BSc Economics and Finance with International Foundation Year - September Entry

• International Foundation Year modules

Compulsory modules

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.  

Introductory Securities and Markets

Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance

Core Competencies in Economics

Introductory Finance/Trading Simulation I

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. 

Optional modules

Economics of Climate Change

Acquire an economic perspective on the causes and consequences of climate change. You’ll learn key theoretical concepts, such as externalities and public goods, and policy tools such as command and control measures, taxation and subsidies to devise adequate responses to climate change. You’ll gain a perspective on national and international climate change policy approaches and their implications for economic development. 

History of Economic Thought

Become acquainted with the main schools of thought in economics and understand the origins of economic ideas. You’ll learn about scholars and their ideas from a historical perspective, and consider their relevance in the context of contemporary debates. 

 
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

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 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.  

Corporate Finance

Introductory Econometrics for Finance

Optional modules

Business Economics

Develop your understanding of a number of areas of business economics, with a focus on theory. 

Games and Economic Behaviour

In this module, you’ll actively participate in one or more models of economic phenomena through an online gaming platform. You’ll gain greater insight into the assumptions and mechanisms underlying models of economic behaviour with the game-based versions of each model. 

Economics of Social Policy

Develop your understanding of how economic analysis can be applied to the real-world problems faced by policy makers. You’ll study socioeconomic problems and the role of Government policy. You’ll learn techniques from both microeconomics and macroeconomics to analyse topics such as poverty and inequality, housing, crime, health and education,. economics. 

Economic History

Understand how the world economy got to be where it is today, focusing on significant periods of economic change from the commercial revolution of the medieval period through to the modern digital revolution. 

Trends in Finance

Programming for Finance,

Sustainable Finance, 

FX and International Debt Markets

Compulsory modules

Financial Economics

Learn about the economic reasoning that underpins much of modern finance, including portfolio theory and asset pricing. You’ll apply neoclassical financial analysis  to financial decision making in the world of uncertainty and market imperfections. You’ll also learn about the role of financial intermediation in facilitating investment. 

Financial Modelling

Derivative Securities

Optional modules

Environmental Economics

Get an overview of the theories, methodological tools, and evidence to understand contemporary environmental problems such as climate change, pollution, and sustainable development. You’ll learn the framework to evaluate various important policy questions.  

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

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. 

Economics of Labour

This module aims to equip you with the tools to examine labour market issues and published empirical findings from a critical perspective. You’ll learn theoretical models and their application to these issues. 

Theory of Macroeconomic Policy

This module is about macroeconomic policy and those responsible for it in modern capitalist societies. 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. 

Dissertation

Work on an independent dissertation project of 8,000 words, under the guidance of a supervisor. You’ll identify the research question, critically evaluate the relevant literature, apply theoretical frameworks and research methods to your research questions, and learn to analyse and synthesise the research findings.  

Private Equity and Venture Capital,

Finance and Occupational Pensions,

Fintech and Cryptocurrencies