Entry requirements

We receive  many applications from extremely good students and admission is highly competitive, therefore we are often unable to make offers to all those with AAA either predicted or achieved at A Level. We look for excellent GCSE results (including A* grades in Mathematics and English Language) and good results or predictions at AS Level, with a strong personal statement and reference. You must satisfy our general University entry requirements. In addition, you should note the following:

• GCE and VCE Awards: you will normally need three A-Level passes or their equivalent in other recognised qualifications. Our typical offer is AAA. You will not need A-Level Economics.
• We do not accept A Level General Studies as an entry qualification.
• If you wish to read Economics with French you will need at least Grade A in A Level French.
• You will need at least a grade B in AS Level Mathematics.
• Applicants are encouraged to avoid combinations of A Level subjects with significantly overlapping curricula such as Economics and Business Studies.
• We do not make offers based on tariff scores.
• International Baccalaureate: we welcome applications from International Baccalaureate students. Our typical offer is 38 points including bonus points (with 5 at Higher Level Mathematics; 6 if taken to Standard Level.)
• Scottish Advanced Highers: we normally ask for AAB/AAA.
• German Abitur: 1.2
• European /Baccalaureate: 85% including 80 % in Mathematics
• French Baccalaureate: 16, including 14 in Mathematics
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAA
• Foundation Programmes: typically around 70%
• International students (without English A Level or equivalent, or those whose medium of instruction is not in English: IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no element scoring less than 6.
• The Department is attracting an increasing number of applicants from the new European Union countries in Eastern Europe, such as Bulgaria, Lithuania and Poland, as well as the other countries in the rest of Europe. If you would like to come to Durham to study Economics you would be more than welcome to apply.
• Other qualifications: we welcome students with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements. Please contact our Admissions Tutor for further details: email Kathryn Cowton.
• Foundation Centre: if you do not satisfy the entry requirements, the Foundation Centre offers multi-disciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of degrees. For more details see the Foundation Centre. 
• We welcome applications from international candidates.
• We welcome applications from mature students. We recognise that you may not possess the same paper qualifications as recent school leavers, but we will look at your case individually, and treat your application on its own merits.
• If we wish to interview you before deciding whether or not to make an offer – which will normally be the case if you are a mature student – you could be invited for interview at any time from November onwards.