BSc Economics and Finance
-
UCAS code
LN13 -
Typical offer
ABB -
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
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.
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.
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.
Learning
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.
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.
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.
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 |
---|---|---|
EC113 | Introductory Microeconomics | DR Vivien Burrows |
EC114 | Introductory Macroeconomics | DR Mark Guzman |
EC128 | Intermediate Mathematics for Economics | DR Fangya Xu |
EC1CORE | Core Competencies in Economics | DR Carl Singleton |
IC101 | Introductory Securities and Markets | MR John Chessher |
IC102 | Introductory Finance/Trading Simulation I | DR Gita Persand |
IC104 | Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance | DR Nikoloas Antypas |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC201 | Intermediate Microeconomics | DR Carolyn Molesworth-St Aubyn |
EC202 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | DR Mark Guzman |
EC206 | Intermediate Mathematics for Economics | DR Christos Mavrodimitrakis |
IC201 | Corporate Finance | MISS Dina Ghanma |
IC204 | Portfolio Management | DR Nikoloas Antypas |
IC205 | Introductory Econometrics for Finance | DR Lisa Schopohl |
IC212 | Financial Modelling | DR Gita Persand |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC349 | Financial Economics | DR Fangya Xu |
IC317 | Derivative Securities | DR Yueting Cui |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC301 | Advanced Microeconomics | DR Steven Bosworth |
EC302 | Advanced Macroeconomics | DR Alexander Mihailov |
EC311 | International Economics | DR Hussein Hassan |
EC314 | Public Economics | DR Vivien Burrows |
EC317 | Urban Economics | DR Vivien Burrows |
EC319 | Development Economics | DR Samantha Benvinda Rawlings |
EC320 | Money and Banking | DR Christos Mavrodimitrakis |
EC322 | Economics of Labour | DR Sarah Jewell |
EC325 | The Economics of Sports and Games | PROF James Reade |
EC327 | Economics of Banking | DR Tho Pham |
EC334 | Environmental Economics | DR Stefania Lovo |
EC343 | Behavioural Economics | DR Joo Young Jeon |
EC347 | Industrial Organisation | DR Joo Young Jeon |
EC350 | Macroeconometrics | DR Shixuan Wang |
EC3DIS | Dissertation | DR Hussein Hassan |
IC302 | Financial Engineering | MR Mohammad Shehub Bin Hasan |
IC303 | Management of Risk | DR Ivan Sangiorgi |
IC309 | Private Equity and Venture Capital | DR Keith Arundale |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £24,500
*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 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes first degree Economics responders.