I. Common Knowledge to Oxbridge Economics Admissions
1. Choose Either Oxford or Cambridge
You can only apply to only one course of either Oxford or Cambridge in a same academic year, rather than applying to both the two universities.
2. Apply Through the UCAS
- You are required to submit your application through the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), which serves as the official admissions platform for universities and colleges in the UK.
- You are only allowed to list up to 5 course choices.
II. Timeline for Oxbridge Economics Courses
Timeline for 2025 Entry
2024
June|September | Preparing for the ApplicationChoosing Your Course
Writing Your Oxbridge Economics Personal Statement Preparing Your Academic Reference Choosing Your College |
August1 | Registration for TMUA Exam BeginsCambridge economics course applicants |
September3 | UCAS Application OpensUCAS Registration Center Code: 42757 |
SeptemberT.B.D. | TSA Exam Registration Deadline Oxford economics-related courses applicants |
September16 | TMUA Exam Registration DeadlineCambridge economics course applicants |
October15 | UCAS Application Submission DeadlineFor all applicants to Oxbridge economics |
October16 or 17 | Cambridge TMUA Exam DayCambridge economics course applicants |
OctoberT.B.D. | Oxford TSA Exam DayOxford economics-related courses applicants |
October22 | Deadline for Submitting My Cambridge Application and TranscriptsStudents applying for Cambridge |
November|December | Receive interview invitations |
Decemberfirst three weeks | Oxbridge Interview |
2025
January14 | Release of Oxford University Admission Offers |
JanuaryMid | Release of Cambridge University Admission Offers |
August31 | Deadline for Meeting Conditional Offer Requirements |
October | Official Commencement of the Academic Year |
III. How to Choose an Oxbridge Economics Course?
There are three economics-related courses at the University of Oxford:
Courses | UCAS code |
Economics and Management | LN12 |
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) | L0V0 |
History and Economics | LV11 |
Cambridge University offers two economics-related courses:
Courses | UCAS code |
Economics | L100 |
Land Economy | KL41 |
IV. What Are the Oxbridge Economics Admission Requirements?
1. General Admission Requirements for Oxford Economics Courses
The requirements below only discuss the Oxford PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) and Economics and Management courses, which students from China more commonly apply.
Course | Oxford Economics and Management | Oxford PPE |
Language Proficiency: |
|
|
A-Level | A*AA including Mathematics at grade A or above | AAA |
IB Scores: | 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL | 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL |
SAT/AP | Requirements vary and are based on conditional offers. | Requirements vary and are based on conditional offers. |
High School Exam (e.g., Gaokao): | Not accepted | Not accepted |
University Entrance Exam: | TSA: Section 1 | TSA |
Interview | Yes | Yes |
2. Oxford's Official Statement on Reference Criteria for Admission
Expectations of the Oxford Economics and Management
We are looking for candidates with:
- an interest in and a motivation for studying the organisation of businesses and the economy
- a capacity to construct and critically assess arguments
- a willingness and an ability to express their ideas clearly and effectively both on paper and orally.
Successful candidates will also show independence and flexibility of thought and an ability to analyse and solve problems logically and critically. The interview is not primarily a test of existing knowledge and, in particular, is not a test of any economics or management studied previously.
More detailed requirements and qualities:
- An interest in and a motivation for studying the organisation of businesses and the economy
- Independence and flexibility of mind
- An ability to analyse and solve problems logically and critically
- A capacity to construct and critically assess arguments
- A willingness and an ability to express ideas clearly and effectively both on paper and orally.
- The interview is not primarily a test of existing knowledge and, in particular, is not a test of economics or management, unless these subjects have been studied before.
- Interest and motivation in learning about the organization of businesses and the economy.
3. General Admission Requirements for Cambridge Economics Courses
The table below lists the general admission requirements (partial) for Cambridge’s Economics and Land Economy courses.
Course | Cambridge Economics | Cambridge Land Economy | |
Language Proficiency: |
|
| |
A-Level | A*A*A (Mathematics required, some colleges require Further Mathematics and some require A* in Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics) | A*AA (No requirements, Mathematics, Economics recommended) | |
IB Scores: | 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level (and HL Mathematics required) | 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level | |
SAT/AP | Requirements vary and are based on conditional offers |
| |
High School Exam (e.g., Gaokao): | Ranked in the top 0.1% of college entrance examination candidates in their province | Ranked in the top 0.1% of college entrance examination candidates in their province | |
University Entrance Exam: | TMUA | NONE | |
Interview | Yes | Yes |
4. Cambridge's Official Statement on Reference Criteria for Admission
Expectations of the Cambridge Economics
Admissions Tutors consider all of the information available together before making any decisions. While the most recent academic performance carries the greatest weight, the relative importance of each element varies because each student is different. No part of an application is considered in isolation; for example, a student’s performance at interview alone doesn’t determine the outcome of their application.
Cambridge places the highest value on applicants’ academic performance. All other factors serve as references to measure whether an applicant can be admitted. Based on feedback from former students and what admissions officers emphasize, the main focus is still on students’ mathematical ability and thinking skills.
Key Data Provided by the Cambridge Economics Department
Typical Economics entrants
(A Level and IB)
Most Economics students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2017-19) achieved at least A*A*A* (87% of entrants).
Most had studied:
- Economics (93%)
- Further Mathematics (93%)
- or both (86%)
The majority of students who studied IB achieved at least 44 points overall.
This information is intended to give you a sense of the academic standard of our typical A Level entrants. We welcome applicants from a range of qualification backgrounds.
The conclusion of the above data is as follows:
87% of students studying A Level achieved A*A*A* or above. On the other hand, the percentage of students taking respective courses is 93% for Economics, 93% for Further Mathematics, and 86% for both Economics and Further Mathematics. Meanwhile, the majority of IB students scored at least 44 points (HL 777) or above.
Key Data Provided by the Cambridge Economics Department
Typical Economics entrants
(A Level and IB)
Most Land Economy students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2017-19) achieved at least A*A*A (67% of entrants).
Most had usually studied:
- Economics
- Mathematics
The majority of students who studied IB achieved at least 43 points overall.
This information is intended to give you a sense of the academic standard of our typical A Level entrants. We welcome applicants from a range of qualification backgrounds.
The conclusion of the above data is as follows:
67% of students studying A Level achieved A*A*A* or above. The majority of students took Economics and Mathematics, while most IB students scored at least 43 points or above.
Therefore, it is recommended and essential to look at the statistics and information provided by the Univerisity of Cambridge rather than relying on general admission requirements.
Many people say it’s easier to apply for Land Economy at Cambridge because there are fewer applicants than Economics. Is that really the case? Let’s analyze the admission statistics from previous years.
V. Application Process and Required Materials
The application process of applying to Oxbridge economics courses is not complicated. There are some important details you need to know and materials to prepare before applying.
1. Materials Required for UCAS Application
When applying to Oxford or Cambridge through UCAS, you must confirm or submit the following information:
- The specific course and its UCAS code at either Oxford or Cambridge.
- Choose a particular college or open application.
- Your personal information, including your email address.
- Your educational history and your academic achievements to date.
- Your economics personal statement.
- Your academic reference.
1. Materials Required for UCAS Application
When applying to Oxford or Cambridge through UCAS, you must confirm or submit the following information:
- The specific course and its UCAS code at either Oxford or Cambridge.
- Choose a particular college or open application.
- Your personal information, including your email address.
- Your educational history and your academic achievements to date.
- Your economics personal statement.
- Your academic reference.
2. Differences between the Application Processes for Oxford, Cambridge, and Other UK Universities
The application process of applying to Oxford and Cambridge through UCAS is similar to other universities in the UK, with the exception of certain courses and circumstances. However, there are a few important points to know:
- Early Application Deadline: The application deadline for Oxford and Cambridge is October 15th, earlier than most other universities.
- Selection of College or Open Application: Unlike many other universities, applicants to Oxford and Cambridge must choose a particular college or opt for an open application.
- Single Course Application: Unless under extremely rare circumstances, Oxford and Cambridge allow applicants to apply for only one course.
- Transcript Requirement: Cambridge University may request transcripts from some applicants covering their secondary school academic records.
3. Official Undergraduate Application Process for the University of Cambridge
4. Official Undergraduate Application Process for the University of Oxford
Part 1: What Oxford is Like
Part 2: How to Apply
Part 3: Preparing
5. Language Proficiency and High School Grades
Language proficiency does not need to meet the admissions requirements before the UCAS application deadline of October 15, 2024, but only the admissions requirements of the relevant courses before August 31, 2025.
What’s more, predicted high school grades need to be submitted before October 15th. This score is one of the critical factors for Oxbridge admissions reference.
6. Open Application (Choosing a College)
It can be difficult for you to choose a college from the pool of 30 colleges at both Oxford and Cambridge. Therefore, if you are not that confident or do not care which college to apply to, you can choose an open application on UCAS.
- After the application deadline, students who choose an open application will be randomly assigned to a college via a computer program.
- The random allocation aims to balance the number of applicants across various colleges and courses.
- Once assigned to a college, the application process proceeds like other students.
- For students who meet all the application requirements, the likelihood of being admitted is the same whether they choose a specific college or opt for an open application.
Click the link below to view our blogs about Oxbridge colleges and how to choose a college in Oxbridge.
7. Oxbridge Economics Personal Statements
As a part of the UCAS application process, every student is required to submit an application essay, also known as a personal statement (PS). The Oxbridge economics personal statement serves as a tool for universities to better understand students’ interests in the subject and course. It also allows students to better understand their academic interests and motivations.
Typically, the Oxbridge economics personal statement should encompass the following aspects:
- Explain the reasons for wanting to study the relevant course at the university.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication to the chosen course.
- Express specific interests within the relevant field of study.
- Articulate how one is committed to researching the subjects of interest.
Click on the link below for more guidance on composing an economics personal statement and official suggestions from Oxford, Cambridge, and UCAS.
8. Academic References
Academic references (academic references at Oxford and school/college references at Cambridge) provide universities with a better understanding of a student’s abilities and potential. Admissions officers use these references to assess whether a student’s academic capabilities are suited for the chosen course and if they can adapt to the university’s learning environment.
As a crucial component of the UCAS application, universities typically prefer academic references submitted by school teachers or individuals who can provide authoritative insights into a student’s academic background.
Please note that academic references must also be submitted before the application deadline on October 15th.
9. Transcripts
To find out if you need to submit the transcript when applying to the University of Cambridge, you should check the official Cambridge guidelines in the section “Completing My Cambridge Application“.
VI. What Preparation is Needed for Applying to Oxbridge Engineering?
1. Preparing for the Oxford TSA
Students applying for Economics and Management, PPE, and History and Economics at Oxford must take the TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) exam. (Students applying for History and Economics must also take the HAT exam.)
Please refer to the blog for comprehensive understanding and preparation suggestions for Oxford TSA exams.
2. Preparing for the Cambridge TMUA
TMUA is required for students applying for computer science at Cambridge, which is a mathematics test. On the other hand, many other universities in the UK require TMUA for mathe-related courses except for Cambridge.
Preparing for the TMUA exam for 2-4 months is recommended, and the specific preparation time should also consider the student’s academic workload, holiday activity arrangements, etc. But the sooner you start preparing, the better.
Please refer to UE’s blogs for a comprehensive understanding and suggestions for preparation for the Oxford TMUA exams.
3. Interview Preparation
It is advisable to start a mock interview before receiving the invitation. Conduct at least six mock interviews covering various possible question types, scenarios, and topics, which will help improve your on-the-spot response speed and achieve the best interview results.
Check our blog about Oxbridge interview preparation.
4. Academic Research Projects
More and more students have been participating in university academic research projects in recent years. Experience engaging in academic research and excellent academic achievements can significantly enhance your personal statement and boost your competitiveness when applying to Oxbridge economics courses.
Online research project topics are continuously updated. For more details, please refer to the following page.
5. Extracurricular Reading
While preparing for exams and personal statement can take up a significant amount of time, it is still advisable for you to engage in extracurricular reading. Typically, you are encouraged to read two deeply and broadly read more than ten books related to your chosen field. Extracurricular reading can enrich the material for writing your Oxbridge economics personal statement, making it more appealing.
6. Oxford and Cambridge Summer Schools
Many summer schools have unique selling points, but not all are worth it, especially regarding teaching staff. Therefore, it is recommended for students to attend summer school with reasonable fees because the purpose is to enhance and get a taste of learning methods at Oxbridge.
You can refer to our blog about the summer school of Brasenose College from Oxford.
7. Oxford and Cambridge Open Days
Both Oxford and Cambridge Universities have open days for students to learn about and visit their preferred universities and colleges in advance.
For Oxford University, 2024 undergraduate Open Days will be held on 26 and 27 June and 20 September. And for Cambridge University, currently published undergraduate Open Days will take place on Thursday 4 July and Friday 5 July 2024.
For more about the open days and other related events, please check the official websites of Oxford and Cambridge for detailed information.
Please refer to the following resources for more information on applying to maths courses at Oxford and Cambridge.
Attached: Recommended Readings for Oxbridge Economics Courses
The Cambridge Economics Department has recommended some readings that help broaden the perspective on economics, but there is no need to purchase these books before being admitted to Cambridge University. The official stance from Cambridge is that they hope you will select some of these to read.
1. Recommended Reading for Economics Course
Publisher:OxfordUniversity Press
Year:2007
Publisher:OxfordUniversity Press
Year:2017
Publisher:W. W. Norton &Company
Year:2014
Publisher:W. W. Norton &Company
Year:2016
Publisher:McGrawHill
Year:2020
Publisher:Pearson
Year:2016
Publisher:Princeton
Year:2018
Publisher:Academic Press
Year:2010
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Year: 2014
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year:1994
Publisher: Stanford University Press
Year: 2010
Publisher: Blackwell
Year: 1994
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Year: 1990
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Year: 2015
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Year: 2009
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Year: 2015
2. Recommended Reading for Land Economy Course
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Year:2011
Publisher:Hart Publishing
Year:2011
Publisher:Red Globe Press
Year:2008
Publisher:Random House Trade
Year:2007
Publisher:University of Chicago Press
Year:2017
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell
Year:2014
Publisher:Currency
Year:2013
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 1992
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Year: 2012