at degree level is not a joke at all and the more mathematically able you are, the more you'll succeed. Although the maths won't be as complete and rigorous as a pure economics degree, the economics part of PPE will be a bit mathematical especially at Oxford.

Reply 6482

Poppyxx

11

I've heard mutterings that there is currently a discussion occurring about making Maths compulsory for PPE applicants... Not sure if it was to AS or A2.

My Philosophy tutor was telling me, and he is against it. Not sure when the changes would come in, or even if it'll pass. Obviously Econ tutors are pushing for it, but there's resistance from the other 2 subjects who question why Econ should dominate...

Just thought you all might like to know.

Reply 6483

SamF1992

1

Don't think it should be made compulsory, but I definitely think they should make people more aware of the mathematical content, if I'd have known how helpful maths was for teh course when applying, I'd have definitely taken it as an extra AS in year 13.

Reply 6484

arra

7

Well if I'm blessed and get an offer to study PPE I'm hoping to take a pretty mathematically rigorous course load (especially in philosophy with formal logic/godel and all). And Economics would be there anyway. Considering dropping politics too, not sure. Counting castles in the sky atm :smile:

Reply 6485

SamF1992

1

Logic is horrible. Only 3rd week and I detest it already.

Reply 6486

dbmag9

15

Original post by SamF1992

Logic is horrible. Only 3rd week and I detest it already.

Logic is lovely, although I've heard it's pretty traditional for PPEists to fail at it. I'm not bothering with Volker's lectures though; I have to dash to them from the museum so I never get a seat, and he just goes over his own book anyway.

Reply 6487

Budgie

12

Original post by *Hakz*

I'd say do maths to at least AS level.

Economics at degree level is not a joke at all and the more mathematically able you are, the more you'll succeed. Although the maths won't be as complete and rigorous as a pure economics degree, the economics part of PPE will be a bit mathematical especially at Oxford.

This is, I'm afraid, an urban legend which frustrates me greatly, as I now constantly get people on the M.Phil assuming PPE is mostly essays and I haven''t done any maths. If you do PPE you do less economics, but you don't do less rigorous economics. The preliminary module, and the core modules, are just as rigorous.

Additionally, you can take highly technical options if you wish. In actual fact, I have a stronger mathematical background from my degree than most straight econ undergrads on the M.Phil, and so as I say I find this assumption highly annoying!

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 6488

*Hakz*

15

Original post by Budgie

This is, I'm afraid, an urban legend which frustrates me greatly, as I now constantly get people on the M.Phil assuming PPE is mostly essays and I haven''t done any maths. If you do PPE you do less economics, but you don't do less rigorous economics. The preliminary module, and the core modules, are just as rigorous.

Additionally, you can take highly technical options if you wish. In actual fact, I have a stronger mathematical background from my degree than most straight econ undergrads on the M.Phil, and so as I say I find this assumption highly annoying!

Well maybe I didn't phrase it properly for you mate.

And I didn't say a PPE is less rigorous than a pure economics (I only said the mathematical aspect). All I'm simply saying is that a PPE degree can't be as mathematical as a pure economics degree because of the compulsory maths/statistics modules that the pure economics students have to take. These modules can be avoided with a PPE option and it's something that I've witnessed so why would I just jump into conclusion.

Reply 6489

robsargent

I'm really looking at applying to Oxford, and others, namely York and Durham for PPE (or PPEesque courses, Durham doesn't do a ppe course specifically).

I have A*AA at A level, A* in Economics, A's in Politics and Philosophy, from, if it makes any difference, the local comprehensive.
I also have had a 10 week Internship at HSBC, and may also be getting work experience at the local county council.

on the Extra-curricular side, i have played, and captained the county Basketball team, and have been involved in many public speaking events, and attend debating workshops. I have also been School rep and also held representative roles for youths within my constituency and local area. I also play an intrument to Grade 5 standard.

However, the thing I'm most worried about, is my GCSE's, I only have 4 A's, 4 B's and a C, however, this was well above the school average.

Overall, do people think it would be worth applying, I've visited some friends at Oxford, and absolutely fell in love with the place, and (as my A level choices suggest), have been wanting to do PPE for a while...

Thanks a lot!

Reply 6490

gunner4lyf44

11

Might as well give it a shot! Although those gcses will hold u back for oxford as u dnt hav a single A*

Reply 6491

zincoff

I'm pretty sure that the deadline's past, sorry.

Reply 6492

robsargent

Original post by zincoff

I'm pretty sure that the deadline's past, sorry.

Yeah, I know, I'm looking at doing it for 2013 entry, should have made that clear...!

Reply 6493

zincoff

Original post by robsargent

Yeah, I know, I'm looking at doing it for 2013 entry, should have made that clear...!

Oh okay

. It's always worth a shot, however from what I've heard I think you'll be disadvantaged strongly in some areas. Because Oxford do put an emphasis on GCSEs, there might be a problem. Also, maths is preferred, though not essential for PPE so you might also be at a disadvantage there. Otherwise, I'd say just go for it- it's always worth a shot. I think realistically the other universities you've mentioned you would be more successful at gaining a place. I applied to York too, I visited and loved it! My sister did PPE there and loved it!

Reply 6494

robsargent

Original post by zincoff

Oh okay

. It's always worth a shot, however from what I've heard I think you'll be disadvantaged strongly in some areas. Because Oxford do put an emphasis on GCSEs, there might be a problem. Also, maths is preferred, though not essential for PPE so you might also be at a disadvantage there. Otherwise, I'd say just go for it- it's always worth a shot. I think realistically the other universities you've mentioned you would be more successful at gaining a place. I applied to York too, I visited and loved it! My sister did PPE there and loved it!

Yeah, the GCSE's really are a weakness in my application. The only hope i have is that because i'll be 19, nearly 20 when I apply, I can hopefully use my age and work experience/other academia to bump up my application. Also, if I do well in the TSA, that could help?
Thanks a lot, it's always good to hear good things about other Uni's, so I wouldn't be too disheartened with York!

Reply 6495

astro67

10

Original post by robsargent

I'm really looking at applying to Oxford, and others, namely York and Durham for PPE (or PPEesque courses, Durham doesn't do a ppe course specifically).

In case it helps, Durham does do a ppe course specifically - see http://www.dur.ac.uk/ppe/ for details.

Reply 6496

BigFudamental

13

Original post by *Hakz*

Well maybe I didn't phrase it properly for you mate.

And I didn't say a PPE is less rigorous than a pure economics (I only said the mathematical aspect). All I'm simply saying is that a PPE degree can't be as mathematical as a pure economics degree because of the compulsory maths/statistics modules that the pure economics students have to take. These modules can be avoided with a PPE option and it's something that I've witnessed so why would I just jump into conclusion.

Depends hugely on where you do your course and which options you take. Lots of BScs in Economics out there that are much softer than Oxford PPE taken in a mathematical direction.

Reply 6497

*Hakz*

15

Original post by BigFudamental

Depends hugely on where you do your course and which options you take. Lots of BScs in Economics out there that are much softer than Oxford PPE taken in a mathematical direction.