How to Get the Edge for Top UK Economics and Finance Programmes

Gaining admission to leading universities in the UK for economics and finance degree courses is no small feat. The competition is intense, with thousands of applicants showcasing top grades, glowing references, and impressive personal statements. Economics and finance are the most popular degree programmes for our alumni, and the majority join top UK universities. So, what is it that sets our students apart in their admissions applications for these highly competitive courses? We know that on top of academic ability, admissions tutors are looking for evidence of passion for their subject, intellectual engagement, and the desire to go above and beyond the A level syllabus. This is where Highgrove’s elective courses and EPQ programme provide a distinctive advantage.

Post-graduate courses for pre-university students

Elective courses give students the chance to study something alongside their A levels that provides stretch and challenge. Our most popular elective course with our economics and finance applicants is ‘Introduction to Investment’, a year-long course which provides a comprehensive overview of key areas such as financial markets, investment, bonds, derivatives and taxation. At the end of the course, you can choose to take an internationally recognised exam from the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment which is the first step towards becoming qualified as a stockbroker. This is normally taken as a postgraduate qualification and is something unique amongst 16–18-year-old students. Taking the course is an achievement in its own right and helps pupils talk confidently at interview about the world of finance. But for those who go on to pass the examination at the end, it’s a clear indication of exceptional ability and determination.

Getting letters after your name

In fact, some students don’t stop there. Three past students taking the Investment Elective Programme have gone on to become qualified as Stockbrokers before turning eighteen. This entitled them to have letters after their name (ACSI) and hold membership of CISI – before they were old enough to own a credit card. After taking the first-year examination, Introduction to Investment, they self-studied for a UK Financial Regulation exam over the summer holiday, then enrolled in a further elective course with us, Financial Asset Management. This prepared them for another CISI exam, Certificate in Asset Servicing. In doing so they achieved the Investment Operations Certificate, the most established CISI qualification.

The CISI exams they took are challenging, with a 58% pass rate and an average age of completion of twenty-three years. The first student to gain this qualification was invited by CISI to Mansion House in London to celebrate his achievement at their annual awards dinner.

Or getting some hands-on experience of entrepreneurship

Another popular elective course with our pupils is Entrepreneurship, a programme where you get a whirlwind tour of how to go about setting up a business, then pitch to a panel of investors at the end of the course for seed funding for your vision. As well as getting feedback from professional about the quality of your idea and your pitch, you get the fundamentals in place should you be ready to take your idea forwards as an entrepreneur. It’s not just about showing that you’ve got business acumen, but also the chance to showcase your proactivity, drive and ability to balance multiple endeavours simultaneously.

Signalling Specialised Interest and Commitment

One further way of showing your interest in an aspect of economics or finance is to undertake an Extended Project Qualification that takes a deep dive into an area of particular interest. Competitive courses at Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Warwick, and other top universities receive applications from thousands of academically gifted students. One way to stand out is to show commitment to a particular branch of economics. We’ve had pupils produce EPQs analysing the economics behind the Premier League, looking at foreign aid and poverty alleviation, and reviewing the ethical considerations of cryptocurrency. An EPQ project showcases your research and project management skills and provides you with a topic you can speak about with confidence at interview.

Building Transferable Skills for University and Beyond

The skills gained from these additional programmes of study are not confined to economics alone. The ability to analyse data, interpret complex information, and communicate findings clearly will serve you well across all aspects of university study. Moreover, in an increasingly globalised world, financial literacy is a life skill, and understanding investment and entrepreneurship gives you the confidence to create your own success in a world where traditional post-graduate career pathways are becoming less widely available. Whether you pursue a career in banking, consulting, policymaking, or academia, the foundations built in pursuing these extra-curricular programmes will continue to pay dividends throughout your future.

Conclusion

Applying to a competitive economics or finance programme requires more than excellent grades; it requires proof that you are prepared for the intellectual and professional challenges ahead. Highgrove’s extracurricular courses offer exactly that. Not only can you strengthen your university application and set yourself apart from the competition, but you may find the skills you learn on the way will lead to opportunities far beyond university.

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