Economics

The Economics course at Cambridge allows candidates a broad range of options. There is a provision for the study of politics, sociology and computer science alongside training in the mathematical aspects of economics.

The Cambridge course gives you an understanding of core, pure, and applied economics. Students study a range of different topics, including supply and demand, the role of prices and markets, employment, inflation, the operation of financial institutions, and monetary policy.

We usually aim to admit three undergraduates in Economics each year. Undergraduate studies are directed by Dr Edoardo Gallo, who is a College Fellow, and teaching is supported by Dr Daniele Cassese and Mr Nigel Knight, alongside other academics from around Cambridge.

More details of the course and the optional papers available can be found on University’s Undergraduate Study pages and the Faculty of Economics website.

We are looking for students who are willing to challenge themselves by learning how to apply a rigorous, logical, and quantitative approach to analysing what drives human behaviour and the many societal challenges we face in the modern world. Enthusiasm for the subject is essential, alongside strong mathematical and analytical skills.

Candidates for Economics must have studied Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent). Further Mathematics A-level or AS-level is expected at Magdalene if it is offered at a candidate's school. Economics at A-level will be useful but it is not essential.

IB applicants starting the new IB Mathematics syllabus are expected to take IB Higher Level 'Analysis and Approaches'. If this option is not available at your school, please contact the College for further advice and guidance.

Minimum Offer 

A-level: A*A*A 

IB: 42 points overall, with 7,7,6 at Higher Level.

We usually require an A* in A-level Mathematics or Further Mathematics/7 in IB Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches).

Other qualifications: Check which other qualifications we accept 

Candidates will normally have two interviews of around 20-25 minutes each.

The interview process aims to assess your intellectual ability, potential, and commitment to the subject.

We do not require a written work submission for this subject.

Candidates are required to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). The TMUA is a pre-registration required assessment. This means that you will have to register to sit the assessment at an assessment centre near to you. Registration for the pre-registration required assessment is separate from your UCAS application and it is essential that you are registered by your centre before the deadline. 

For further details see the TMUA website and the University TMUA page.

More information is available on the Interviews, Written Work and Assessments page.