University of Nottingham, philosophy

Just about to start at the university of Nottingham studying philosophy with a foundation year. A Levels are weak for finance being BBD. I have 3 weeks of work experience at three seperate firms: NatWest, PwC and Deutsche bank. Will I struggle to get into IB or AM as a result of my weak a level grades and degree choice or will my work experience be able to pick up the slack . All responses are appreciated thank you.Edit after some responses- My plan is to start my foundation year and judge the workload. If it is not too bad I will resit my lowest A level as a private candidate whilst doing my foundation year. If the workload is too much I will drop out and focus on that one a level. Thank you for all the honesty and responses it’s all appreciated.

10 Comments
 

Not really the answer that you want to hear but retake your A Levels instead of doing a foundation year! 

The majority of firms require a minimum of AAB in order to pass screening. 

Also what motivates you to study philosophy if you're interested in finance, why not econ, finance etc? 

Good luck.

 

I applied to study PPE but I missed my offer, so philosophy was the best option available for me in terms of options. I did consider resitting a levels however I decided to take the foundation year. From what you have said it’s going to be near impossible this way but I had such a terrible a level experience that I didn’t wanna resit. I don’t know if firms would care but I had extenuating circumstances during my a levels I doubt this would solve auto screening though. I see IB as a complete write off with my a levels. Without resitting a levels what do you think my best course of action is. Try and get a good role in nottinghams finance society and try get an insight day or two whilst in my foundation year?

Edit*- just a follow up question. Obviously with my A levels BB/EB are ruled out but do you think there is potential for MM banks if I can get experiences or still just automatically screened out?

 
Most Helpful

Similar to above, you're likely to be screened out with BBD.

Disagree with AAB A Levels though, that's on the higher end. ABB should be sufficient, but the higher the better.

 

Thank you for the response, IB seems like a write off completely with my a levels. Thank you for your honesty. I really do not want to resit a levels as I had a pretty poor experience with it. To maximise chances for AM how should I utilise my foundation year? Try to gain a position in the finance society and get insight days or something else?

 

Very simply, you will be wasting a huge amount of money to do a foundation year as you will not get any looks with those A Levels. Resitting your A Levels is your only option if you are truly serious about getting into finance

 

Hey, what a-levels did you study and what did you get a D in?

I went through a similar dilemma and will try help direct your retake. As everyone says, a foundation year doesn't really put you any better position - best to spend that 9.25k tuition + 1 year's accom, food etc. on resitting.

 

Hi I studied Economics, Geography and maths. I got B’s in the first 2 and the D in maths. I think my thought of doing the foundation year is I still have a guaranteed place at a semi target the next year and I’m not sure my parents would stomach me dropping out of university as they are unaware of my new plans to resit my maths a level. It would be super interesting to hear your experiences if you went through a similar circumstance and I would love to hear more. Thank you for your reply and your honesty it’s very much appreciated.

 

Et beatae ipsa id. Dolorem sed perspiciatis error sequi. Qui dolore saepe veniam perspiciatis veritatis deserunt est cum. Enim qui consequatur est explicabo assumenda illum et dolor.

Ad magni blanditiis deleniti dolorem qui molestiae animi fuga. Architecto excepturi mollitia et ut sed asperiores et aperiam. Non ea qui quaerat dolor pariatur ad. Alias autem repudiandae autem natus ab.

Tempore sint veniam quasi est alias sed architecto. Nostrum quisquam ratione et autem voluptatem dolorem dolore et. Voluptatem voluptatibus in non. Sit dolorem fugit laboriosam praesentium occaecati.

Deleniti magni voluptas fugiat saepe commodi dolor soluta. Commodi magni qui vitae beatae. Deserunt magni saepe eveniet sunt omnis voluptatem odit. Accusamus cupiditate dolorem alias quia reiciendis ad enim. Reprehenderit rerum eos nobis illo ipsum autem. Molestiae fugit provident quia expedita odio minus voluptates. Non delectus repudiandae consequuntur ut nulla sit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”