Politics or Economics A level?

[welliesandsequins]

Dd is starting to look at a levels. She has decided on maths, then either English or History. She can't decide whether to do economics or politics.

She has had sample lessons in both and liked them both, likes all the teachers and thinks they are good.

She is good at maths and English and, at the moment, probably wants to go into law.

Which should she choose or how should she decide? Any help appreciated!

TIA

DS faced the same choice (he had to choose 4 subjects as they still do AS levels, and knew he would do Maths, History and Music).

Neither Economics or Politics are facilitatng subjects - but that is fine, because the other 2 subjects are.

You don't need Politics for e.g. a History & politics degree, nor do you need Economics for an economics degree (if you have Maths).

Politics is more up to the minute, ever-changing, discursive. In DS's school, it is taught by the (excellent) history department.

Economics is more theoretical, mathematical, quite rigid. In DS's school, it is taught by the (rather more ropy) Business department.

DS chose Politics, because his great love is Modern history, and Politics starts where his History course finishes in terms of dates. Economics might fit more logically with English/Maths.

Whichever your daughter prefers or would find easier. Doing maths at A Level keeps open the option of an economics degree so there isn't a reason to prefer one over the other. I am an economist btw.

I would suggest Maths, History and Politics would be an excellent combination for Law. I do think Economics goes well with Maths and this would be a great combination for an Economics degree. It is possible to do a law conversion course after an Economics degree (or any non Law degree) - the GDL, and she should do the degree she will be most successful at! All is not lost if you still want to do law!

I did Maths, English and Politics with a view to going in to law 20+ years ago. Politics was a great subject for discussions, analysis, perspective...would highly recommend it myself! I didn't go into law but don't regret that A level choice at all, it makes for a more informed citizen IMO.

Why not Maths, English & History?

Luckily we don't have this dilemma - yet!

Ds is chosing Maths, Geography, Economics and Politics. His school still does 4 subjects in yr 12 and drops one usually at the end of year 12 after exams or earlier if they aren't getting on with or dislike a subject. Usually A levels is the first time they will have studied Economics or Politics and it means they can'try before they buy'!

Meant to say they switched to this system after AS levels went.

Meant to say they switched to this system after AS levels went.

AS levels still exist as a stand-alone qualification, with external exams at the end of Y12. However now that they no longer count towards the overall result at the end of Y13 in the new linear A levels, many sixth forms do not enter pupils for these exams.

Thank you for your advice everyone.
Sadly her school isn't doing AS Levels and,at the moment, she isn't sure which she would prefer. I agree that maths, history and politics is a great combination.
Although she thinks at the moment she wants to do law, she is still looking at whether or not to do degree or conversion.
I don't think she would want to do economics degree though. I think it will come down to which degree she is leaning towards.
She definitely wants to do either politics or economics A level though.
Thank you for help everyone. I will let her read all the advice and see if it helps!

Ds is in his second year doing a-levels in maths, history and economics. He wants to study economics but might do a law conversion. He did work experience in a 'silver circle' law firm and interestingly none of the trainees or newly qualified lawyers he met had done a law degree.

I would also look at the results for each subject in your dd school. As a PP mentioned one department might be better than another. Or you may find that as generally you need maths a level for economics but not for politics, the more able students might be picking economics over politics. This doesn’t mean I think one is harder/better than the other but sometimes a student body might split itself in such a way that she might reduce her chances of getting the best possible grade. It all depends on the school.