Best A Level Combinations for Economics

Thinking about taking Economics at university and wondering what the best A Level combinations might be? Planning ahead is a smart move as your A Level choices really matter. Pick the right mix, and you’ll stand out to admissions tutors. Pick the wrong ones, and you might struggle to meet the entry requirements.

Economics is one of the most popular and versatile degrees at university, opening doors to careers in finance, government, consultancy, and beyond.

Read on to discover the best A Level combinations for economics, including the subjects that will strengthen your university applications, the ones that match with your personal strengths, and those that’ll help you achieve your long-term career goals.

Key Takeaways

• Maths is a must: it’s the key subject universities look for in Economics applicants.

• Pick smart combos: pair Maths with essay subjects (like History or Politics) or Economics itself; avoid weaker ones like General Studies.

• Think long-term: choose subjects you enjoy and can ace, but also keep your uni options open.

Why Your A Level Choices Matter

You should pick your A Level subjects to help you build the exact skills you'll need to excel in economics.

Economics sits right between arts and sciences. This means you'll need strong mathematical skills to handle statistical analysis and economic modelling. But you'll also need sharp essay-writing abilities to argue complex economic theories.

And universities know this. That's why they're incredibly picky about which A Level combinations they'll accept for economics degrees.

The wrong combination might lock you out of your dream university. But the right one will give you a massive head start when you actually start your degree.

Core A Level Subjects Recommended for Economics Degrees

Mathematics: Your Non-Negotiable Foundation

From the get-go, let's be crystal clear - Maths A Level is absolutely essential for economics at most top universities and is highly recommended for others.

Modern economics is heavily mathematical. You'll find that calculus, statistics, and econometrics are on your academic radar from day one. Without strong maths skills, economics can feel like tackling a puzzle without all the pieces.

Most Russell Group universities require Maths A Level for Economics, and many won't even consider applications without it. Oxford (opens in a new tab) and Cambridge (opens in a new tab) treat it as an absolute requirement. And LSE (opens in a new tab) requires that you achieve an A* in the subject.

Economics A Level: Useful but Not Always Essential

It might seem a bit strange, but you don't always need an Economics A Level to study economics at university. Many top courses will happily teach you from scratch.

However, taking Economics at A Level gives you several advantages:

• You’ll understand key concepts like supply and demand, market structures, and economic policy before you even arrive at university.

• It shows admissions tutors you're genuinely interested in the subject.

• You’ll develop your essay-writing skills around complex economic arguments.

Economics A Level could be a great choice. But while it’s useful, it’s not necessary.

Further Mathematics: The Oxbridge Edge

Further Maths isn't essential for most economics courses, but it can make up the best A Level combination to study economics at Oxbridge.

Studying further maths demonstrates exceptional mathematical ability and gives you advanced skills in calculus and statistics.

If you're targeting Oxbridge, or other highly competitive courses, Further Maths could be the difference between acceptance and rejection. Kate Bock, the founder of Archer Franklin (opens in a new tab), a consultancy that specialises in helping students through university applications, says: “At institutions such as Cambridge, Further Mathematics is not merely encouraged - it is often interpreted as a strong signal of readiness for the highly quantitative demands of the course.”

While highly recommended for some top universities, it’s important to remember that you should only take Further Maths if you're genuinely strong at mathematics. A weak grade could hurt more than help.

Strong Complementary Subjects for Economics

While a foundation in maths is crucial, you also need to complement this with solid essay writing skills. Here are some subjects to consider taking when making your A Level choices.

History: Master the Art of Economic Arguments

History is great preparation for economics. Both subjects require you to:

• analyse complex information

• evaluate different perspectives

• construct persuasive arguments

Plus, economics is full of historical context. Understanding the Great Depression, post-war economic policies, or the 2008 financial crisis gives you real-world examples to draw upon in essays and exams.

History A Level is also one of the best subjects to perfect your essay-writing skills. You'll learn to:

• structure arguments

• use evidence effectively

• write under time pressure

Politics: Where Economics Meets the Real World

Politics and economics are natural partners. Economic policies shape political decisions, while political systems influence economic outcomes. Kate Bock highlights that: “A subject such as Politics can complement economics beautifully, especially when the student can articulate a clear rationale for their academic choices.”

Politics A Level teaches you to think critically about power structures, government policies, and social issues. These analytical skills transfer directly to economic analysis.

Many Economics modules cover political economy, public policy, and government intervention in markets. Having a politics background gives you a significant advantage in these areas.

Geography: Data Skills and Global Perspectives

While Geography might seem an odd subject to pair with Economics, it's incredibly valuable to develop relevant skills.

Modern geography involves:

• statistical analysis

• data interpretation

• research methods 

These quantitative skills are exactly what you need for econometrics and economic research.

Geography also covers development economics, global trade patterns, and environmental economics. These are all major areas that you’ll end up covering within university economics courses.

Plus, geography develops your ability to think spatially about economic problems, from regional development to international trade flows.

Business Studies: Proceed with Caution

At first glance, Business Studies might seem like the obvious A Level to take alongside economics. It does have its advantages. You’ll cover markets, competition, and some core economic ideas, while also seeing how theory plays out in real businesses.

That said, some top universities don’t rate it as highly as more traditional subjects, such as history or politics, and may view it as less academically demanding.

If you love business studies, go for it, but pair it with strong academic subjects like Maths, Economics, and History.

And, if you’re keen on securing a spot at Oxbridge, be very cautious. Another A Level subject combination may be better. 

Languages: The Global Economics Advantage

Don't overlook languages when planning your combination of A Levels.

Economics is more global than ever before. Many careers involve working with international markets, foreign companies, or global organisations like the World Bank or International Monetary Fund.

A language A Level shows cultural awareness and communication skills that employers love. French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin are particularly valuable in international economics. 

Languages also demonstrate intellectual breadth and show you can handle diverse academic challenges.

Best A Level Combinations for Economics by Student Goal

For Oxbridge and Russell Group Applicants

If you're aiming for the very top universities, you need the strongest possible combination. It may be worthwhile considering a fourth A-level, such as Politics or History. However, this is not a requirement, but a nice-to-have for universities like LSE, Oxford, and Cambridge. 

Choosing to stick with three A Levels and getting top grades is better than choosing four and not meeting university entry requirements.

Recommended combination: 

• Mathematics + Further Mathematics + Economics 

This combination ticks every box and matches the subjects that most successful applicants take. 

For example, the Economics course page at University of Cambridge (opens in a new tab) states that 93% of students who studied economics in 2018, 2019, and 2023 had taken economics or further maths at A Level, and 90% had studied both. 

This formula works, so you should try and stick to it. Then you've got the mathematical firepower universities demand, plus the analytical and essay-writing skills from A Level Economics.

Tip: Avoid weaker subjects like General Studies or Critical Thinking - they won't impress admissions tutors at competitive universities.

For Students Interested in a Broader Social Sciences Pathway

Not everyone wants to study at Oxbridge, and that's absolutely fine. Many excellent universities offer outstanding economics degrees with slightly more flexible entry requirements.

Recommended combination: 

• Mathematics + Economics + Politics or Geography/History

This combination still includes the essential Maths, but gives you broader social science skills. Politics and Geography both offer excellent preparation for economics, while History remains a strong alternative. And, they’ll give you the strong essay writing skills many universities like to see evidence of.

You might also consider taking Maths to AS Level if you find the full A Level challenging, but this will limit your university options.

For Career-Focused or Business-Oriented Students

If you're more interested in applied economics, business applications, or entrepreneurship, you might prefer a more practical combination.

Recommended combination: 

• Mathematics + Economics + Business Studies or Psychology/Sociology

This combination maintains the essential mathematical foundation while giving you practical business knowledge and understanding of human behaviour.

Psychology can be really valuable for behavioural economics. It’s a growing field that examines how people actually make economic decisions rather than how theory says they should.

What If I'm Not Sure About Economics Yet?

If you’re not 100% sold on economics yet, no worries - lots of students aren't certain about their university plans at this stage.

The good news is, your A Level choices can still keep plenty of doors open while helping you build the skills universities really value.

Flexible combination: 

• Mathematics + History/Politics + a Science subject or Modern Language

This combination gives you access to economics, but also keeps doors open for sciences, humanities, and languages.

Focus on developing these crucial skills:

• Numeracy and data analysis from Mathematics and Sciences

• Critical thinking and evaluation from History or Politics

• Clear written communication from essay-based subjects

• Cultural awareness from Languages

Remember, universities care as much about your intellectual abilities as your specific subject knowledge.

University Entry Requirements for Economics Courses

Different universities have varying requirements for economics degrees. Here's what you need to know:

Essential at most universities:

• Maths A Level (usually grade B minimum, often A and sometimes A* at Oxbridge)

Highly recommended:

• Economics A Level

• At least one essay-based subject (History, Politics, English Literature)

Useful but not essential:

• Further Mathematics (especially for competitive courses)

• Geography, Psychology, or Sociology

• Modern Languages

Generally not preferred by top universities:

• Business Studies (though some universities accept it)

• Media Studies, Art, or Design subjects

• General Studies or Critical Thinking

Example university requirements:

Always check specific university requirements before finalising your choices, as these can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Take A Level Economics to Study It at University?

No, you don't always need Economics A Level to study economics at university. There are loads of great economics courses that will teach you everything from scratch. 

However, Economics A Level can definitely help as it gives you a head start on key concepts and shows genuine interest in the subject.

If you're not taking Economics A Level, make sure your other subjects demonstrate strong analytical and mathematical skills.

Is Business Studies a Good Subject to Take with Economics?

It depends. Business Studies can complement economics, but it's not always the best choice for competitive universities.

The content does overlap with economics, covering markets, competition, and business decision-making. This can give you practical insights into how economic theory applies in real businesses.

However, some elite universities view Business Studies as less academically rigorous than subjects like History or Politics.

Can I Study Economics Without Maths A Level?

Honestly? It's going to be pretty tricky without Maths.

Most universities require Mathematics A Level for economics degrees. And those that don't often require AS Level Maths as a minimum. 

Modern economics is highly mathematical. You'll encounter statistics, calculus, and econometrics from day one and without strong maths skills, you might struggle to keep up.

If you're weak at maths but love economics, all is not lost. You could consider related subjects like Politics, International Relations, or Business Studies that require a less mathematical background.

Your Path to Economics Success

Choosing the best A Level combination for economics is crucial for success, but remember, you have options.

The golden rules:

• Mathematics A Level is non-negotiable at most universities

• Combine quantitative subjects with strong essay-based subjects

• Consider your target universities when making choices

• Focus on developing analytical thinking, not just subject knowledge

Your ideal combination depends on your ambitions:

• Aiming for Oxbridge? Go for Maths, Further Maths, and Economics

• Want broader options? Choose Maths, Economics, and Politics or History or Geography

• Prefer practical focus? Consider Maths, Economics, and Psychology

The most important thing is to choose subjects that you're genuinely interested in and can do really well in.

Your A Level choices set the foundation for your future, but they’re only the first step in your economics journey. With a strong subject mix and the effort you put in, you’ll be well-prepared to take on the challenges of an economics degree and the opportunities that come after.

References

University of Oxford - Economics Entry Requirements (opens in a new tab)
University of Cambridge - Economics Entry Requirements (opens in a new tab)
LSE - Economics Entry Requirements (opens in a new tab)
Manchester University - Economics Entry Requirements (opens in a new tab)
Lancaster University - Economics Entry Requirements (opens in a new tab)
Archer Franklin - University Admissions Consultancy (opens in a new tab)