Image of Economics image
Photo: Ken Teegardin. https://www.flickr.com/photos/teegardin/6093690339. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Economics

  • Number of students per year: about five
  • Typical offer: A*A*A, IB 776 or equivalent
  • Essential subjects: A Level Mathematics/ IB Higher Level Mathematics 
  • Useful subjects:  A Level Economics/ IB Higher Level Economics

Jesus College admits about five Economics students each year. With around 15 students in total and three Fellows in Economics, we are a medium sized College as far as Economics is concerned.

We aim to provide the right environment for our students to reach their potential and to flourish. The academic achievement of our Economics students is outstanding. In recent years, the prize for the best performance in the Economics course has been won by a Jesus student three times.

Supervisions are organised by three experienced Fellows in Economics, Dr Aidt, Professor Cavalho, and Professor Elliott. All three hold positions with the Faculty of Economics where they lecture on microeconomics, macroeconomics, political economics, and public finance.

Find out more on the University webpage.
What we look for

Requirements

Our typical offer is two A* and one A grade at A-Level or 776 at Higher Level for IB, or equivalent. You don't need to take Economics at A-Level but it may be useful. The broad nature of the Economics course means that both sciences such as Physics and essay based arts subjects such as History can be a good preparation.

A-Level or IB Higher Level Mathematics or an equivalent qualification is essential. This reflects the fact that the Cambridge Economics course is rigorous and uses mathematical models to analyse economic problems. It's important that you are very proficient in mathematics. Taking Further Mathematics at AS or A-Level or IB Higher Level is also very useful, although not required.

We welcome applications from students with other qualifications comparable to A-Level, such as Scottish Certificate of Sixth Year Studies, the International Baccalaureate, and other school leaving examinations. We also welcome applications from affiliated students.

Written assessment

Applicants for Economics are required to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) at an authorised centre local to them (for a lot of applicants, this will be their school/college). This assessment will take place in mid-October and you must register in advance. For more information, see the University undergraduate Economics pages and the TMUA website. 

Interviews

In 2023-24, we’ll be interviewing shortlisted applicants virtually, with interviews taking place in December.

The interview process aims to assess your intellectual ability, potential, and commitment to the subject. Candidates are typically interviewed by at least three subject specialists, including the Director of Studies, and total contact time will be between 35-50 minutes in total. This could be in a single interview, or in two separate interviews. Further details will be made available to candidates closer to the time.

We aim to select the most promising students, and are committed to ensuring that our Economics students are among the best in the University. Successful candidates will have a genuine interest in Economics, be able to think and work independently, and possess the necessary diligence and analytical skills to benefit from the course in Economics.

Find out more about the interview process on the University website.

Written work

You don't need to submit any written work.

Deferred and post A-Level entry

We consider applications for deferred entry in Economics. We'll also consider applications from students who have already taken their A-Levels and achieved A*A*A, you'll have to go through the normal competitive process.

Find out how to apply to study at Jesus.

People