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BSc Mathematics and Economics with a Placement Year

  • UCAS code
    GL12
  • Typical offer
    ABC
  • Year of entry
    2022/23 See 2021/22 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

With our BSc Mathematics and Economics course you will learn how mathematics and economics affect society at every level, from the inner workings of businesses to advances in new technology.

This course will enable you to develop your skills as a mathematician whilst gaining a strong grounding in the conceptual underpinnings of economics. You will spend equal amounts of time studying each subject. Furthermore, you can gain valuable industry experience through a year-long paid placement.

In mathematics you will study areas such as calculus, analysis, linear algebra, differential equations and numerical analysis. In the second year you will also take a skills module, which is designed to improve your transferable skills and enhance your employability.

You will be given plenty of support to help you get the most out of your studies, including small group problem-solving tutorials and materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics. Additionally, you can get involved with the Department's Staff Student Forums and the Student Teaching and Learning Group, which enable you to have a direct input into the student experience.

In economics you will explore both macroeconomics and microeconomics. During the second year, you can choose to include either econometrics or economic theory. In addition to traditional lectures, you will take part in group tutorials in which you can discuss and analyse theory and practice through case studies, group presentations and open debate. You can also apply what you learn to a placement and gain valuable real-world experience at the same time.

In the final year of the degree you can develop your knowledge by exploring areas of interest in greater depth. Half of the modules in this year are optional and include subjects from both areas of the course such as business and financial forecasting, econometric methods and applied stochastic processes. During this year you will either complete an economics dissertation or a mathematical research project.

Placement

Between your second and final year you will carry out a paid industrial training placement, lasting around 12 months. Placements can be located anywhere in the UK, and occasionally take place abroad.

You could take on a wide variety of roles such as statistician, business analyst, actuarial intern and radiation protection scientist. You will also have the chance to work for a range of national and international organisations such as Microsoft, IBM, SAP or the NHS.

You will be given advice and support for finding the ideal placement, as well writing a CV and interview skills, by our placements officer.

For more information about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.

For more information, please visit the Maths and Statistics website.

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

New international students: £23,700

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.

Placement Year fees

If you spend a full year on placement – including professional and research placements and industrial experience – you’ll pay a discounted tuition fee for that year.

For Home/EU students, the discounted fee is subject to parliamentary approval and is currently capped at £1,385.

For International students, the discount is 15% of your normal tuition fee.

For more information, please contact placements@reading.ac.uk.

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.

Your mathematical and economics knowledge combined with computing, teamwork and presentation skills will make you highly desirable to a range of employers.

As a mathematics graduate, you can choose to work as a mathematician or statistician for public sector organisations, such as health authorities or the Office for National Statistics, or areas of the private sector including commerce and information technology. Furthermore, you can move into a range of related careers such as accountancy, financial analysis, engineering, modelling, computing or actuarial work.

Your economics skills will open the door to economist roles with the Government Economic Service or in a consultancy such as PwC and KPMG. You can also enter a wide range of other fields, including business, marketing, publishing, PR and the media.

Alternatively you can choose to further develop your skills by moving into research, teacher training or postgraduate studies.