DD *may* read economics at uni. Should she take economics for A-level too?

[auldslapper]

DD is in year 10 and has recently started to think about choices for A-level subjects. The school's deadline for filling out the A-level subjects form is in spring 2023, but it's useful to have this time to think through the various subject combinations.

DD is certain she wants to take maths and biology, but can't make her mind up about the third subject. She is planning to take 3 A-levels only (and isn't considering further maths).

For the third subject, she's deciding between economics, chemistry, geography and history. Her preference is economics, but is basically an all-rounder so the other subjects would be fine too.

DD wants to go to uni and, although that is obviously a long way off, she has a notion of reading economics. My question is, if she chooses economics as one of her A-level subjects, would this put her at any disadvantage when applying to universities to read economics?

Furthermore, would it be boring to study economics for two years at A-level, and then have to rehash the whole thing during the first year at uni?

(For context, she's an academic soul and is hoping to be able to apply to Oxbridge and Russell Group unis, which I wonder might be more traditional in their A-level requirements?).

It does seem rather unfair and limiting that 15/16 years olds have to decide between 3 subjects, essentially putting them on a defined trajectory for their future career options...but that's probably for another thread!

Take the subjects you enjoy the most at A level. That's the way to get the best grades and sustain your interest.

Agonising over possible future careers and what would look best on a CV is the way to spiral in hellish circles! It's impossible to say whether she'd find Economics boring at uni after doing it at A level. She might love the subject, or be sick of it. It's impossible to decide accurately as people are individuals and it will depend on exam board/uni course chosen as well as the teacher and your daughter's ability/interest in the topics.

I echo everything the PP said.
Take what she enjoys. A lot can change in those teen years.

Generally, you need a good grade in A level maths to apply for economics courses at Uni. So it is good she is taking that. If she is considering doing economics at uni, I think taking it at A level if available is a good idea. They don’t teach any economics in primary or secondary school, so really she doesn’t know if she’d even like economics. It would be a shame if she didnt discover that until after she had committed to a Uni degree course. So I do think it is a good choice for her to take at A level because she will get a feel for whether she does actually want to commit to a Uni course in economics. Having to rehash in first year would give her an advantage over students who didn’t take it at A level and that can be good because some young adults find the transition to Uni life stressful and their grades take a beating.

If she's thinking of an economics degree I'd very very strongly recommend economics A level. She may well hate it at A level (many do - it sounds sexy but can be very very dry) and at degree level it's pretty similar so better to find out now if she loves it or hates it!

If she really loves economics there is no harm in doing the A level - economics is such a broad topic there will be little repetition in the degree level - may be in the introduction class but likely only for a term or less, but equally economics is related to many other fields so if she wants to keep her options open then any of her other choices would also likely to be fine to apply to economics courses or economics and something... courses.

Some universities are likely to have a strong preference for further maths for straight economics, but plenty of options for less maths heavy courses that she would probably prefer.

Thank you very much all for your replies. It's helpful that there is general consensus in the replies! Lots of useful points to consider here. Much appreciated!

I agree it is best to find out if you like economics by taking the A Level before you apply for a degree in it. I read economics at Oxbridge. You didn't have to have A Level economics. They covered the A Level syllabus via summer reading before we arrived plus 4 lectures! I was very glad I had taken the A Level.

So much can change between now and then

Encourage her to keep her mind open.

I did a couple of open units in economics as part of my politics degree - I think I would have struggled without having had the training of an essay based A-level subject.

Pick some universities. Look at what the required to study for a degree in economics. There you will probably find your answer.

Probably a contentious view but yes I would suggest she takes the A Level.

i didn’t and found my Economics degree mind numbingly boring and totally irrelevant to the career (Finance) that I pursued.

i really, really wish I had known what I was getting myself into and had chosen a more engaging degree.

Both history and geography would provide useful skills and knowledge for economics at degree level.

History is particularly useful for developing research skills and essay writing.

Vast majority of them require A level Maths.

I may be wrong, but I think Oxbridge and some other places prefer FM as well for their economics degrees. But pl don’t take my word for it!

Cambridge prefers Maths, Further Maths, and Economics plus 1 other A level which can be a science or essay based course.
www.econ.cam.ac.uk/apply/ba-economics/course-requirements

I did Economics at uni without having studied it in school. I found it tough in first year but got through. However, it's a bit of a risk to commit to it as a degree course without having studied it previously. As others have said, it can be quite dry.

Another possibility would be maybe to do a different A level but then do an EPQ with economics content? So if doing Geography A level, then the Economics of Climate Change prevention? (Obviously that is far too wide, but you get my drift).

Some economics courses are more 'mathsy' than others.

Get her a subscription to The Economist for 6 months/a year and see how she takes to it?

Geography absolutely no relevance to Economics (I studied it at A level) but History essay writing is and Economic History is often taught as part of an Economics degrees. I loved my Economics A level and studied it at Oxbridge, many of those that hadn’t studied it at A level dropped out of Economics after the first year. Would strongly recommend Economics A level it is a marmite one so if you can start off with 4 A levels and drop one that’s what I would do. At least single A level maths essential double is preferable

Brilliant, thanks so much everyone for taking the time to reply!

For Oxford you can usually look up the admissions stats to see which were the most common a levels for those accepted on to the course. I think not studying further maths would put her at a disadvantage at Oxbridge and LSE, I’m not sure about others. I think history would be a good choice if not Economics for a 3rd/4th A level. Some unis prefer having an essay based subject to go with the maths.

DS is just finishing his A levels, including Economics, he's hoping to go on to do Economics at Uni this autumn.

He was advised that whilst it wasn't the end of the day if he didn't do it at A Level, the benefit was that he would already know some of the basics that are taught in year 1, so that would stand him in good stead.

Yes the more prestigious Unis expect FM - if she doesn't take it, they'd want to know why (it isn't offered etc)

Both DSs did economics at both University and A level. From what little information I was ever given, I gather it is not essential but it did make certain aspects of the first year easier.

also, it was only after studying it at a level that they made a firm decision to do the degree.

I agree with those who say she should do the subjects she enjoys.

I would encourage her. It's a love it or hate it subject, so take the opportunity to try it out. However Chemistry is a really useful A level if a science career might appeal.

My Y10 is having a similar dilemma over Law, and with that I'm less convinced about A level.

I completely disagree - as an Economics grad!

she will definitely need the maths a-level (a LOT of maths involved)

no need for econ though!

I refuse to capitalise the MN update issues, sorry!