Should footballers earn more than nurses? Take this further...

Should footballers earn more than nurses? By now, you know this is a tricky subject! If you’ve been inspired to delve deeper, here are some suggested subjects you could study at a university like Oxford.

1. Biomedical Sciences
   1. Biomedical scientists focus on how cells, organs and systems function in the human body; an exciting and dynamic area that is highly relevant to the understanding and treatment of human diseases. This course provides students with an intellectually stimulating education in modern molecular, cellular and systems biology and neuroscience. Find out more.
2. Economics and Management
   1. Economics studies how consumers, firms and governments make decisions that together determine how resources are allocated. An appreciation of economics helps to make sense of government policy-making, the conduct of businesses and the enormous changes in economic systems which are occurring throughout the world.  Management is concerned with the effective use and coordination of materials and labour within organisations in the pursuit of the organisation’s defined objectives. It considers the interrelationship and interactions between distinct parts of an organisation, and between the organisation and its environment. Management students look at theories, models and frameworks in order to understand how managers behave and consider their role in the process of decision-making. Find out more.
3. History
   1. The study of History at Oxford combines the examination of large regions over extended periods of time with more focused work on smaller groups, shorter periods and particular problems. It provides a distinctive education by developing an awareness of differing political, cultural, social and economic structures in past societies and their interrelationship. It combines vigorous debate over questions of interpretation with rigorous attention to the source materials. Its constant enrichment by cross-fertilisation from other disciplines leads to new questions about the past. Find out more.
4. Mathematics
   1. Mathematicians have always been fascinated by numbers. One of the most famous problems is Fermat’s Last Theorem: ie if n≥3, the equation xⁿ+yⁿ=zⁿ has no solutions with x, y, z all nonzero integers. An older problem is to show that one cannot construct a line of length ³√2 with ruler and compass, starting with just a unit length. Often the solution to a problem will require you to think outside its original framing. This is true here, and you will see the second problem solved in your course; the first is far too deep and was famously solved by Andrew Wiles. In applied mathematics we use mathematics to explain phenomena that occur in the real world. You can learn how a leopard gets its spots, explore quantum theory and relativity, or study the mathematics of stock markets. We will encourage you to ask questions and find solutions for yourself. You will need to think mathematically and we begin by teaching you careful definitions so that you can construct theorems and proofs. Above all, mathematics is a logical subject, so you will need to argue clearly and concisely as you solve problems. Find out more.

These are just some ideas, and if you are considering Higher Education you should carefully weigh up your options to choose the course and university that are right for you! You could try further suggested reading and resources.