Choosing a Course

Your attitude to maths may influence your choice of course. Some universities require A-level maths, while others ask only for a good grade at GCSE. These requirements are often reflected in the courses, some of which involve more figure juggling than others. Bear in mind that while you may be able to minimise the maths and stats that you encounter, in doing so you may distort your view of modern economics.

Naturally, you must check what specialisations are open to you. Often the most interesting parts of any degree are the specialist subjects - they often seem more in touch with the real world than the compulsory ones - economic thought from Adam Smith to Milton Friedman, or development economics in sub-Saharan Africa might be just your bag. Alternatively, doing economics as part of a joint degree is very popular: politics, philosophy and economics, perhaps, or history.

Otherwise, do the obvious things - visit the departments you are considering applying to and ask the students there what they think of the courses. Also look at who is on the academic staff. You might fancy studying under some of the stars of economics - learning from those at the cutting edge of thought is always far more likely to keep you on your toes, if they have the time: the stars may be more in the newspapers than in the lecture hall. If you want to study under a particular economist, make sure they do teach and take tutorials.

Some universities offer a sandwich course, enabling you to head off for work placements part way through (though you usually need to attain a certain level in the early part of the course). Some courses offer the chance to study abroad as a part of the process, or you may also have the possibility to spend a year working as a sabbatical to the course, rather than a part of it.

And, as with any course, make sure you understand the assessment - exam, coursework or dissertation - and have a good idea as to whether that works for you.

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