When choosing A-Level subjects, it’s crucial to consider how universities perceive them, especially if you plan to study Economics, Finance, or Business-related degrees. Some students wonder whether Economics or Business Studies is the better choice for top universities, particularly the G5 (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, UCL). In this blog, we will break down how universities evaluate these two subjects and provide recommendations for A-Level subject combinations.
Economics is considered a traditional academic subject and is widely accepted by universities. Top institutions such as LSE, Oxford, and Cambridge prefer Economics over Business Studies.
Business Studies, while still recognized by some universities (e.g., UCL, Durham), is listed as a non-preferred subject by LSE and not recommended by Oxford’s Economics program.
In competitive applications, universities tend to favour students who choose more traditional and rigorous subjects.
LSE’s A-Level Subject Policy
LSE categorizes A-Level subjects into Preferred, Non-Preferred, and Excluded:
Economics: Preferred – highly valued.
Business Studies: Non-Preferred – can only be accepted if paired with at least two Preferred subjects (e.g., Mathematics and Economics).
If you aim for LSE’s Economics or Finance programs, choosing Mathematics + Further Mathematics + Economics will strengthen your application.
Tip: If competition is high, LSE will prioritize applicants who have chosen only Preferred subjects.
Oxford and Cambridge’s A-Level Preferences
Oxford – Economics & Management (E&M)
No specific subject requirements, but Mathematics is essential.
Economics is recommended, but not required.
Business Studies is not recommended and does not add value to an application.
Cambridge – Economics
Mathematics is required.
Further Mathematics is highly recommended.
Economics is useful but not mandatory.
Business Studies is not among the recommended subjects.
Tip: If you are considering Oxford or Cambridge Economics, prioritizing Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Economics is the best strategy.
UCL, Durham, and Other Universities
UCL: Accepts Business Studies as a preferred subject, but Economics holds more academic weight.
Durham: Accepts Business Studies, but Economics is more commonly preferred.
Warwick, Bath, and other top universities: Business Studies is accepted, but Economics is generally favored.
Conclusion: Outside of the G5, Business Studies is more widely accepted, but Economics is still the stronger choice for competitive applications.
Best A-Level Combinations for Economics, Finance, or Business Degrees
If applying to LSE, Oxford, or Cambridge:
✔ Mathematics (Compulsory)✔ Further Mathematics (Strongly recommended for Cambridge and LSE)✔ Economics (Preferred by all universities)
⚠ Avoid choosing Business Studies if you’re targeting these universities.
If applying to UCL, Durham, or Warwick for Business-related courses:
✔ Mathematics (Highly recommended)✔ Economics (Preferred)✔ Business Studies (Accepted, but not as strong as Economics)
If unsure about future university choices:
✔ Mathematics + Economics + History/Geography (A balanced and widely accepted combination)
Key Takeaways:
Mathematics is required for Economics and Finance-related courses in top universities.
Economics is generally preferred over Business Studies for competitive universities.
Further Mathematics is recommended but not always essential—it strengthens applications, especially for Cambridge.
UCL, Durham, and Warwick accept Business Studies, but Economics is viewed more favorably.
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