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Economics

The Economics Faculty at Cambridge is one of the largest in the UK. It maintains its own computer network and students have access to a wide range of statistical databases and software. Members of the Faculty, and of the associated Department of Applied Economics, are involved in a very wide range of research projects, and the Faculty was awarded a 5 rating in a recent official survey of research output in Economics. Trinity Hall itself is only a brief cycle ride or walk from the Economics Faculty and the Marshall Library.

UCAS code:	L100 BA/Econ
Campus Code:	4
Duration:	3 Years
Places per year:	3-7

The Economics course is flexible with many options to choose from for Part IIB (the third year) of the Tripos, which consists of two compulsory papers, two optional papers and a dissertation of 7,500 words.

Students who complete the Economics Tripos are extremely well qualified for a wide range of jobs and further courses. A substantial number go on to professional training in chartered accountancy, actuarial work and similar fields. Others are employed by financial institutions, or as professional economists in industry, government and management consultancy. If students wish to go on to further academic study, there are a large number of Master’s degree courses in Cambridge, both in general Economics and in various specialised sub-disciplines, for which the wide range of skills acquired in the Economics Tripos provides a valuable foundation.

How you Learn

Teaching is provided through lectures, classes and supervisions and you can expect between 10 and 15 lectures each week in the first year.

Assessment is through formal written examinations that take place at the end of each year, and the compulsory dissertation in Part IIB. Typically, you have one three-hour exam for each paper covered that year. There are also projects within the Econometrics papers in Part I and Part IIA.

The aim of the course is to equip students with the tools and insights needed to analyse complex economic behaviour, so that:

they can provide informed advice to policymakers in government, business and international organisations
they understand the ‘fundamental’ economic considerations which influence outcomes in financial markets
they have the skills needed to continue to postgraduate study in Economics

Entry requirements

Typical Offer Conditions
A–Level:	AAA
IB:	41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Other:	See the University’s Entrance Requirements page
Subject Requirements
Essential:	Mathematics
Desirable:	None

Written Work

Written work is no longer required for Economics applications to Trinity Hall.

Admissions Assessment

All applicants are required to take the pre-interview written assessment for Economics at an authorised centre local to them (for a lot of applicants, this will be their school/college). You must be registered in advance (separately to your UCAS application) to take the assessment – the registration deadline is 15 October 2020. Please see the Admissions Assessments page on the University website for further details.

General Comments

A level Mathematics or equivalent is a Faculty-set precondition for Economics applicants. A levels (or equivalent) in English Literature, History, Politics or Further Mathematics are looked upon favourably by Trinity Hall but are by no means necessary. Applications from candidates with an International Baccalaureate background are also welcome at Trinity Hall.

"My first year studying Economics covered a wider range of topics than I had initially anticipated, from the economic history of the Industrial Revolution to the political insight of modern Britain. On top of this, the fundamentals of Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Stats will be incredibly useful in any realm of study that you continue with (whether it be at University or after it). Very little (some might even say no) prior economic teaching is required, as all elements of the course are taught from their foundations, which gives you a far greater understanding than you may have had, even if you have learnt economics before. Now, in second year, I am learning more and more about not only the theoretical models that shape the decisions of our Governments, Firms and Consumers, but the empirical success (or failure – more often the case) behind these. Statistical and econometric methods teach us how to analyse the patterns of our world, and in your second year (and third too) you are able to use these methods to undertake a project/dissertation of your own. While you study Economics in considerable depth, you also employ ideas and techniques from many other disciplines too; including history, sociology, mathematics and statistics, and politics. Economics at Cambridge is special, not only because of the breadth of the course in regard to the topics you cover, but also the specific applications to real life."

Rajiv, 2nd year Economics student

University Faculty

UK/EU Students:

International Students:

Academic Staff

Dr Koen Jochmans

Economics

Fellow and Director of Studies in Economics

Dr Cristiano Ristuccia

Economics

College Lecturer and Director of Studies in Economics; University Senior Research Associate in Applied Economics

In this section

Contact details

Economics

How you Learn

Entry requirements

Written Work

Admissions Assessment

General Comments

University Faculty

UK/EU Students:

International Students:

Academic Staff

Dr Koen Jochmans

Dr Cristiano Ristuccia

In this section

Contact details

Economics

How you Learn

Entry requirements

Written Work

Admissions Assessment

General Comments

University Faculty

UK/EU Students:

International Students:

Academic Staff

Dr Koen Jochmans

Dr Cristiano Ristuccia

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