Gain expertise in the mathematical and statistical aspects of economics – and gain valuable skills in the workplace – with our BSc Economics with a Placement Year degree.

This four-year course offers a technical approach to economics, emphasising mathematical and statistical content. You’ll work extensively with data and learn how to apply mathematics to real-world issues.

• If you’re interested in a less technical route into economics, we also offer a BA Economics degree at the University of Reading.

Choose economics at the University of Reading

• Established for more than 50 years.
• 100% of our research is judged to be world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2014).
• 92% of graduates from the Department of Economics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those employed, 91% are in graduate-level roles (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18; First Degree responders from Economics).

At Reading, we explain what’s happening in the world through various economic models – such as game theory, mathematical equations and diagrams, and natural and behavioural experiments. These models will help you understand and make predictions about economic behaviour.

Your core modules will cover a range of topics, including:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Econometrics
• economic theory
• behavioural economics

In lab sessions, you’ll also have the opportunity to work with specialist software that economists commonly use in business.

Optional modules allow you to bring your studies to life, with interactive modules such as:

• Economics of Big Social Data, exploring the nature of data available through social media, and the economic insights that can be gained from analysing this data.
• Economics of Sports and Games, featuring guest lectures from sports professionals such as qualified referees or the heads of football clubs.

Industrial placements with BSc Economics with a Placement Year

You’ll undertake a year-long work placement, in an industrial setting, between your second and final year. A placement is a valuable way to develop your skills, experience the workplace, and build your network.

We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.

• Bank of England
• Government Economic Service
• NHS England
• Disney
• Deloitte
• IBM
• Nissan.

Your learning environment 

The Department of Economics is internationally renowned, with 100% of our research judged to be world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2014). Our research has real-world applications and has informed policy decisions by governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank.

At Reading, our researchers are addressing some of the key issues of the twenty-first century, such as the environmental impact of economic growth:

• Read about Dr Stefania Lovo’s research into calculating the cost of a clean environment.

Elsewhere, our innovative research into leisure and sport is providing vital economic insights:

• Dr James Reade combines his interests in sports and mathematics to understand what drives people’s economic behaviour.

The modules you’ll study throughout your degree are aligned with our research clusters, keeping you abreast of the latest developments in economics. This learning is complemented by guest speakers from outside the University.

Popular modules include:

• Business Economics
• Development Economics
• Economics of Sports and Games
• Economics of Big Social Data

As well as traditional lectures, you’ll take part in small-group tutorials, enabling you to discuss and analyse both theory and practice through case studies, group presentations and open debate. 

Supporting your learning

The Department of Economics can support your learning in a number of ways:

• Economics Surgeries offer one-to-one appointments with staff, allowing you to discuss the topics you’ve studied and gain any assistance you may require.
• Economics Conversations provide the opportunity for you to network with staff and students from across the department.

The Economics Society also arranges lectures and discussions with economists on a range of topical matters, such as the economics of health and feminism.

Study Abroad

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

Visit our Study Abroad website