Economics studies how the interplay of people’s behaviours results in social outcomes. If you enjoy thinking problems through precisely, testing ideas using real data, and understanding the objectives and constraints we face when making decisions, then Economics may be for you.

Important Note Concerning Interviews for 2023

Please note, all undergraduate admissions interviews at Sidney Sussex for the 2023-24 admissions round will be held online. Further details regarding interview platform will follow.

We are proud of maintaining our strong tradition in a rigorous approach to applied and policy-relevant economics. This concern with the real world is reflected both in the research we do, in our commitment to our own policy advising roles, and in our teaching.

Economics students at Sidney enjoy an active programme of invited speakers organised by their Student Society, named after Professor Austin Robinson, who was one of the founders of the Economics Faculty at Cambridge and a Fellow of Sidney Sussex. The Society is organised by students with help from the Economics Fellows, and arranges talks by distinguished outside speakers from academia, business, and government.

The Society also hosts an annual dinner attended by current and former students, the Sidney Economics Fellows, and many of our other (non-College) supervisors attend. It is a lively and convivial evening, where students can mix informally with those who teach.

Undergraduate Study

All of our undergraduate students have a Director of Studies and learn from specialists in each area. For each subject (“paper”) in the course, students meet in small groups (usually two or three) once a fortnight to discuss written work with a supervisor. Sidney has a strong and balanced Economics teaching team across the key areas of pure and empirical micro- and macro-economics.

In their final year, students write a dissertation (an original piece of research on a topic of their interest). The Economics Fellows support this challenging but rewarding project with dissertation seminars during which all students present and discuss their work. This has helped our students produce outstanding pieces of research.

Sidney runs additional seminars giving teaching and learning support beyond supervisions. In the third year, students write a dissertation, an original piece of research on a topic of their interest, and we support this challenging but rewarding project with dissertation seminars for students to present ideas and discuss problems.

Written work

We will not ask you to submit any written work as part of your application.

Admissions assessment

Applicants are required to take a written assessment.

Interviews
  • All undergraduate admissions interviews at Sidney Sussex for the 2023-24 admissions round will be held online. Further details regarding interview platform will follow.
  • Two interviews. Both interviews will be subject-related.
Subject requirements
  • Learn about our standard entry requirements for Economics on the University website.
  • At Sidney, A-level Economics is not required, but is recommended.
  • All conditional offers will specify that applicants must achieve A* or 7 in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
  • Please note that offers are set on an individual basis using all of the information available to us in context of the entire field of applicants.
Beyond the syllabus

Are you excited to learn more about the subject by delving beyond the school syllabus? Explore our Beyond the syllabus resource hub to discover interesting websites, podcasts, videos, and books related to the subject you love!

Typical intake

6 - 7

Typical A-level offer

A*A*A

Typical IB offer

41-42 points overall, with 776 at Higher Level

Postgraduate Study

At the University of Cambridge applications for postgraduate study are processed centrally by the Postgraduate Admissions Office. The application form and supporting documents are submitted electronically via their website and the online self-service system, though academic decisions on applications are made by the Faculty or Department.

Funding

There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and central University funds. You can use the Postgraduate Admissions' Cambridge Funding Search to find out which type of funding you might be eligible for, and how and when to apply. They also operate a Postgraduate Funding Competition to co-ordinate some of these funding opportunities and make the process easier for you as an applicant.

To find information about the funds available for postgraduate students at Sidney, visit our Studentships and funding page.

Useful links

Course directory | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

Funding | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

How do I apply? | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

International students | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

Opportunities to work, travel, and study

The College is able to offer financial support for a number of student pursuits including:

  • Professional and research internships
  • Study awards
  • Vacation travel
  • Arts and music
  • Sport

While it will not be possible to provide support in all cases, current students are strongly encouraged to apply if they have a project which would benefit from financial support.

Discover more on our Opportunities to work, travel, and study page.