Selection for Economics
Our Economics courses are extremely popular and places are limited – admissions for this course group is highly selective.
We cannot guarantee you an offer of a place even if you meet or exceed our typical entry requirements.
Applicable courses
We consider applications to the following courses equally, using the same selection factors:
- Economics BSc (Hons) – 3 years
- Economics BSc (Hons) – 4 years with professional placement or study abroad
- Economics with Politics BSc (Hons) – 3 years
- Economics with Politics BSc (Hons) – 4 years with professional placement or study abroad
If you apply to one of these courses you can switch between them at any stage of application process. There is no benefit to using more than one of your UCAS choices and applying for multiple variants of Economics at the University of Bath.
Selection criteria for A level students
The following are considered for students studying A levels. If you study other qualifications, the same factors will be considered (where relevant) but we will tailor our consideration to your specific qualifications.
The information presented here is a guide to our typical selection factors – we reserve the right to consider other factors where necessary to distinguish between equally qualified applicants. All our entry requirements and selection criteria are informed by academic practice.
The typical factors we consider, with guide weighting, are:
GCSE profile- 40%
Your overall GCSE profile is very important for this course, as achievement across a broad range of subjects and skills will best prepare you for degree study.
When assessing your application we consider your best eight grades including Mathematics and at least one English Language or Literature subject.
If you have fewer than six GCSE grades (or did not study GCSEs) your overall academic profile will be considered instead based on any current and previous study.
In previous years the strongest applicants in this area have had GCSEs of mostly 9 or A* grades.
Predicted or achieved grades – 20%
The strongest applicants will have predicted grades above our typical offer.
Your predicted or achieved grade in Mathematics is particularly important.
We are less likely to be able to make an offer if you have predicted or achieved grades that do not meet our offers.
We understand predicted grades vary between schools and teachers and are not an exact measure of final achievement. We will consider students predicted close to our typical requirements in a similar manner to those predicted to meet.
Subjects studied- 20%
A level Mathematics is required for this course. You do not need to have previously studied Economics or Politics.
The strongest applications in this area will study A level Mathematics and two of the following preferred subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Classical Civilisation
- Computer Science
- Economics
- English Language/Literature
- Foreign Language
- Further Mathematics
- Geography
- History/Ancient History/ History of Art
- Law
- Philosophy/Philosophy & Ethics
- Politics/Government & Politics
- Physics
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Welsh Language/Literature
Personal statement- 20%
We are looking for a personal statement that demonstrates your enthusiasm for Economics and strong engagement and understanding of what studying this degree will involve.
Stronger personal statements will use a fluent writing style and demonstrate logical and analytical thinking, related to Economics. They will demonstrate a good understanding of the different aspects of Economics and how these related to Economics as a discipline. They will reflect on relevant experiences and research beyond the school curriculum.
Examples could include: - Reflection on innovations/debates/challenges in the wider discipline - Relevant work experience, volunteering or internships (although relevant work experience is not required or expected) - Preparation for HE activities such as summer schools or preparatory courses - A discipline specific project qualification such as the EPQ or Welsh Baccalaureate
We recognise that some applicants may have limited time and resources with which to engage in these activities so none are more valuable than others; what matters is that you engage with the questions of what you did; what you learnt and how doing that has motivated you to apply to one of our Economics courses.
We will not usually consider alternative or supplementary personal statements for this course – your application will be assessed based on the personal statement you submit through UCAS only.
If you are applying to multiple subject areas across your UCAS choices your personal statement will need be relevant for Economics.