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Study BSc Economics and Finance and develop an in-depth understanding of the workings of financial markets from both economic and financial perspectives.
You will analyse the operation of global financial markets in a broad economic context and the effects that they have on the world. Core modules in each subject provide you with a thorough grounding in many aspects of finance, economics and quantitative techniques. You will also be able to widen your knowledge of both subjects through a range of optional modules.
This course is ideal if you are technically oriented, mathematically strong and interested in the interaction between economics and finance. Through the use of dealing rooms, all supported by Thompson Reuters and Bloomberg and equipped with the latest industry simulation software, you can gain a direct insight into how financial markets operate.
In addition to traditional lectures, you will partake in group tutorials in which you can discuss and analyse theory and practice through case studies, group presentations and open debate. You will have the opportunity to extend your study of economics beyond the classroom through our student-run Economics Society, which has arranged lectures on topics ranging from "How happy are you?" to "Are you a Marxist economist?" as well as conversations with economists on topical matters such as the economics of health and feminism.
You can also apply what you learn to a placement and gain valuable real-world experience.
For more information, please visit the Department of Economics website.
Overview
Study BSc Economics and Finance and develop an in-depth understanding of the workings of financial markets from both economic and financial perspectives.
You will analyse the operation of global financial markets in a broad economic context and the effects that they have on the world. Core modules in each subject provide you with a thorough grounding in many aspects of finance, economics and quantitative techniques. You will also be able to widen your knowledge of both subjects through a range of optional modules.
This course is ideal if you are technically oriented, mathematically strong and interested in the interaction between economics and finance. Through the use of dealing rooms, all supported by Thompson Reuters and Bloomberg and equipped with the latest industry simulation software, you can gain a direct insight into how financial markets operate.
In addition to traditional lectures, you will partake in group tutorials in which you can discuss and analyse theory and practice through case studies, group presentations and open debate. You will have the opportunity to extend your study of economics beyond the classroom through our student-run Economics Society, which has arranged lectures on topics ranging from "How happy are you?" to "Are you a Marxist economist?" as well as conversations with economists on topical matters such as the economics of health and feminism.
You can also apply what you learn to a placement and gain valuable real-world experience.
For more information, please visit the Department of Economics website.
Entry requirements A Level ABB | IB 32 points overall
Select Reading 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.
Typical offer
ABB including A level or AS level Mathematics at grade B.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall, including 5 in standard level Maths and 4 in standard level English
GCSE
GCSE English at grade B (6)
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 Extended Diploma
DDM (modules taken must be comparable to A level subjects specified)
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 University of Reading’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.
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.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC120 | Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business 2 and Study Skills | DR Simonetta Longhi |
EC121 | Introductory Mathematics for Economics 2 | MISS Anisa Butt |
EC113 | Introductory Microeconomics | PROF Marina Della Giusta |
EC114 | Introductory Macroeconomics | DR Mark Guzman |
IC104 | Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance | DR Nikoloas Antypas |
IC101 | Introductory Securities and Markets | PROF Brian Scott-Quinn |
IC102 | Introductory Finance/Trading Simulation I | DR Gita Persand |
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC201 | Intermediate Microeconomics | DR Minyan Zhu |
EC202 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | DR Mark Guzman |
EC204 | Introductory Econometrics | DR Steven Bosworth |
EC206 | Intermediate Mathematics for Economics | MISS Zhe Wang |
IC201 | Corporate Finance | PROF Carol Padgett |
IC204 | Portfolio Management | DR Nikoloas Antypas |
IC206 | Financial Modelling/CMS | DR Gita Persand |
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC349 | Financial Economics | DR Hussein Hassan |
IC301 | Derivative Securities/Trading Simulation III | MR David Knapp |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC314 | Public Economics | DR Vivien Burrows |
EC311 | International Economics | DR Hussein Hassan |
EC317 | Urban Economics | DR Vivien Burrows |
EC303 | Applied Econometrics | DR Simonetta Longhi |
EC301 | Advanced Microeconomics | DR Steven Bosworth |
EC302 | Advanced Macroeconomics | DR Alexander Mihailov |
EC343 | Behavioural Economics | DR Stephen Kastoryano |
EC347 | Industrial Organisation | DR Joo Young Jeon |
EC337 | Processes of Long Term Political and Economic Change | PROF Ken Dark |
EC327 | Economics of Banking | DR Tho Pham |
EC325 | The Economics of Sports and Games | DR Carl Singleton |
EC320 | Money and Banking | DR Shixuan Wang |
EC319 | Development Economics | DR Neha Hui |
EC348 | Business History | PROF Peter Scott |
EC350 | Macroeconometrics | DR Shixuan Wang |
EC3DIS | Dissertation | PROF Ken Dark |
IC303 | Management of Risk | DR Ivan Sangiorgi |
IC302 | Financial Engineering | DR Miriam Marra |
IC309 | Private Equity and Venture Capital | DR Keith Arundale |
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250* per year
New international students: £23,700 per year
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
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.
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
Graduates will be trained as economists with particular knowledge of financial markets, enabling them to pursue careers across a wide range of fields, both within and outside the financial sector.
Recent graduates have secured roles as economists with the Government Economic Service or consultancies such as PwC and KPMG. Others have entered related and non-related careers in finance, business, marketing, publishing, PR and media.