University of Reading

BSc Mathematics and Economics

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 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 real world works through key economics and concepts, and microeconomics and macroeconomics and how these overlap. You’ll learn what markets can and cannot do, and the role of people and government in the 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

• Microeconomics: This microeconomics module brings together economic theories and mathematical methods taught in your first-year modules. The primary aim of the course is to introduce you to the bread-and-butter toolbox of a microeconomist. You will learn formal, mathematical, solution methods. The main advantage of a mathematical approach is its rigor and clarity. By removing extraneous details from a problem or issue, models help to isolate and uncover underlying trade-offs and illuminate connections between ideas.
• Macroeconomics: This macroeconomics module brings together economic theories and mathematical methods taught in your first-year modules. This second-year course is designed to provide a systematic understanding of the main concepts and models of macroeconomics, both graphically and algebraically, related to output, economic growth, inflation, and unemployment. In addition, you should have a deeper appreciation of the interrelationship between these macroeconomic variables and government stabilisation (fiscal/monetary) or structural policies. This will help you to get an understanding of major economic events around the globe and critically analyse relevant issues discussed in the news, or by politicians.
• Intermediate Economic Theory: Get acquainted with the basic concepts of economic modelling 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, 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 modelling techniques to solve real-world problems across a broad range of scientific, engineering and economical areas. You’ll also expand your team-working, presentation, career management, technical, verbal and written communication skills.
• Real Analysis I: Explore mathematical analysis concepts including inequalities, sequences, series and functions.

Year 3

• 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 decision 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 working 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
• modeling
• actuarial work
• publishing
• marketing and PR.

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

Overall, 90% of graduates from Mathematics and Statistics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes first-degree Mathematics and Statistics responders).