Student writing maths problems out on paper take from over shoulder with laptop on desk in front

Mathematics and Economics BSc

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

How do government economic policies affect us? What drives inflation and interest rates? How can using mathematical models help tackle unemployment? Our BSc Mathematics and Economics explores these questions and more.

This course enables you to study mathematics whilst learning key economic principles. It is run jointly by the School of Mathematical Sciences and the School of Economics. 

 

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Core Mathematics

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Macroeconomics

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Microeconomics

Mandatory

Year 1

Probability and Statistics 1

Mandatory

Year 2

Complex Analysis

Mandatory

Year 2

Real analysis

Optional

Year 2

Algebra

Optional

Year 2

Applied Mathematics

Optional

Year 2

Development Economics

Optional

Year 2

Econometric Theory II

Optional

Year 2

Econometric Theory I

Optional

Year 2

Environmental and Resource Economics

Optional

Year 2

Experimental and Behavioural Economics

Optional

Year 2

Financial Economics

Optional

Year 2

Industrial Economics

Optional

Year 2

International Trade

Optional

Year 2

Labour Economics

Optional

Year 2

Macroeconomic Theory

Optional

Year 2

Microeconomic Theory

Optional

Year 2

Monetary Economics

Optional

Year 2

Political Economy

Optional

Year 2

Probability 3

Optional

Year 2

Probability and Statistics 2

Optional

Year 2

Public Sector Economics

Optional

Year 2

Scientific Computation

Optional

Year 2

Statistics 3

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Development Economics

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Econometric Theory

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Experimental and Behavioural Economics

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Financial Economics

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Industrial Economics

Optional

Year 3

Advanced International Trade I

Optional

Year 3

Advanced International Trade II

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Labour Economics

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Macroeconomics

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Mathematical Economics

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Microeconomics

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Monetary Economics

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Political Economy

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Public Economics

Optional

Year 3

Applied Statistical Modelling

Optional

Year 3

Coding and Cryptography

Optional

Year 3

Discrete Mathematics and Graph Theory

Optional

Year 3

Dissertation in Economics

Optional

Year 3

Economic Policy Analysis I

Optional

Year 3

Economic Policy Analysis II

Optional

Year 3

Game Theory

Optional

Year 3

International Money and Macroeconomics

Optional

Year 3

Mathematical Finance

Optional

Year 3

Mathematics Group Projects

Optional

Year 3

Metric and Topological Spaces

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Microeconometric Methods

Optional

Year 3

Multivariate Analysis

Optional

Year 3

Numerical Methods in Economics

Optional

Year 3

Optimisation

Optional

Year 3

Statistical Inference

Optional

Year 3

Stochastic Models

Optional

Year 3

Time Series Analysis

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Thursday 13 June 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

You will broaden and deepen your knowledge of mathematical ideas and techniques using a wide variety of different methods of study. Teaching is predominantly in-person, supplemented by online methods (such as flipped learning) where appropriate.

In both academia and the wider world of work, mathematics and economics have become collaborative disciplines, and our degree programme takes this into account. As well as more traditional individual study methods, you will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other students in group problem solving sessions. You will write about your work in reports and present your findings to your study group. 

Here’s just some of the changes we have introduced to the degrees to ensure you get the most out of your mathematical learning:

  • Interactive classes
  • Practical applications
  • Assessment by coursework and exams
  • Group project

Teaching methods

  • Computer labs
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Problem classes
  • Workshops
  • Placements

You will be assessed using a combination of examinations, coursework, computing assignments, group projects and presentations. The specific combination of learning activities will depend on your choice of modules and will be aligned with the topics covered.

The first year is a qualifying year but does not count towards your final degree classification. Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study. Year two is worth 33% with year three worth 67% of your final marks.

You will be given a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how your work is assessed. Your work will be marked in a timely manner and you will have regular opportunities to give and receive feedback on your progress with your tutor and lecturers. 

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Group project
  • Poster presentation
  • Research project
  • Written exam
  • Presentation

The course is a joint honours degree jointly offered by the School of Mathematical Sciences and the School of Economics.

The majority of modules are worth 10 or 20 credits. You will study modules totalling 120 credits in each year. As a guide one credit equates to approximately 10 hours of work. During the first year, you will typically spend approximately:

  • 15 hours each week in lectures and interactive learning sessions
  • Two hours each week in mathematical skills workshops
  • One hour each week in a tutorial with your personal tutor
  • One hour each fortnight in student-led academic mentoring Peer-Assisted Study Support (PASS)

You can attend drop-in sessions each wee up to a maximum of two hours and the remaining time will be spent in independent study.

In later years, you are likely to spend up to 15 hours per week in lectures and workshops subject to your module selection.

In your first year you will meet with your personal tutor every week during term time. In small groups of five to six students, you'll run through core topics and practice working together in a group to solve problems and communicate mathematics effectively.

All of our maths modules are delivered by lecturers or professors. PhD students sometimes support problem classes and computing workshops in their areas of expertise. Lectures in the first two years often include at least 200 students but class sizes are much more variable in the third year subject to module selection.

Maths and economics are broad and versatile subjects leading to many possible careers. Skilled individuals are found in a variety of organisations, in lots of different sectors.

Our graduates are helping to shape the future in many sectors including data analysis, finance and IT. Many work in science, engineering or consultancy, others pursue careers within government departments. Some graduates choose a career in mathematical research.

The knowledge and skills that you will gain during this degree, can typically lead to roles working as:

  • Associate data scientist
  • Client account manager
  • Corporate tax analyst
  • Macro data analyst
  • Operations analyst

Read our alumni profiles for the sort of jobs our graduates go on to do.

Graduate destinations include:

  • EY
  • Investec Bank Plc
  • PWC
  • Schroders

Further study

Each year some students choose to stay at Nottingham and join our lively group of postgraduate research students.

Average starting salary and career progression

86.40% of undergraduates from the School of Mathematical Sciences secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £27,490.

88.5% of undergraduates from the School of Economics secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £34,570.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2023, High Fliers Research).

University undergraduate student Cole Pearce studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park. November 5th 2021.

The course stood out to me due to the teaching methods. There is a lot of support available and many ways to consolidate and revise previous learning. Even without having studied further maths, I feel like everyone gets to an equal footing quite quickly.

Alexander Kitsis

BSc Mathematics and Economics

Course data

Open Day June 2022