BSc Economics and Finance

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.