Economics and Management at Oxford — Admissions Guide 2027

Apply via UCAS by 15 October 2025. The TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) was previously required but has been replaced — check the latest Oxford E&M admissions page for current test arrangements. Interviews run in December: typically 2 interviews of 20-30 minutes each, involving quantitative problems and discussion of economic reasoning.

Expect to solve quantitative problems involving graphs, algebra, and logical reasoning. Interviewers may present a business scenario or economic puzzle and ask you to reason through it. They are testing your analytical thinking and mathematical confidence, not whether you know textbook economics. Demonstrate clear step-by-step reasoning and be willing to adjust when given new information.

Holistic assessment combining admissions test score, interview performance, predicted grades, and personal statement. The admissions test is heavily weighted for shortlisting. Strong interview performance is critical for converting a shortlist into an offer.

Focus on economic thinking, not business achievements. Discuss a specific economic problem or concept that genuinely interests you and what questions it raised. Show mathematical confidence. Do not list work experience or extracurriculars — every sentence should be about your intellectual engagement with economics.

Year 1: Prelims covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative economics, financial management, and general management. Years 2-3: Finals with compulsory papers in economics and management plus options. Assessment is primarily through final exams. Teaching combines lectures, tutorials (2 per week), and classes.

E&M application numbers vary significantly by college. Some receive 3x more applications than others. Research college-level statistics before choosing. Open application is valid. Oxford's reallocation system redistributes strong candidates.

Oxford E&M graduates are exceptionally well-placed for careers in investment banking, consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain), private equity, technology, central banking, and public policy. The combination of rigorous economics with management gives graduates a distinctive profile.

International students are welcome. IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 per component. The admissions test is available at centres worldwide. Chinese applicants typically need A-Levels or IB rather than Gaokao alone.