What A levels do you need for an Economics degree?

A level Mathematics - not Economics - is the subject that decides where you can apply. For 2027 entry, LSE asks for A*AA with an A* in Maths, Warwick asks for A*AA including an A in Maths, and Manchester asks for AAA including Maths. None of the three requires you to have studied Economics at school, and all three publish lower contextual offers.

By Amr Elbusaily, who runs Tansiky UK.

Requirements below were checked against official 2027 university pages on 24 September 2026.

2027 Economics offers compared

Contextual offers: A*AB with an A* in Maths at LSE, AAB including an A in Maths at Warwick, and ABB including an A in Maths at Manchester. Even the contextual routes keep the Maths grade intact, which tells you what admissions tutors actually screen for.

Manchester adds that preference may go to applicants studying two subjects from its preferred list (which includes Economics, Maths, Further Maths, History and the sciences), and LSE looks at your subject combination as well as your grades, expecting at least two traditional academic subjects.

Do you need A level Economics?

No. LSE says many of its students have studied Economics or an equivalent, but it is not required. Warwick is blunter: Economics is accepted but has "no special status" among strong A level subjects. Universities assume no prior economics knowledge and teach micro and macro from first principles in year one.

Taking A level Economics is still a reasonable choice: it confirms you enjoy the subject before you commit three years to it, and it gives you material for your personal statement. Just do not treat it as a requirement or a substitute for Maths.

How much Maths do you need?

Economics degrees are quantitative. You will study calculus, statistics and econometrics from the first year, which is why the Maths grade is locked into every offer above.

On Further Maths:

• LSE calls it desirable, and is happy with Maths, Further Maths and one other A level (ideally essay-based). If you take four or more A levels, LSE expects A*AA with the A* in Maths plus a pass in the fourth.
• Warwick treats Further Maths like any other strong subject and only looks at your top three grades including Maths; a fourth A level is not considered.
• Manchester lists Maths and Further Maths among its preferred subjects.

If your school does not offer Further Maths, you are not disadvantaged - LSE explicitly asks you or your referee to say so on the application.

Is there an admissions test?

At Warwick, the TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission) is optional but encouraged. Warwick says top TMUA scorers can be considered for a reduced offer of AAA, that applicants without the test are still considered, and that contextual offers do not require it. Policies differ by university and change between cycles, so check the admissions-test line on every course page for your entry year before you finalise a shortlist.

What GCSEs do you need?

These courses care about your earlier record:

• LSE looks for several GCSEs at grade A or A* (7 to 9), with a minimum of grade B/6 in English Language and Maths, and considers your overall GCSE profile.
• Warwick requires grade 6/B in GCSE English Language for Economics, above its usual grade 4/C floor.
• Manchester asks for a broad general education including English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above.

What will you study?

The core is the same everywhere in year one:

• microeconomics (consumers, firms, markets)
• macroeconomics (growth, inflation, policy)
• mathematics for economists
• statistics and econometrics (working with real data)

From the second year you choose options - at Warwick these can come from the business school, politics, philosophy, computer science or languages. Compare how mathematical each course really is, whether econometrics is compulsory, and what placement or study-abroad years exist. If you want a heavily mathematical degree, read the module lists, not just the prospectus summary.

Careers

Economics graduates go into finance, consulting, policy, data analysis, the civil service and accountancy, as well as postgraduate study. The subject combination you build - strong maths, data skills, clear writing - matters as much as the degree title, so use optional modules deliberately.

Build a balanced shortlist

For every course, record:

• the standard and contextual offer, and the locked Maths grade
• whether Economics or Further Maths carries any preference
• admissions tests and their deadlines
• GCSE floors, including English Language grades
• how quantitative the modules are, and placement options

The Tansiky free matcher preview checks your subjects and predicted grades against reviewed requirements; the £9.99 full report unlocks your source-linked matches and a recommended five-choice UCAS list. It cannot guarantee an offer.

Related guides: A levels for a Mathematics degree and A levels for Accounting and Finance.

Frequently asked questions

What A levels do I need for Economics?

Maths, essentially. LSE wants A*AA with an A* in Maths, Warwick A*AA with an A in Maths, and Manchester AAA including Maths.

Do I need A level Economics?

No. It is helpful preparation but not required at LSE, Warwick or Manchester.

Do I need Further Maths?

Not required. LSE finds it desirable; Warwick gives it no special status. Not being offered it at school is not a disadvantage if you say so.

Is there an admissions test?

Warwick encourages the optional TMUA and may consider top scorers for a reduced AAA offer. Check each university's current policy.

What GCSEs do I need?

LSE expects mostly grades 7 to 9 with at least B/6 in English and Maths. Warwick wants 6/B in English Language for Economics. Manchester asks for 4/C in English and Maths.

Official sources checked 24 September 2026: LSE BSc Economics, Warwick Economics BSc, Manchester BSc Economics (2027 entry).