What A Levels Do You Need To Get A Finance Degree?
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in finance, you’re likely looking at how you can set yourself up for success from the start.
When it comes to choosing your A Levels, the subjects that you pick can have an impact on the universities that will accept you onto a finance degree programme in the future.
While mathematics is the only subject that’s truly crucial to pursuing a degree in finance, there are several others that can help to give you a competitive edge, while also developing your knowledge of financial concepts prior to your degree.
In this article, we look at the A Levels that would be best suited to anyone hoping to pursue a degree in finance.
Mathematics
Mathematics is an A Level that most universities will require in order to be granted entry to a finance degree, so it’s one you should definitely prioritise if you’re hoping to work in this sector. The qualification itself will offer an excellent basis to build your financial knowledge on, equipping you with the knowledge of complex mathematical concepts, such as calculus, statistics and probability theory.
These skills can be valuable in the finance industry when it comes to dealing with intricate financial models and risk analysis.
What’s more, mathematics is known to be a difficult subject to take at A Level, so it proves to universities that you’re committed and capable of handling challenging programs.
Accounting
Some colleges will also offer an A level in accounting, which can be a valuable subject if you’re looking to pursue a career in finance. While it’s not an essential requirement for a finance degree, it can provide you with a fundamental understanding of some key concepts that you’ll delve into further in your degree.
Accounting at A Level will usually cover understanding financial statements, budgeting, financial analysis and some basic bookkeeping. This will not only set you up for success as you move into further education, but it can give you a competitive edge against other applicants.
Economics
Economics is a great subject to consider to fill out your academic financial portfolio. It explores the functioning of markets, resource allocation and many more concepts that can be incredibly useful to finance professionals, as an understanding of the economic environment can play a key role in decision-making.
While economics is another optional subject, the knowledge gained from it can make it easier to grasp the more complex concepts you’ll learn at degree level.
Mathematics is the only truly essential A Level subject you’ll need to take if you want to study a finance degree, but accounting and economics can certainly help to establish some key foundational knowledge ahead of time. It’s important to remember that the A Levels that you choose can have an effect on your future career prospects.
So, if you’re torn between a couple of different industries, it’s a good idea to ensure you’re covering the essential subjects required by universities before you start padding out your A Level portfolio.
