What Grades Do I Need to Apply for Economics?
Essentially Economics is the study of the production and use of wealth. An economic solution can be applied to almost any global problem and your career after graduation could also lead you to anywhere in the world.
During your course you’ll look at issues such as the credit crunch, international trade, sustainable development, global warming, and wealth inequalities between different countries.
If you’re a talented mathematician and have an interest in using statistical analysis in relation to economic and financial data then an Economics degree might be the right choice for you.
Here’s more about studying an Economics degree:
What are my options when studying Economics?
Depending on exactly what you want to study and your future career plans there are a variety of Economics degrees available.
For example, some students opt to take a general Economics degree, whilst others prefer to choose one of the following options:
- International Economics
- Applied Economics
- Economics and Mathematics
- Economics and Finance
- Economics and Politics
Taking a combined degree, such as Economics and Politics, would allow you to study two areas of interest in more depth and may lead to a wider variety of career options after graduation.
What will I study during my Economics degree?
The exact course content and structure will vary between universities but generally modules follow a similar pattern.
Example course modules for a general Economics degree include:
- Microeconomic Theory
- Mathematics for Economists
- Economic Principles
- Economic History
- International Trade
- Money and Banking
- Managerial and Industrial Economics
- Legal Studies
Look carefully at the modules on offer when you’re choosing an Economics course. It’s unlikely that you’re going to be 100% enthusiastic about every module during your time at university but you should enjoy the majority of your course.
It’ also important to look at how you’ll be assessed at the end of each module and year to ensure it suits your learning style. Most Economics courses use exams as their main assessment method, although coursework and a dissertation will be required.
Economics courses are also known for having some of the lowest levels of contact time of any degree course. If you enjoy independent learning and having plenty of opportunity to work on your own projects then this would suit you.
However, if you think you’d prefer more support and more hours with a tutor or in a classroom then this might not be the right course for you.
What grades do I need to apply for Economics?
The majority of universities that offer Economics courses ask for A Level Mathematics from potential students.
In addition to this they may also ask for Economics, Further Maths, or Statistics. Depending on your area of interest and what your future career plans are you might also find subjects such as Politics, Geography, or a foreign language useful.
Entry requirements for Economics courses are usually quite high, ranging from A*AA to BBB. It’s important to check the entry requirements of each university to ensure that your grades, or predicted grades, meet the standard set by the universities that you’re interested in.
Where can I study Economics?
Universities across the UK offer some great Economics courses so you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to location.
When choosing a university it’s important to thoroughly research every university that you’re interested in. If you can, attend their open days so you can get first-hand experience of what student life is like.
Some of the best universities to study Economics at include:
- Cambridge
- Warwick
- Oxford
- London School of Economics
- University College London
- Bath
- Durham
- Bristol
- Nottingham
- Exeter
What are my career options after graduation?
As well as having strong maths abilities you’ll also have many transferrable skills that will stand you in good stead in any industry. Not only will you be a whiz with facts and figures but you’ll know how to research, analyse, and present your findings.
Typical career options include further study to become a Chartered Accountant, becoming an economist, risk analyst, or investment banker. You could find yourself employed by the government (local or national) and there are a variety of companies that offer graduate schemes that can fast track your career.
