Looking to Study Economics at Oxbridge in 2024?
How to Choose Between a Joint Honours Degree at Oxford vs. Pure Economics at Cambridge
Economics is a highly rewarding but challenging course which tests a broad range of inter-disciplinary skills: it crosses the fields of politics, philosophy, sociology, business management, history, mathematics and statistics to name a few. Some days you may be examining the use of economic theory; other days you may be interpreting economic data and building mathematical models. Political, ethical and historical analysis of economic issues is also a large element of the discipline.
Not everyone will be high-flyers at all of these aspects of Economics. Likewise, some students will naturally enjoy some modules over others. So how can you use this to your advantage when choosing whether to apply for an Economics course at Oxford vs. Cambridge? This blog highlights the differences between the courses and the factors that are most important to consider.
What is the core difference between an Economics course at Oxford vs. Cambridge?
The short answer is that Oxford does not offer a straight Economics course, whereas Cambridge does.
At Oxford, you can only take Economics alongside an adjacent discipline. In some ways, this can lend itself to your skillsets and the individual educational experience you are after. There are three degrees at Oxford where you can study Economics alongside another subject:
Economics & Management (E&M): Probably the closest to a “pure” Economics degree
Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE)
History & Economics (H&E)
So how do you choose which course to apply to? Do you go for the “pure” Economics degree at Cambridge, or a joint-honours course at Oxford?
U2’s team of Economics, PPE, E&M, and H&E graduates have come together to provide you with a list of factors to consider!
Factor 1: Play to your strengths - do you have the mathematical capabilities?
Cambridge’s Economics course has a reputation as being very mathematical. Mathematical and statistical modelling is a large component of the course:
The course requirements for Economics at Cambridge stipulate that A-level (A* grade) or IB Higher Level Mathematics (score of 7) is essential (or an equivalent requirement for other boards)
Taking Further Mathematics at AS/A level or IB Higher Level is very useful: most successful applicants for the Economics course at Cambridge did A-level Further Maths. If your school does not offer Further Maths (or the desired modules), you still have the opportunity to take it using the Further Mathematics Support Programme
For AS/A-level Further Maths, you will benefit from choosing Pure Maths and Statistics modules (rather than Mechanics or Decision Maths)
This is not to say that Economics components of Oxford’s courses are not mathematical (they do require high level mathematical skills). However, if you are generally stronger at the social sciences, then one of Oxford’s courses may suit you better:
Note: The E&M course also requires candidates to have Mathematics to A-level (A* or A grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), Higher Level in the IB (score 6 or 7) or another equivalent
The PPE and History & Economics courses do not require candidates to have studied Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent, but it is recommended. History to A-Level is also helpful
Factor 2: Examine which course you would enjoy the most
Would you enjoy the range of Economics modules available in the Cambridge course as well as the mathematical elements?
Would you enjoy the other subjects included in the Joint Honours Degree at Oxford?
Admissions tutors with be seeking evidence of interest and enthusiasm in all subjects associated with the degree in question. You will be more likely to get in if these subjects appeal to you
For E&M, you must have an interest in and a motivation for studying the Management component of the course and the organisation of businesses, roles of managers, and how businesses interact with the environment
For PPE and H&E, you should enjoy thinking clearly and analytically, and have an interest in all of the adjacent subjects in question. Since you may not have studied any of these subjects at school, admissions tutors are less concerned with what you know than with how you think and use your knowledge
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Factor 3: Variety
Economics courses at both Oxford and Cambridge WILL give you variety!
Just because Oxford’s courses allow you to combine subjects in ‘Joint Honours Degrees’ when you apply, this doesn’t mean that you won’t have any flexibility when studying Economics at Cambridge
Cambridge gives students the flexibility to study related subjects whilst you are there e.g. you can transition to study Management at the Judge Business School in your third or fourth year (i.e. some students only do two years of Undergraduate Economics study, before transitioning to Management). You will also have the opportunity to select modules that interest you the most as you progress through your degree - these may cross disciplines e.g. “Modern State and its Alternatives” (politics)/ “History and Philosophy of Economics”
Factor 4: Consider the admissions test requirements
All the courses in question require some form of admissions test. Research these tests and question types to see which may better play to your strengths
Cambridge requires the Economics Admissions Assessment (ECAA): this involves one hour of multiple choice questions in mathematics, followed by one hour on an essay question
E&M and PPE applications must undertake the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA): Section 1 of the TSA includes a mix of questions that focus on the logical form of arguments and their various features, as well as problem solving and arithmetic. Section 2 requires students to answer a single essay question on a topical or thought-provoking question
History and Economics applications must undertake the History Aptitude Test (HAT) and Section 1 of the TSA. One piece of written work is also required in History
Factor 5: Look at success rates (with a critical eye!)
It can be helpful to look at admissions rates if after considering all of the above factors, you are still unsure of where to apply!
Cambridge admissions rates are listed here (you can filter by course, year and college): https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/statistics
E&M admissions rates: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing/economics-and-management
PPE admissions rates: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing/philosophy-politics-and-economics
H&E admissions rates: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing/history-and-economics
However, remember: All Oxbridge courses are very competitive and looking for applicants in the top percentile. Don't be put off a course you love, just because you have seen that it has the lowest acceptance rates! E.g. Whilst E&M happens to have the lowest acceptance rates (c.6% of applicants receive an offer), if you really want to study this rather than straight Economics at Cambridge, don't let that put you off applying!
Our Final Tip
Our advice to you is to thoroughly research all your decisions and the components of the course in question. You can never start too early in your preparation: work hard to build your knowledge base in all the areas you can and have confidence in your ability! At U2 Tuition we recommend expanding your extra-curricular horizons through reading, research projects and more at least 12 months prior to application. We also recommend early preparation for the TSA so that you become familiar with the question types and tips and tricks for responding to each (see our recommended Oxbridge Application steps here). With the right guidance and preparation - good candidates will be noticed.
Are you interested in Oxbridge Economics tuition/ interview preparation?
We have a large number of Oxbridge Economics mentors on our team, across both joint-honours courses at Oxford, or straight Economics at Cambridge. Mentors are able to support you through each stage of the application process, including personal statements, admissions test and interview preparation.
Find out more about our Oxbridge mentoring process here and book a complimentary consultation to discuss how we can support your Oxbridge journey.
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