BSc Mathematics and Economics with a Placement Year

Compulsory modules

Year 1

• Calculus: Extend your existing knowledge of calculus into two or more dimensions, exploring techniques of ordinary differential equations of the first and second order and learning how programming has mathematical applications.
• Foundations of Mathematics: Gain a solid introduction to fundamental topics in mathematics and develop the necessary skills to study mathematics at the university level. You’ll focus on the concept of sets, functions, and various familiar number systems, as well as the importance of proofs and how to construct them.
• Introductory Economics: This module provides an analytical introduction to modern concepts of economics. You’ll gain an understanding of how the real world works through key economics and concepts, microeconomics and macroeconomics, and how these overlap. You’ll learn what markets can and cannot do, and the role of people and government in economic performance.
• Linear Algebra: Learn how to solve systems of linear equations, determine eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and develop the algebra of matrices which are used as a stepping-stone to the more general theory of liner and inner-product spaces.
• Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis: Learn quantitative techniques that are useful in economics and build a foundation for understanding more specialised techniques.
• Mathematical Methods for Economists: Learn advanced mathematical techniques and their economic applications. You’ll understand how mathematics can be used to describe and extend economics in a rigorous fashion.

Year 2

• Intermediate Macroeconomics: Develop an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles and analytic concepts related to economic growth, inflation, unemployment, and interest rates. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the interrelationship between macroeconomic variables and government policy, and be able to analyse relevant issues discussed by news and politicians.
• Intermediate Microeconomics: Develop an in-depth and rigorous understanding of the core concepts and methods of microeconomics. You’ll learn more about consumer and producer theory, and discover new topics including game theory, bargaining, market competition, general equilibrium, and welfare.
• Intermediate Economic Theory: Get acquainted with the basic concepts of economic modeling by applying previously learned economics in a more formal, structured way. You’ll progress to advanced microeconomics and advanced macroeconomics by learning what constitutes a formal model, how micro-foundations form the basis of modern macroeconomic models, and how to use formal mathematical models to answer economic questions and analyse real-world policies.
• Differential Equations: Build on your knowledge of ordinary differential equations and explore partial differential equations and their applications. You’ll explore non-constant coefficients, integral and series solutions, the Fourier series, the theory of boundary value problems, diffusion equations, wave equations, and Laplace’s equation.
• Mathematical Modelling and Professional Skills: Develop your problem-solving and independent research skills by applying mathematical modeling techniques to solve real-world problems across a broad range of scientific, engineering, and economical areas. You’ll also expand your teamwork, presentation, career management, and technical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Real Analysis I: Explore mathematical analysis concepts including inequalities, sequences, series, and functions.

Year 3

• Placement Year

Year 4

• Advanced Microeconomics: Build on the methods you developed knowledge of in Intermediate Microeconomics and Economic Theory to learn advanced topics in microeconomic theory. Topics include decisions under uncertainty, incomplete markets, labour economics, credit, insurance, various markets with asymmetric information, mechanism design, and richer theories of the firm.
• Advanced Macroeconomics: Learn major theories of long-run economic growth and short-run economic fluctuations, and understand issues such as what causes economies to grow, why some countries are richer than others, and what poorer nations can do to catch up. You’ll explore alternative explanations for what causes economies to fluctuate in the short run, and what role the government can, or should, play, in smoothing out fluctuations.
• Portfolio of Projects: Conduct a series of projects on mathematical or statistical topics and develop your technical and professional skills.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Your mathematical and economics knowledge – combined with the computing, teamwork, and presentation skills you've gained during your degree – will make you highly desirable to a range of employers.

Your maths skills could lead to work as a mathematician or statistician for public sector organisations, such as health authorities or the Office for National Statistics, or to a career in the private sector.

Utilising your economics skills, you could undertake a role with the Government Economic Service or work for a consultancy such as PwC or KPMG.

As a graduate of both disciplines, you could move into a variety of careers, such as:

• accountancy
• financial analysis
• engineering
• modelling
• actuarial work
• publishing
• marketing and PR.

Alternatively, you can develop your skills further by moving into research, teaching training or postgraduate studies.