Oxford PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Students and Applicants
Scroll to see replies
How are these AS-levels for PPE?
•
Maths
•
Further Maths
•
Economics
•
History
•
Physics
Hi, I just received my IGCSE (All CIE) results:
Business A*
History A*
Geography A*
Music A
Mathematics A*
Additional Mathematics A*
Coordinated Science (Double Award) A*A*
Chinese (First Language) A
English (First Language) B
And I'll be starting IB on september, taking the following subjects:
English Lang & Lit HL
Maths HL
History HL
Chinese Lang & Lit SL
Chemistry SL
Economics SL
I really want study PPE in Oxford! ARE these IGCSE Results good enough to start off with? Other than my grades in IB, what should I do to increase my chance??? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Business A*
History A*
Geography A*
Music A
Mathematics A*
Additional Mathematics A*
Coordinated Science (Double Award) A*A*
Chinese (First Language) A
English (First Language) B
And I'll be starting IB on september, taking the following subjects:
English Lang & Lit HL
Maths HL
History HL
Chinese Lang & Lit SL
Chemistry SL
Economics SL
I really want study PPE in Oxford! ARE these IGCSE Results good enough to start off with? Other than my grades in IB, what should I do to increase my chance??? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Well done on your grades.
You have met the first (least important) threshold. Oftentimes, I don't think they care too much bout GSCEs, but its an indicator you're going in the right direction.
A) Be predicted good IB grades (I think the requirement is 42) - no brainer really, you need to do well at school.
B) Do well on the TSA - practice logic type problems.
C) Do well at interview - The most important step. Get good at discussing abstract and real world issues. Don't be a dick. Debate can help with this sort of thing, or it can just make you into a dick.
D) Get the requisite grades - Whether you get an offer or not, you should really aim as high as possible. Work hard and smart but have fun in your last year of school.
That's it really. Tutors don't really care about extracurriculars (unlike US colleges), they just care about how smart you are, how well you can communicate ideas, and whether they want to spend 3 years teaching you. Oh and don't apply because 'it's PPE'. Do something you will enjoy, because you probably won't get another opportunity like this in your life, and PPE doesn't really offer any career opportunities beyond any other semi-quantitative subject.
You have met the first (least important) threshold. Oftentimes, I don't think they care too much bout GSCEs, but its an indicator you're going in the right direction.
A) Be predicted good IB grades (I think the requirement is 42) - no brainer really, you need to do well at school.
B) Do well on the TSA - practice logic type problems.
C) Do well at interview - The most important step. Get good at discussing abstract and real world issues. Don't be a dick. Debate can help with this sort of thing, or it can just make you into a dick.
D) Get the requisite grades - Whether you get an offer or not, you should really aim as high as possible. Work hard and smart but have fun in your last year of school.
That's it really. Tutors don't really care about extracurriculars (unlike US colleges), they just care about how smart you are, how well you can communicate ideas, and whether they want to spend 3 years teaching you. Oh and don't apply because 'it's PPE'. Do something you will enjoy, because you probably won't get another opportunity like this in your life, and PPE doesn't really offer any career opportunities beyond any other semi-quantitative subject.
Original post by BigBadSaint
A) Be predicted good IB grades (I think the requirement is 42)
A) Be predicted good IB grades (I think the requirement is 42)
The IB requirement for PPE is 39 points.
I'm about to make subject choices for A-Levels and i'm having difficulty choosing between geography or chemistry? Which subject would be better suited for PPE at Oxford?
Original post by Capricancer
I'm about to make subject choices for A-Levels and i'm having difficulty choosing between geography or chemistry? Which subject would be better suited for PPE at Oxford?
Do the one you will enjoy more and will be more likely to get a higher mark.
If you enjoy both of them, do geography
Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by NapoleonXV
Do the one you will enjoy more and will be more likely to get a higher mark.
If you enjoy both of them, do geography
Posted from TSR Mobile
If you enjoy both of them, do geography
Posted from TSR Mobile
Sorry to bother you but i also have some other factors
My interest goes like this:
Human Geography ---- Chemistry --------------Physical Geography.
So I feel like I'd just be bored with half the course. Also I kind of prefer my A Level Chemistry class to my geography one as there are more academically keen people in it.
But why would geography be better?
I don't have all those stars * But Do We Need Government or Law? In a fully functioning community, law and politics have nothing to do with everyday life? So do we need anything more than a state administration?
Original post by Arketec
I don't have all those stars * But Do We Need Government or Law? In a fully functioning community, law and politics have nothing to do with everyday life? So do we need anything more than a state administration?
Surely it is the role of politics to determine what it is that the state administration should do, because the idea of what action the state should take and provide is vastly different depending on your political persuassion.
Secondly, I'm not sure how you would have a fully functioning community without law. Laws deffinitely effect our every day lives because they determine what behaviours a community will not accept e.g. you cannot steal without potentially being punished. I do not see how a community would function without rules (i.e. laws) by which people are bound to abide by.
Original post by RowanL
Surely it is the role of politics to determine what it is that the state administration should do, because the idea of what action the state should take and provide is vastly different depending on your political persuassion.
Secondly, I'm not sure how you would have a fully functioning community without law. Laws deffinitely effect our every day lives because they determine what behaviours a community will not accept e.g. you cannot steal without potentially being punished. I do not see how a community would function without rules (i.e. laws) by which people are bound to abide by.
Secondly, I'm not sure how you would have a fully functioning community without law. Laws deffinitely effect our every day lives because they determine what behaviours a community will not accept e.g. you cannot steal without potentially being punished. I do not see how a community would function without rules (i.e. laws) by which people are bound to abide by.
I've never stolen anything and the economist knows how to do his job without becoming a politician.(I did say I don't have all those *'s so my replies will be simple). I maintain that government isn't needed because so far my morals are good and the economist in state administration can function without a politician.
(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by Arketec
I've never stolen anything and the economist knows how to do his job without becoming a politician.(I did say I don't have all those *'s so my replies will be simple). I maintain that government isn't needed because so far my morals are good and the economist in state administration can function without a politician.
I would disagree that the economist knows what to do without some direction from politicians - both France and the USA have economists but the percentage of the economy controlled by the private and public sector in the two economies is widely different. I.e. in countries with more left wing politics, it will be expected that more is provided so the economist will have to devise ways to pay for healthcare, education etc.
It may be the case that you have never stolen anything because you have strong morals but laws arn't in place to prevent an individual, they are there to apply to everyone. Firstly, people still steal even with the laws in place so clearly morals are not enough. Secondly, the reason that you may have such an aversion to stealing is that it is considered socially unacceptable, i.e. immoral. Without laws to show these social boundaries, there might not be the social pressure to behave in that way.
Say everything was nationalised into like a commonwealth and the administration was run by the state.
Crimes are still commited but if all property was equally owned by everyone no one would steal because everyone would have the same amount of property as each other.
Crimes are still commited but if all property was equally owned by everyone no one would steal because everyone would have the same amount of property as each other.
Original post by Arketec
Say everything was nationalised into like a commonwealth and the administration was run by the state.
Crimes are still commited but if all property was equally owned by everyone no one would steal because everyone would have the same amount of property as each other.
Crimes are still commited but if all property was equally owned by everyone no one would steal because everyone would have the same amount of property as each other.
My two points:
Firstly, to the notion that economists don't need political direction. Economists have priors like everyone else. Contrast the Chicago school to the Keynesians. Of course, prima facie they appear to be disputes over fact (say, the neutrality of money), but I'd wager that much of the work they do is influenced by their political outlook. Naturally, their political outlook is also influenced by their economics also. It's a two-way process. (Incidentally, there are other justifications for the existence of the political class other than to 'direct' the general trend in economic thinking.)
Secondly, your premise bolded above assumes that the end goal of thieves is to have an equal share of resources to others. I'd disagree - the objective of a thief is not to have a certain amount of good x relative to someone else, but in fact to have a certain amount of good x simpliciter.
(edited 10 years ago)
Hi there!
I'm Miguel Santana and I am planning to apply for the PPE course at Oxford.
My background has nothing to do with either Philosophy, Politics or Economics. Until the beginning of this year, I have been engaged in a Piano Performance Bachelor degree, but I have decided that this is emphatically NOT what I want. Through a series of readings and a process of personal finding, I have figured out that my life belongs to the PPE subject area. I have been studying widely, reading quite some books and actively filling the gap of studies I have had during all these years (10 years of "piano focus").
This preparation has, of course, included courses in Coursera (especially Economics). Now I would like your opinions on this: should I refer those courses in my personal statement (as there is no Economics in my past academic studies)? I am currently doing a Microeconomics Principles course, and if I buy the Signature Track, I even get an official certificate. Do you think it is worth it?
Thank you very much!
I'm Miguel Santana and I am planning to apply for the PPE course at Oxford.
My background has nothing to do with either Philosophy, Politics or Economics. Until the beginning of this year, I have been engaged in a Piano Performance Bachelor degree, but I have decided that this is emphatically NOT what I want. Through a series of readings and a process of personal finding, I have figured out that my life belongs to the PPE subject area. I have been studying widely, reading quite some books and actively filling the gap of studies I have had during all these years (10 years of "piano focus").
This preparation has, of course, included courses in Coursera (especially Economics). Now I would like your opinions on this: should I refer those courses in my personal statement (as there is no Economics in my past academic studies)? I am currently doing a Microeconomics Principles course, and if I buy the Signature Track, I even get an official certificate. Do you think it is worth it?
Thank you very much!
You don't need to have studied Economics previously, so don't feel that it is necessary to take such a course. all they want to see is an interest in the subject and whether you have the ability to be a good student.
Still, it wouldn't be a bad idea to study some economics on your own if you have the time. if you are confident about your maths, 'Principles of Economics for Scientists' is an even better course.
Still, it wouldn't be a bad idea to study some economics on your own if you have the time. if you are confident about your maths, 'Principles of Economics for Scientists' is an even better course.
(edited 10 years ago)
I don't think it's worth buying the Signature Track. It's expensive and just means you get a more special certificate and isn't going to make anything that you say about the course on your personal statement more worthwhile. If they doubt your completion of it, they'd just have to ask you about the content which you would be able to answer equally well whether or not you had the certificate.
Coursera itself is a good idea, though. Hope you enjoy the course.
Coursera itself is a good idea, though. Hope you enjoy the course.
PPE APPLICATION ADVICE
pineapples
pineapples
(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by PolarBearSlayer
PPE APPLICATION ADVICE
Hello all,
I am applying for PPE at Oxford and would appreciate some feedback and advice apropos the application.
For GCSE I achieved 11A*s, five AS level As in Chemistry, Critical Thinking, Physics, and Politics as well as Maths AS and A2 in a year (I missed the A*).
I attend a comprehensive school (not sure if that means anything). For A2 I am taking Further Maths (AS and A2 in a year), Politics and Physics. I think predictions will range from 3-4A* grades (I am retaking the Core 4 module I managed to botch).
I take it the maths A2 grade won't necessarily disadvantage me provided I make up for it, I understand PPE is highly competitive so plenty of people will have much better grades than me.
For the personal statement, is it dangerous to mention lots of books you have read when you could perhaps read fewer but in greater detail? I will probably mention Nozick's Anarchy, State and Utopia (havent finished yet but soon will), Rawls Theory of Justice, Mill's on liberty and Utilitarianism, and perhaps On the road to Serfdom or Capitalism and Freedom for economics. Would this suffice?
Kind regards,
Any reply much appreciated
Hello all,
I am applying for PPE at Oxford and would appreciate some feedback and advice apropos the application.
For GCSE I achieved 11A*s, five AS level As in Chemistry, Critical Thinking, Physics, and Politics as well as Maths AS and A2 in a year (I missed the A*).
I attend a comprehensive school (not sure if that means anything). For A2 I am taking Further Maths (AS and A2 in a year), Politics and Physics. I think predictions will range from 3-4A* grades (I am retaking the Core 4 module I managed to botch).
I take it the maths A2 grade won't necessarily disadvantage me provided I make up for it, I understand PPE is highly competitive so plenty of people will have much better grades than me.
For the personal statement, is it dangerous to mention lots of books you have read when you could perhaps read fewer but in greater detail? I will probably mention Nozick's Anarchy, State and Utopia (havent finished yet but soon will), Rawls Theory of Justice, Mill's on liberty and Utilitarianism, and perhaps On the road to Serfdom or Capitalism and Freedom for economics. Would this suffice?
Kind regards,
Any reply much appreciated
Don't worry for a second about your grades.
Personal statement is up to you, but there's no point just name dropping lots of things. They want some idea that you can do the subject, and that means evidence that you've actually read the books and thought about them critically. Use your common sense.
Hey, having read through some of these pages it seems as if Maths is really useful for the PPE course at Oxford which has put me off applying. My AS results were History - A, Politics - A, English lit - A, Economics - A. I'm not dropping any of these subjects at A2. I achieved an A* at GCSE maths, and to be honest I don't dislike the subject. However, I don't think I remember very much of it having not done any maths for over a year now. I'm aware I'll have to brush up for the TSA, but I'm more concerned about the Economics part of the course. I read someone's post saying that the Economics covers all of AS Maths, and for those who haven't done Maths it can be really stressful 
I don't want to be left behind, and wouldn't like the idea of dropping Economics and doing Politics and Philosophy instead in the second year. When I went to the Warwick open day, they suggested that maths helps, but it doesn't look like they place as much importance on it as Oxford do.
PPE is a very well respected course, but without applying to Oxford I don't have too many options left - PPE at Warwick, Exeter and Manchester (other unis require maths e.g. Durham). So, I was also wondering how Politics and Economics compares to PPE at a uni such as Nottingham? Finally, one of my favourite subjects is History, and I'm currently thinking about applying for a degree in that instead, due to the lack of unis offering PPE and maths involved. This is really frustrating and I'm kinda panicking about it, because I've already written my personal statement for PPE so I'd have to read books regarding History and prepare a completely new personal statement in time for applying to Cambridge.
If anyone could please help me out, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read my message and apologies in advance as I know this has been brought up before, but every case is different right?
Regards, a confused sixth form student
I don't want to be left behind, and wouldn't like the idea of dropping Economics and doing Politics and Philosophy instead in the second year. When I went to the Warwick open day, they suggested that maths helps, but it doesn't look like they place as much importance on it as Oxford do.PPE is a very well respected course, but without applying to Oxford I don't have too many options left - PPE at Warwick, Exeter and Manchester (other unis require maths e.g. Durham). So, I was also wondering how Politics and Economics compares to PPE at a uni such as Nottingham? Finally, one of my favourite subjects is History, and I'm currently thinking about applying for a degree in that instead, due to the lack of unis offering PPE and maths involved. This is really frustrating and I'm kinda panicking about it, because I've already written my personal statement for PPE so I'd have to read books regarding History and prepare a completely new personal statement in time for applying to Cambridge.
If anyone could please help me out, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read my message and apologies in advance as I know this has been brought up before, but every case is different right?
Regards, a confused sixth form student
Original post by leocantus
Hey, having read through some of these pages it seems as if Maths is really useful for the PPE course at Oxford which has put me off applying. My AS results were History - A, Politics - A, English lit - A, Economics - A. I'm not dropping any of these subjects at A2. I achieved an A* at GCSE maths, and to be honest I don't dislike the subject. However, I don't think I remember very much of it having not done any maths for over a year now. I'm aware I'll have to brush up for the TSA, but I'm more concerned about the Economics part of the course. I read someone's post saying that the Economics covers all of AS Maths, and for those who haven't done Maths it can be really stressful I don't want to be left behind, and wouldn't like the idea of dropping Economics and doing Politics and Philosophy instead in the second year. When I went to the Warwick open day, they suggested that maths helps, but it doesn't look like they place as much importance on it as Oxford do.
PPE is a very well respected course, but without applying to Oxford I don't have too many options left - PPE at Warwick, Exeter and Manchester (other unis require maths e.g. Durham). So, I was also wondering how Politics and Economics compares to PPE at a uni such as Nottingham? Finally, one of my favourite subjects is History, and I'm currently thinking about applying for a degree in that instead, due to the lack of unis offering PPE and maths involved. This is really frustrating and I'm kinda panicking about it, because I've already written my personal statement for PPE so I'd have to read books regarding History and prepare a completely new personal statement in time for applying to Cambridge.
If anyone could please help me out, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read my message and apologies in advance as I know this has been brought up before, but every case is different right?
Regards, a confused sixth form student
I don't want to be left behind, and wouldn't like the idea of dropping Economics and doing Politics and Philosophy instead in the second year. When I went to the Warwick open day, they suggested that maths helps, but it doesn't look like they place as much importance on it as Oxford do.PPE is a very well respected course, but without applying to Oxford I don't have too many options left - PPE at Warwick, Exeter and Manchester (other unis require maths e.g. Durham). So, I was also wondering how Politics and Economics compares to PPE at a uni such as Nottingham? Finally, one of my favourite subjects is History, and I'm currently thinking about applying for a degree in that instead, due to the lack of unis offering PPE and maths involved. This is really frustrating and I'm kinda panicking about it, because I've already written my personal statement for PPE so I'd have to read books regarding History and prepare a completely new personal statement in time for applying to Cambridge.
If anyone could please help me out, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read my message and apologies in advance as I know this has been brought up before, but every case is different right?
Regards, a confused sixth form student
Hey don't panic about it.
The maths involved in Economics in first year covers parts of the AS syllabus - not the whole thing. I've got friends who didn't take Maths after GCSE (some who didn't do it at Sixth Form, had a gap year and then applied to Oxford - so 3 years without M, and I really don't think they found it that stressful; there are lectures and classes that bring anyone who doesn't have AS Maths up to speed. Sure it's another class/lecture to attend, but in the grand scheme of things if you have the aptitude for Maths (which to me an A* at GCSE suggests you do) then it's really really not that big a mountain to climb at Oxford. I think you have to work harder at things to start of with if you don't have Maths, but basically everyone gets there! After first year, once again there's lectures and so on that teach the material.
But putting that aside - in my experience plenty of people don't apply for PPE for all 5 choices on their UCAS form. So you could apply for PPE at 3 places, and Politics and Economics at 2. I did this (applied for PPE at Warwick, Ox and Durham, Politics and Economics at Bath and Economics and Philosophy at St Andrews) and got 4 offers - all except Warwick. If your PS is written for PPE but you're applying for P&E at other unis in my experience that doesn't make too much difference - as I said plenty of people do this, and plenty of people get offers from all their choices/most of their choices.
Now onto History - are you not interested in History and Politics at Oxford? It's a great course. I can't really advise on rewriting a PS, but it's still a month till the deadline so I am sure with the support of your school you could start over if you need to (remember you don't actually have to have finished every book on your PS by October 15th
and anyway listing too many books isn't great anyway!). What attracted you to PPE in the first place?
How would you feel about a gap year? If you're really not sure at the moment, you could wait until next year when you might be more certain (I have plenty of friends who did this) or even apply for one subject this year and see how it goes, but keep in mind that you could take a year out and reapply post A Levels if you change your mind.
Last point - Oxford is one choice out of the 5. If you do pick PPE, why not just give it a shot?! People do get in without AS Maths, there's no reason you couldn't be one of them.
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Official PPE (Philosophy, politics and economics) applicants thread 2021
- PPE A-levels???
- Does Oxford PPE require A level history
- PPE
- A-levels for Oxford humanities degree
- Oxford ib PPe ( desperate advice)
- How to structure a PS for LSE and Oxford
- Ppe help
- UCAS Clearing 2023 FAQ and Help Megathread
- Got a Ucas or results related question? Ask a Clearing and Applications Advisor here
- What A-levels would be best for Oxford PPE?
- A-level choices - help appreciated!
- PPE/politics and economics personal statement advise
- International student with IB 44/45
- PPE Applicants Thread 2020
- LSE PPE Student: Ask Me Anything!
- epp at Warwick
- PPE Choices
- PPE at Durham (can't see the study abroad option on UCAS)
- How can I write my Personal statement on PPE and International Relations?
Trending
- University of Oxford 2024 Undergraduate Applicants Official Thread
- Oxford University Entry Requirements to be raised by admissions tutors?
- oxford english interviews
- I don’t think I should have been accepted to oxford
- Oxford Law Interview Invitees Thread
- Does Oxford prefer A-Level Law?
- Oxford with bad english lit grade
- How bad is it to get 65?
- nvm
- Oxford Biology 2024 Applicants
- Oxford Step-Up Program
- Physics for Oxford Chemistry?
- Canadian Intl. Student Help
- 2023 Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing tests and posting rules
- Personal statement
- TSA tutor
- how much do oxford and cambridge consider GCSEs?
- Oxford - how important are the entry requirements?
- Is a post-A level application for Oxford a good idea?
- Biomedical Science BMs Oxford
Latest
- I need help finding a company that does degree apprenticeship for physics
- DWP Work Coach Interview - how long to hear
- The Official Cambridge Applicants for 2024 Entry Thread
- PWC graduate programs 2024
- In need of someone to take over my accommodation contract
- Transfering university
- PwC Audit 2024 Programme
- Plymouth Dentistry 2024 Entry
- 1st Yr's road to a First at good RG, and start PhD, at 19, despite ADHD/ASD/BED
- Barclays degree apprenticeship 2024
- Home Office EO Immigration Enforcement Caseworkers
- University of Oxford 2024 Undergraduate Applicants Official Thread
- SIP civil service 2024 thread
- Official: University of Plymouth A102 (BMBS with Foundation (Year 0)) 2024 Entry
- student bank account santander
- Online MSc Computer Science with Data Analytics at University of York
- ATAS (Academic, Technology, Approval Scheme) Certificate 2023/2024
- Computer Science for BBB predicted grades
- How is Jekyll presented in the middle and end of his confession
- Computer science offers: St. Andrew vs Edinburgh?
Latest
- I need help finding a company that does degree apprenticeship for physics
- DWP Work Coach Interview - how long to hear
- The Official Cambridge Applicants for 2024 Entry Thread
- PWC graduate programs 2024
- In need of someone to take over my accommodation contract
- Transfering university
- PwC Audit 2024 Programme
- Plymouth Dentistry 2024 Entry
- 1st Yr's road to a First at good RG, and start PhD, at 19, despite ADHD/ASD/BED
- Barclays degree apprenticeship 2024
- Home Office EO Immigration Enforcement Caseworkers
- University of Oxford 2024 Undergraduate Applicants Official Thread
- SIP civil service 2024 thread
- Official: University of Plymouth A102 (BMBS with Foundation (Year 0)) 2024 Entry
- student bank account santander
- Online MSc Computer Science with Data Analytics at University of York
- ATAS (Academic, Technology, Approval Scheme) Certificate 2023/2024
- Computer Science for BBB predicted grades
- How is Jekyll presented in the middle and end of his confession
- Computer science offers: St. Andrew vs Edinburgh?