Economics

Director of Studies: Dr Mary Murphy

Course Overview

There are three parts of the Economics Tripos.

In Part I (the first year) everyone takes the same five papers: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Quantitative Methods in Economics, Sociology and Politics, and British Economic History since 1750.

Part IIA (second year) compulsory papers: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics. Optional papers: one out of Mathematics, Sociology, Economic Development and Labour Economics.

In Part IIB (the third year) compulsory papers: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Optional papers: choose two, and write a dissertation.

Teaching is divided between the Faculty and the College. Lectures, normally given in the morning, are provided by the Faculty. Students attend lectures with Economics students from all the Cambridge Colleges so numbers attending lectures often exceed 150. Supervisions, normally in groups of three to four students, are provided by the College and give students the opportunity to discuss topics with experts in the field. You are normally expected to submit written work in advance of each supervision. There are two or three supervisions a week, so the pace is tough!

There is further information about the course on the University and Faculty webpages.

Entry Requirements

Applications from mature students taking A-levels or Access courses are welcome, however all applicants must hold A-level Mathematics. Access to Higher Education alone is not considered adequate preparation. Ideally, applicants should also have A-level Further Mathematics. Entry requirements can be found here.

Admissions Assessment

Applicants applying in October must register for and sit the TMUA. The TMUA is only available for October applicants – applicants to Economics in the March round will be asked to sit an equivalent assessment set by St Edmund’s.
Please note that your performance in the assessment at interview will not be considered in isolation, but will be taken into account alongside the other elements of your application.