Economics at Uni without having Economics A Level ?

[keysonthetable]

dc (currently on a gap year) is in the situation of suddenly deciding they want to apply for Economics at Uni but they don't have it at A Level.

They do already have top grades (in hand) in Maths/Sciences A Levels and the top grade in GCSE Economics.

It's such a complete change of direction, might it actually be possible to get offers from most Unis for an Economics place ? Not quite sure how the PS will get crafted to be strong enough to secure offers given that there's no history of studying economics at all since GCSE level, so hard to show a keen desire for the subject.

Are they going to be in the position where it'll be a waste of a UCAS choice by applying to the Unis at the top section of of the Uni subject rankings tables (other than Oxbridge obviously) for the subject ?

My DD did Economics at Edinburgh with Econ A-level. She said they run out of A-level material half-way through the first semester (and a Scottish first year should have significant overlap with A2).

Basically, don't worry about not having Econ A-level, but show that you know what Economics is all about and how you have read around the subject.

My other DD did Economics at RHUL without Economics A-level (Maths, Physics, Politics). Never had a problem.

@keysonthetable DS applied for a September 2019 start date so things may have changed, but still relatively recently.
He’s now in his 3rd year (but not at Exeter!)

An update as I was grateful for all the responses on this thread.

dc did apply for Economics, I saw the personal statement which made it obvious that they do have a real interest in the subject (we used to discuss loads of relevant stuff together when they were doing GCSE and it was a contender as an additional A level at one point).

They've kept up with it, tbh they're a bit of a geek reading up on anything and everything that interests them, always have done, even in primary school.

The only weak link in the application might be the school's reference. The UCAS support teacher who knew dc well enough to write something truly representative and helpful is off work with long term illness and the temporary replacement had nothing much to do with dc when they were in 6th form plus is overwhelmed apparently so not confident it will do dc justice enough for their aspirational Uni choice.

@keysonthetable

An update as I was grateful for all the responses on this thread.

dc did apply for Economics, I saw the personal statement which made it obvious that they do have a real interest in the subject (we used to discuss loads of relevant stuff together when they were doing GCSE and it was a contender as an additional A level at one point).

They've kept up with it, tbh they're a bit of a geek reading up on anything and everything that interests them, always have done, even in primary school.

The only weak link in the application might be the school's reference. The UCAS support teacher who knew dc well enough to write something truly representative and helpful is off work with long term illness and the temporary replacement had nothing much to do with dc when they were in 6th form plus is overwhelmed apparently so not confident it will do dc justice enough for their aspirational Uni choice.

If your DC contacts UCAS they cab request a copy of their full application be sent to them. They will email it to them and they will be able to see what the reference says.

My son is studying economics at a top uni. Had done maths A level but not FM. Think you just need to check requirements at individual unis.

Another question....

Is it a good sign that a couple of Unis have asked dc to provide documents to support grades achieved or is it routine ?

Asking because 2 Unis have made offers without wanting this, although they are dc's least favoured choices. The 2 wanting documentation are the 2 dc would most like to receive offers from.