Program Overview

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BSc Economics and Finance

The BSc Economics and Finance degree is a three-year course that provides a rigorous foundation of economics and financial systems. Students will learn to apply economic theories to real-life problems in financial markets.

Overview

This course will equip students with analytical skills, decision-making skills, and advanced financial techniques for a successful career in the financial services sector. Students will engage with specialist topics including financial economics, financial modelling, and corporate finance.

Access to Real-World Facilities

Students will learn advanced analytical methods using relevant industry-specific software and data sources such as simulation software, Bloomberg, and Thompson Reuters. They will also have opportunities to practise their knowledge in asset pricing and risk management by participating in the CME Group University Trading Challenge.

Interdisciplinary Study

The course covers a range of topics, including financial economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, derivative securities, financial modelling, and portfolio management. Optional modules will bring studies to life and relate to life outside the classroom, with interactive modules such as:

• Fintech and Cryptocurrencies
• Economics of Banking
• Economics of Sport and Games

Choose Economics at the University of Reading

The University of Reading has an established economics department with over 50 years of experience. The department is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for Economics and has 100% of its research impact classed as 'outstanding' or 'very considerable'.

Learning Environment

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 students in their learning.

Supporting Learning

The Department of Economics will support students' learning in several ways, including:

• Economics Surgeries: one-to-one appointments with staff to discuss topics and get help with specific study skills
• Conversations with Economists: discussions with staff and other students on economic issues in the news
• Economics Society and Finance Society: student-led bodies that arrange social events, careers-focused events, and discussions with economists and financiers

Work Placements

Students can enhance their employability and build their network by applying for work placements during their degree. Previous students have undertaken placements with organisations such as the Bank of England, Lloyds Bank, and Grant Thornton.

Study Abroad

Students can apply to study for a year or semester abroad at one of the University's partner universities in Australia, Canada, the USA, or across Europe.

Entry Requirements

• A Level: ABB with B in A/AS-level Mathematics or A-level Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Statistics
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall, including minimum 4 in English at standard level and either minimum 5 in Mathematics at standard/higher level or minimum 5 in higher level Physics, Chemistry, Economics
• GCSE: Mathematics B (5) or A (7) if Mathematics not studied at AS/A level
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Structure

The course is divided into three years, with compulsory and optional modules each year.

Year 1

Compulsory modules:

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

Year 2

Compulsory modules:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Data Science for Finance
• Corporate 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

Year 3

Compulsory modules:

• Financial Economics
• Financial Modelling
• Derivative Securities Optional modules:
• Environmental Economics
• International Economics
• Development Economics
• Money and Banking
• Economics of Labour
• Dissertation
• Private Equity and Venture Capital
• Fintech and Cryptocurrencies

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,790 (2026 entry)
• New international students: £29,950 (2026/27)
• Tuition fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study.

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. Recent graduates have secured roles as economists with the Government Economic Service or consultancies such as PwC and KPMG. Overall, 93% of graduates from Economics are in full-time employment within 15 months of graduation.