BSc Mathematics and Economics

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 University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

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. 

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.

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.

Partial Differential Equations and Applications 

Examine partial differential equations and how they appear in practical applications and natural phenomena, in particular fluid mechanics, water waves and wave scattering theory.

Advanced Statistical Modelling 

Develop an understanding of situations in which different models are likely to be appropriate, learning more about generalised linear models, repeated measurement data, and traditional and modern approaches to data analysis. 

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.

Intermediate 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.

Theory of Macroeconomic Policy

You’ll learn to use theory to evaluate economic policies, understand the choices and the constraints policy-makers face, and appreciate the way interactions among policymakers affect policy outcomes.  

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.