In the UK, students are most commonly accepted to university with A-levels, Scottish Highers, an Irish Leaving Certificate, AGNVQs, an Access Course, a Foundation Course, or an HNC/D.
You should contact the institution at an early stage to ensure that your qualifications (and choice of subjects) will be acceptable as the precise requirements vary between universities.
For students applying from school, the normal entry requirement is two or three A-levels or equivalent in Scottish Highers. The points required will vary from university to university and thus you will need to check this out from UCAS or from each university’s Web site or prospectus.
Some courses require A-level Maths, but most do not. Virtually all require GCSE Maths at grade C or B. No courses require A-level Economics, although it may be an advantage. In some universities, students are streamed in the first year according to their background in Maths and/or Economics.
Many courses admit students, especially mature students, with non-standard entry requirements. You should check this with each particular university.
It is also worth speaking to your school careers advisor or UCAS supervisor about A-Level subject combinations. They will be sure to point you in the right direction.
What qualities do I need?
First and foremost, if you enjoy Economics everything else will be made easier. We are not pretending that you will love every bit of your course but an overall enjoyment of the subject will lead to a natural interest.
Economics is an analytical subject, so the ability to think logically and clearly – and an interest in what makes the world tick is helpful.
Economists are prized by employers for being able to analyse a situation weigh up the evidence and draw various conclusions for policy action.