Skip to main content

University of Reading Cookie Policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience. Find out more about our cookie policy. By continuing to use our site you accept these terms, and are happy for us to use cookies to improve your browsing experience.

Continue using the University of Reading website

  • Schools and departments
  • Henley Business School
  • University of Reading Malaysia
  • Applicants
  • Student
  • Staff
  • Alumni
Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading University of Reading
Mobile search categories
  • Study and life
  • Research
  • About us
  • View courses
  • Home
  • Study and life
    • Clearing 2023
    • Study
    • Student life
    • Accommodation
    • Open Days and visiting
    • International students
  • Research
    • Themes
    • Impact
    • Innovation and partnerships
    • Research environment
    • Get involved
  • About us
    • Our global community
    • Business
    • Local community
    • Visit us
    • Strategy
    • Governance
    • Contact us
  • Applicants
  • Student
  • Staff
  • Alumni
  • Schools and departments
  • Henley Business School
  • University of Reading Malaysia
  • View courses
mask
CHOOSE A SUBJECT
2023/24
2024/25
Undergraduates
Postgraduates
Undergraduates
Postgraduates

Subjects A-B

  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Bioveterinary Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management

Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminology
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre & Performance

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise
  • Creative Writing

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teacher training
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

Subjects A-B

  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Bioveterinary Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management

Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminology
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre & Performance

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise
  • Creative Writing

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teacher training
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

BSc Economics and Finance

  • UCAS code
    LN13
  • Typical 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.

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).

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.

  • 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

Structure

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • Introductory Economics
  • Introductory Securities and Markets
  • Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance
  • Core Competencies in Economics
  • Introductory Finance/Trading Simulation I
  • Mathematical Methods for Economists

Optional modules:

  • Economics of Climate Change
  • History of Economic Thought
  • Globalisation and the History of Western Capitalism

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

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.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • Intermediate Microeconomics
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics
  • Corporate Finance
  • Introductory Econometrics for Finance

Optional modules:

  • Business Economics
  • Games and Economic Behaviour
  • Economics of Social Policy
  • Economic History
  • Trends in Finance
  • Programming for Finance,
  • Sustainable Finance, 
  • FX and International Debt Markets

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

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.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • Financial Economics
  • Financial Modelling
  • Derivative Securities

Optional modules:

  • Environmental Economics
  • International Economics
  • Development Economics
  • Money and Banking
  • Economics of Labour
  • Theory of Macroeconomic Policy
  • Dissertation
  • Private Equity and Venture Capital,
  • Finance and Occupational Pensions,
  • Fintech and Cryptocurrencies

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

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.

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 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes first degree Economics responders.

BSc Economics and Finance

Contextual offers


We make contextual offers for all our courses.

Take the next step


How to apply for 2023 entry

Come to an Open Day

Get a prospectus

Ask us a question

Chat to our students

Related Subjects


  • Economics

Ready for more?

How to apply
Visit an Open Day
Get a prospectus
View courses
  • Charitable Status
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies
  • Terms of use
  • Sitemap

© University of Reading