Economics and Mathematics BSc

Course overview

Mathematics is key to solving economic problems. The ongoing drive for economic efficiency, as well as the increasing importance of technology and big data, means that mathematics continues to have a significant impact on how the world works. Demand for an in-depth economics perspective backed-up with mathematics skills comes from multiple sectors – from business and technology to finance and IT – and the career options available are varied.

Studying Economics and Mathematics at Leeds will give you firm foundations in the theory and applications of mathematics and economics. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of micro and macroeconomics. You’ll get to grips with core concepts such as supply and demand, as well as developing your skills in econometrics. And your mathematics learning will give you a solid grounding in algebra, calculus, probability, statistics and more.

Here at Leeds, we understand the importance economics and mathematics have in everyday life, which is why we have one of the largest mathematics research departments in the UK and our courses are shaped by the latest thinking. This course is delivered jointly by the School of Mathematics and the Leeds University Business School, equipping you with the relevant knowledge, skills and experience you need to begin your career.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our courses are shaped by our leading research in areas such as probability and financial mathematics, modern applied statistics, and analysis.
• Learn from world-renowned experts at Leeds University Business School, ranked 7th in the UK for Economics (Guardian University Guide 2022).
• Put theory into practice with access to modern facilities and computing equipment, complemented by social areas, communal problem-solving spaces and quiet study rooms.
• Develop your experience and boost your career prospects with our paid industrial placement opportunities or study abroad programmes.
• Benefit from our close links with organisations like Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics.
• Benefit from our partnership with the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society MathSoc where you can meet more of your peers, enjoy social events and join the MathSoc football or netball team.

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Accreditation

Royal Statistical Society

Certain options can receive Royal Statistical Society accreditation and others can receive exemptions from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

Course details

Your time will be divided approximately equally between modules from economics and mathematics. You’ll enjoy a great deal of independence in shaping your studies from a wide range of advanced topics in both subjects, including statistics and financial mathematics.

Year 1

In year 1, you’ll be introduced to micro and macroeconomics, and develop knowledge of the structures and institutions of industry. In mathematics, you’ll study core topics including probability and statistics, calculus and mathematical analysis, and linear algebra.

Year 2

In year 2, you’ll continue to study micro and macroeconomic theory and will learn more advanced techniques in the application of economic models to problems. In mathematics, you can choose from modules on topics including statistics, financial mathematics, differential equations and numerical analysis.

Year 3

In year 3, you’ll undertake a project in either mathematics or economics. For the remainder of the year, you can choose optional modules in economics and mathematics from a wide variety. Your economic studies could explore environmental and development economics, international corporations and trade, business and corporate strategy or advanced studies in the core subjects of macro and micro-economics.

In mathematics, you’ll be given the opportunity to study actuarial mathematics, stochastic modelling in finance, as well as a wide range of pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics topics.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

To advance your skill set and boost your experience, you can apply to take up an industrial placement or study abroad at one of the many universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Economics and Mathematics BSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught through lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical classes. You’ll enjoy extensive tutorial support and have freedom in your workload and options.

We offer a variety of welcoming spaces to study and socialise with your fellow students. There’s a café, social and group study areas, a library and a seminar room, as well as a Research Visitors Centre and a Mathematics Active Learning Lab.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Playing with Infinity ∞ Two Famous Infinite Series
• What Does it Mean to be Round?
• Fractals – What, How, Why?

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’re assessed through a range of methods, including formal exams and in-course assessment.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA/A*AB including Grade A in Mathematics.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

GCSE: You must also have GCSE English at grade B (6) or above (or equivalent). We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Other course specific tests:

Extended Project Qualification and International Project Qualification: Whilst we recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, we do not currently include them as part of our offer-making. We do, however, encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: ABB including A in Mathematics and pass Access to Leeds.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with a Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £24,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

School of Mathematics
Leeds University Business School

Contact us

School of Mathematics Undergraduate Admissions

Email: maths.admiss@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Mathematical skills are highly valued in virtually all walks of life, which means that the employment opportunities for mathematics graduates are far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

University of Leeds students are among the top five most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2022, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after.

Qualifying with a degree in Economics and Mathematics from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations needed to pursue an exciting career across a wide range of industries and sectors, including:

• Banking and finance
• Asset management and investment
• Consultancy
• Insurance
• Teaching
• Central and local government

The numerical, analytical and problem solving skills you will develop, as well as your specialist subject knowledge and your ability to think logically, are highly valued by employers. This course also allows you to develop the transferable skills that employers seek.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

• Quantitative Analyst, Aldermore Bank
• Business Intelligence Engineer, Amazon
• Strategy & Portfolio Analyst, BP
• Chartered Accountant Trainee, Crowe Clark Whitehill
• Corporate Finance - Restructuring Services, Deloitte
• Audit Associate, Ernst & Young
• Credit Risk Analyst, Gazprom-energy
• Management Accountant, Goldman Sachs
• Trainee Actuary, Government Actuary's Department
• Maths Tutor, Hall Cross School
• Technology Analyst, HSBC Global Banking and Markets
• Investment Operations Associate, Partners Capital
• Associate, Business Recovery Services, PwC
• Financial Analyst, Rothschild
• Trainee Chartered Accountant, Ryecroft Glenton
• Investment Manager, Schroder's

Careers support

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

The graduate recruitment market is highly competitive so it’s important that you stand out. An industrial placement could be the opportunity you need to impress potential employers and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• All placements are salaried
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Industrial Placement Student,Deloitte LLP
• Risk Analyst - Infrastructure/ Strategy, Lloyds Banking Group
• Finance and Governance Placement, Bupa
• Operations Analyst, Tracsis Rail Consultancy
• Data Scientist, Department for Work & Pensions

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

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