mask

CHOOSE A SUBJECT

BSc Economics and Finance

UCAS code
LN13
A level offer
ABB
Year of entry
2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years

Year of entry
2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years

Study modern economics and its applications to financial markets with our BSc Economics and Finance degree.

This three-year course will provide a rigorous foundation of economics and financial systems. Learn to apply economic theories to real-life problems in financial markets.

How do investors make their investment decisions?
Why did the financial crisis of 2007-2008 happen?
What can be done to prevent the next financial crisis?

You will engage with specialist topics including:

financial economics
financial modelling
corporate finance.

The programme will equip you with analytical skills, decision-making skills, and advanced financial techniques for a successful career in the financial services sector as a banker, investment analyst, advisor, economist, or other related roles.

Access to real-world facilities

You will learn advanced analytical methods using relevant industry-specific software and data sources such as simulation software, Bloomberg, and Thompson Reuters.

Moreover, you will have opportunities to practise your knowledge in asset pricing and risk management by participating in the CME Group University Trading Challenge under the guidance of our academics, who are experts in the field.

Interdisciplinary study

Your studies will cover a range of topics, including:

Financial economics
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Derivative securities/trading simulation
Financial modelling/trading simulation
Portfolio management
Corporate finance.

Optional modules will bring your studies to life and relate to life outside the classroom, with interactive modules.

Fintech and Cryptocurrencies asks how and why firms are implementing blockchain technology in their day-to-day business, as well as addressing the challenges they face. You will also learn about the nature of popular cryptocurrencies and their governance.
Economics of Banking explores the weaknesses in the banking sector, the strategies adopted by banks to address risks, and the rationale for government intervention in the financial sector and banking regulation.
Economics of Sport and Games dissects how competitive and controlled environments within sport can provide laboratories to study human behaviour, test theories, and observe the impacts of policy.

Choose economics at the University of Reading

Established for more than 50 years.
100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).
We are ranked in the top 200 universities in the world for Economics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

Your learning environment

Our research in the Department of Economics has real-world applications and has informed policy decisions by governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank.

Financial markets experts from the University's ICMA Centre in Henley Business School will guide you in your learning.

At Reading, our researchers are addressing some of the key issues of the twenty-first century, such as the future role of fintech and sustainable economic growth:

Dr Andrew Urquhart is Professor of Finance and Financial Technology at the ICMA Centre, Henley Business School. He is a leading international expert on Cryptocurrencies and organiser of the major Cryptocurrency Research Conference every year.
Dr Tho Pham is carrying out research on the influence of social media on people and outcomes, such as voting results.
Dr James Reade combines his interests in sports and econometrics to understand what drives people's economic behaviour, as well as understanding the world of sports economics and finance.

What you study throughout your degree will be aligned with our research clusters, keeping you up to date with the latest developments in economics and finance. Your learning is complemented by guest speakers from outside the University and the student-led Economics Society and Finance Society.

As well as lectures, you'll participate in small-group tutorials, enabling you to discuss and analyse both theory and practise through case studies, group presentations and open debate.

Supporting your learning

The Department of Economics will support your learning in several ways:

Economics Surgeries offer one-to-one appointments with staff, allowing you to discuss the topics you've studied and get help with specific study skills.
Conversations with Economists provide the opportunity for you to discuss an economic issue in the news with staff and other students from across the Department in a relaxed and informal setting.
The Economics Society and Finance Society are student-led bodies that you can join. They arrange social events for students, careers-focused events, and discussions with economists and financiers on a range of topical matters.

Work placements with BSc Economics and Finance

Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree. You can also extend your single honours degree by a year by incorporating a one-year placement into your degree programme. We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.

Previous students from the Department of Economics have undertaken placements with:

Bank of England
Lloyds Bank
Beazley Group Insurance company
Grant Thornton
YouLend
William and Co Accountancy
Office of Budgetary Responsibility
Treasury.

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year or term abroad at one of our partner universities in Australia, Canada, the USA, or across Europe. Visit our Study Abroad website for more information.

Overview

Study modern economics and its applications to financial markets with our BSc Economics and Finance degree.

This three-year course will provide a rigorous foundation of economics and financial systems. Learn to apply economic theories to real-life problems in financial markets.

How do investors make their investment decisions?
Why did the financial crisis of 2007-2008 happen?
What can be done to prevent the next financial crisis?

You will engage with specialist topics including:

financial economics
financial modelling
corporate finance.

Access to real-world facilities

You will learn advanced analytical methods using relevant industry-specific software and data sources such as simulation software, Bloomberg, and Thompson Reuters.

Interdisciplinary study

Your studies will cover a range of topics, including:

Financial economics
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Derivative securities/trading simulation
Financial modelling/trading simulation
Portfolio management
Corporate finance.

Optional modules will bring your studies to life and relate to life outside the classroom, with interactive modules.

Fintech and Cryptocurrencies asks how and why firms are implementing blockchain technology in their day-to-day business, as well as addressing the challenges they face. You will also learn about the nature of popular cryptocurrencies and their governance.
Economics of Banking explores the weaknesses in the banking sector, the strategies adopted by banks to address risks, and the rationale for government intervention in the financial sector and banking regulation.
Economics of Sport and Games dissects how competitive and controlled environments within sport can provide laboratories to study human behaviour, test theories, and observe the impacts of policy.

Choose economics at the University of Reading

Established for more than 50 years.
100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).
We are ranked in the top 200 universities in the world for Economics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

Learning

Your learning environment

Financial markets experts from the University's ICMA Centre in Henley Business School will guide you in your learning.

At Reading, our researchers are addressing some of the key issues of the twenty-first century, such as the future role of fintech and sustainable economic growth:

Dr Andrew Urquhart is Professor of Finance and Financial Technology at the ICMA Centre, Henley Business School. He is a leading international expert on Cryptocurrencies and organiser of the major Cryptocurrency Research Conference every year.
Dr Tho Pham is carrying out research on the influence of social media on people and outcomes, such as voting results.
Dr James Reade combines his interests in sports and econometrics to understand what drives people's economic behaviour, as well as understanding the world of sports economics and finance.

As well as lectures, you'll participate in small-group tutorials, enabling you to discuss and analyse both theory and practise through case studies, group presentations and open debate.

Supporting your learning

The Department of Economics will support your learning in several ways:

Economics Surgeries offer one-to-one appointments with staff, allowing you to discuss the topics you've studied and get help with specific study skills.
Conversations with Economists provide the opportunity for you to discuss an economic issue in the news with staff and other students from across the Department in a relaxed and informal setting.
The Economics Society and Finance Society are student-led bodies that you can join. They arrange social events for students, careers-focused events, and discussions with economists and financiers on a range of topical matters.

Work placements with BSc Economics and Finance

Previous students from the Department of Economics have undertaken placements with:

Bank of England
Lloyds Bank
Beazley Group Insurance company
Grant Thornton
YouLend
William and Co Accountancy
Office of Budgetary Responsibility
Treasury.

Study Abroad

Entry requirements A Level ABB

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.

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

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 (5)

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

Not accepted, unless studied alongside A level Maths. The BTEC Extended Diploma cannot be accepted to cover the Maths subject-specific 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 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.

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

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

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*

New international students: £27,650

*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.

Overall, 92% of graduates from Economics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.[1] 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.

[1] Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes first degree Economics responders.