Currently applying to UK unis however I’m not sure on which course to apply for. I realise that ECON could lead to better placements, however I feel like the content of finance would be a lot more interesting to me rather than economics. What do you think I should do?
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Durham is a high semi target choose the course which you find more interesting
Econ, not close.
Could you explain it to me a bit. Much much appreciated
In the UK, Econ is just a generally more respected degree than finance. Even if finance is technically more relevant. You are likely to find far more economics degree holders in finance/at a bank than finance (bachelor) degree holders.
Maybe I exaggerated a bit though. Obviously it's not impossible to break in with the finance degree. Far from it - it's very possible. You'd just have to accept that definitely somewhere, someone may hold you in slightly lower regard than if you'd taken Econ.
I would agree with the above and lean towards Econ. In the UK, hiring managers will look at (although v briefly) the university and the course. For better or worse, Econ at undergrad is a more well trodden path and therefore rated higher. You'll find more alum in finance who studied Econ. When I reflect, I'm glad I chose pure Econ (not at Durham) and would advise students to choose the path with higher likelihood of outcomes - you're only at university for 3-4 years vs. a career for 40+. I'm not sure about Durham, but at my university we had a number of elective modules in the latter years which had finance options, so you could perhaps study Econ and choose the finance modules for your electives. Lastly, FWIW, Durham placed well at my bank, but if I recall correctly the undergrad's courses were Econ and (interestingly) natural sciences.
Thanks!
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