BSc Mathematics and Economics with a Placement Year

Expand your knowledge across two complementary disciplines and develop in-demand skills with our BSc Mathematics and Economics with a Placement Year course.

This flexible course will prepare you for a multitude of careers in growing industries, allowing you to study to your strengths and discover new interests. You'll develop your skills in mathematics and economics, as well as learn how to code.

Choose BSc Mathematics and Economics with a Placement Year

98% of our research in maths is world leading or internationally excellent, and 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Mathematical Sciences).
The 黑瓜吃料网 is ranked 10th in the UK in Business and Economics subjects (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024, United Kingdom providers only).
The 黑瓜吃料网 is ranked 1st in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (People and Planet University League, 2023/24), and won the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership in 2023.
The 黑瓜吃料网 has been named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Your study will take place on our parkland campus at Whiteknights, which has been voted among the best and most popular green spaces in the UK for 14 consecutive years in the Green Flag Awards.

Grow in confidence as a mathematician

Join the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, where you'll be part of a supportive, interactive and accomplished learning community.

Taught by expert staff with extensive teaching, research and consultancy experience, you'll work collaboratively across a range of topics in pure and applied mathematics.

Your modules will be informed by our world-leading research, and include such topics as:

calculus
analysis
linear algebra
differential equations
numerical analysis.

Your second year will feature a skills module, which is designed to improve your transferrable skills and employability.

Explore economics

Economics skills can help you progress into a range of careers in business, finance, government and marketing.

In the Department of Economics, you'll be taught by academics whose work informs the policy decisions of governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank.

Throughout your degree, you'll gain a thorough understanding of:

microeconomics
macroeconomics
econometrics
economic theory.

We pride ourselves on our high-quality teaching, which is delivered via lectures, group tutorials, presentations and open debate.

Placement year

This degree includes an integrated, year-long professional placement between your second and final year.

We offer a variety of placements in areas such as finance, logistics and technology, and across a range of national and international organisations, such as Microsoft, IBM, SAP and the NHS.

Our dedicated placements officer can provide advice and support to help find your ideal placement, as well as developing your CV and interview skills.

Tailor your degree to suit your interests

In the final year of your degree, you'll be able to explore your areas of interest in greater depth. Alongside maths and/or statistics project work, you can choose from a range of optional modules, covering topics such as international economics, macroeconomic policy and dynamic systems.

A supportive learning community

Benefit from being a part of two departments who will support you throughout your degree.

In the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, we are passionate about creating a friendly, inclusive learning environment. 97% of our students said it was easy to contact teaching staff when they needed to (National Student Survey 2024, 96.97% of responders from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics).

You'll be taught by academics with a wealth of experience in industry, who are actively contributing to relevant research in a wide range of areas. Our real-world expertise will enhance your learning and understanding, keeping you updated with the latest developments in maths.

You will enjoy an enviable staff to student ratio, with a personalised focus on your education. We also encourage students to join our Department's Student-Staff Partnership Group, enabling you to have a direct input into the student experience.

In addition to regular contact time with your lecturers, you'll receive plenty of support, including:

small group problem-solving tutorials
materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics.

The Department of Economics also offers:

Economics Surgeries: one-to-one appointments with staff, enabling you to discuss the topics you've studied and get help with specific study skills.
Economics Conversations: providing the opportunity to discuss an economic issue in the news with staff and other students from across the department in a relaxed, informal setting.
The Economics Society: a student-led body that arranges social events for students, careers-focused events, and discussions with economists on a range of topical matters, such as the economics of health and feminism.

Study abroad

With support and guidance from the University, you can choose to spend two weeks, a semester, or an academic year of your degree studying abroad.

Visit the website for more information about the possibilities and benefits of studying abroad.

Overview

Expand your knowledge across two complementary disciplines and develop in-demand skills with our BSc Mathematics and Economics with a Placement Year course.

Choose BSc Mathematics and Economics with a Placement Year

98% of our research in maths is world leading or internationally excellent, and 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Mathematical Sciences).
The 黑瓜吃料网 is ranked 10th in the UK in Business and Economics subjects (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024, United Kingdom providers only).
The 黑瓜吃料网 is ranked 1st in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (People and Planet University League, 2023/24), and won the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership in 2023.
The 黑瓜吃料网 has been named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Your study will take place on our parkland campus at Whiteknights, which has been voted among the best and most popular green spaces in the UK for 14 consecutive years in the Green Flag Awards.

Grow in confidence as a mathematician

Join the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, where you'll be part of a supportive, interactive and accomplished learning community.

Taught by expert staff with extensive teaching, research and consultancy experience, you'll work collaboratively across a range of topics in pure and applied mathematics.

Your modules will be informed by our world-leading research, and include such topics as:

calculus
analysis
linear algebra
differential equations
numerical analysis.

Your second year will feature a skills module, which is designed to improve your transferrable skills and employability.

Explore economics

Economics skills can help you progress into a range of careers in business, finance, government and marketing.

Throughout your degree, you'll gain a thorough understanding of:

microeconomics
macroeconomics
econometrics
economic theory.

We pride ourselves on our high-quality teaching, which is delivered via lectures, group tutorials, presentations and open debate.

Placement year

This degree includes an integrated, year-long professional placement between your second and final year.

We offer a variety of placements in areas such as finance, logistics and technology, and across a range of national and international organisations, such as Microsoft, IBM, SAP and the NHS.

Our dedicated placements officer can provide advice and support to help find your ideal placement, as well as developing your CV and interview skills.

Learning

Tailor your degree to suit your interests

A supportive learning community

Benefit from being a part of two departments who will support you throughout your degree.

In addition to regular contact time with your lecturers, you'll receive plenty of support, including:

small group problem-solving tutorials
materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics.

The Department of Economics also offers:

Economics Surgeries: one-to-one appointments with staff, enabling you to discuss the topics you've studied and get help with specific study skills.
Economics Conversations: providing the opportunity to discuss an economic issue in the news with staff and other students from across the department in a relaxed, informal setting.
The Economics Society: a student-led body that arranges social events for students, careers-focused events, and discussions with economists on a range of topical matters, such as the economics of health and feminism.

Study abroad

With support and guidance from the University, you can choose to spend two weeks, a semester, or an academic year of your degree studying abroad.

Visit the website for more information about the possibilities and benefits of studying abroad.

Entry requirements A Level ABC

Select 黑瓜吃料网 as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

ABC with an A in Maths, and if you place us as your Firm choice we will accept you with one grade lower than this, including accepting a B in Maths at A-level (e.g BBC with Maths at B or ABD with Maths at either A or B).

If you are studying an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in addition to your A levels and achieve a B in the EPQ we will accept ACC at A level with an A in Mathematics. If you place us as Firm choice we will accept BCC with a B in Mathematics alongside a B in the EPQ.

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall including 6 in Maths at higher level. If you place us as your Firm choice we will accept you with 28 points overall including 5 in Maths at higher level.

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC

Not accepted unless studied alongside A level Maths. The BTEC Extended Diploma cannot be accepted on its own to cover the Maths subject requirement.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the 黑瓜吃料网’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Compulsory modules

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.

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 黑瓜吃料网.

Compulsory modules

Intermediate Macroeconomics

Develop 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 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.

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 黑瓜吃料网.

Placement Year

Compulsory modules

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.

Optional modules

Summer Placement

Gain experience applying for, and completing, a summer work placement or internship with an employer.

Methods of Machine Learning

Gain familiarity with the range of methods used in statistical machine learning and demonstrate how these are used in research and industry. You’ll have the opportunity to implement machine learning methods using statistical software and interpret and communicate your findings.

Number Theory and Cryptography

Explore a range of topics within number theory and cryptography, including the RSA cryptosystem and error correcting codes.

Asymptotic Methods

Discover the basic ideas of asymptotic analysis and further develop your skills in solving a range of problems involving nonlinear equations, integrals and differential equations.

Dynamical Systems and Applications

Analyse dynamical systems and their applications to real-world problems. You’ll explore systems of linear and nonlinear differential equations, and understand how they’re applied to biological issues such as population growth, cell systems, and the spread of infectious diseases.

Linear Models and Data Analysis

Gain understanding of the most common models, including multiple linear regression and completely randomised designs, and explore the key principles of planned experiments. Learn how models are applied to practical problems and gain experience of real-life data analysis.

Introductory Econometrics

Learn techniques in econometrics for time series, with applications to macroeconomic and finance datasets. You’ll develop econometric software skills and gain hands-on experience in analysing a wide range of economic questions. You’ll also develop a solid grounding in recent developments in time series econometrics.

International Economics

This module is concerned with economic interactions among sovereign nations in terms of trade in goods and services as well as investment in financial and real assets. You’ll explore answers to questions such as fair distribution of benefits, regulation of trade, and financial relations. You’ll also learn to apply the theoretical concepts and models introduced to the policy context of Brexit and EU integration.

Development Economics

Apply economic tools to the study of issues that are of particular importance to low-income countries, such as microeconomic theory to understand the causes and consequences of underdevelopment. You’ll be equipped with an understanding of relevant economic theory, evidence, and implications for policy.

Money and Banking

Build on your knowledge of intermediate macroeconomics as you study the economics of money, banking, and financial markets. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge about financial markets and institutions, central banking and monetary policy, with a focus on analysing the role of money and understanding the financial structure of financial institutions, businesses and the process of banking.

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 黑瓜吃料网.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,535 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

New international students: £29,950 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the 黑瓜吃料网 sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Placement year fees

If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Careers with mathematics and economics

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.

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).

Previous 黑瓜吃料网 graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as:

BDO
Civil Service
Deloitte
EY
Grant Thornton
JLL
Lloyds Banking Group
IBM
IQVIA
KPMG
NHS
Pepsi Co
PwC.

Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2020-2024, Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2017/18-2021/22, includes undergraduate responders from the Department of Mathematics.

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