BSc (hons) mathematics with economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Aston University

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by both mathematics and economics — and want the power to apply math to real-world problems in finance, business, policy, or data analysis — this degree blends both worlds. It gives you a strong mathematical foundation plus economic theory and quantitative tools, making it ideal for someone who is analytical, enjoys numbers, and wants flexibility for careers in finance, analytics, economics, or beyond.

Curriculum structure

First Year

In year one, you build your base in both maths and economics. You’ll study core mathematical modules such as Introductory Mathematics for Engineering, Digital and Physical Sciences, Probability, Introductory Programming for Engineering and Physical Sciences, plus economics foundation via Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics. You’ll also take Statistics and a group-based Interdisciplinary Design Project, which helps you see how mathematical and economic thinking can combine to model or analyse real-world phenomena. By the end of this year, you will have a sound grounding in calculus, probability, and statistics plus basic economics, ready to move into more advanced modules.

Second Year

Second year deepens both strands. On the mathematics side you’ll study Vector Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations and their Methods, Numerical Methods, and Introduction to Machine Learning, giving you strong quantitative and computational skills. On the economics side you'll cover Intermediate Microeconomics and Intermediate Macroeconomics, so your economic theory understanding becomes more rigorous. You’ll also complete a Mathematics Team Project, which builds your ability to collaborate and solve complex problems combining economics and maths. By the end of second year, you’ll be confident in advanced mathematics, able to model and analyse problems quantitatively, and comfortable with intermediate-level economic theory.

Placement Year (Optional)

Aston offers an optional placement year — a chance to step into a real professional environment, applying mathematical and economic skills in industry, finance, business, or data-driven organisations. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build your CV, and understand how theoretical knowledge translates into real-world impact.

Final Year

In the final year, you tailor your degree towards your interests. Core modules include Partial Differential Equations, Computational Mathematics, and a substantial Mathematics Major Project. On the economics side, you take Further Topics in Microeconomics and Further Topics in Macroeconomics, and combine with applied modules such as Financial Mathematics 1 & 2. This final year gives you an opportunity to specialise — whether you want to lean more toward data-heavy applied maths, economics/finance, or do a deep individual project combining both — preparing you for a wide range of career or postgraduate pathways.

Focus areas

Applied mathematics, mathematical modelling, computational mathematics, economics (micro & macro), quantitative finance, statistical data analysis, financial mathematics, problem-solving, economic policy & finance, data-driven decision-making.

Learning outcomes

Graduates will be adept at applying advanced mathematical concepts and computational methods to real-world problems; capable of rigorous economic analysis; able to combine quantitative techniques with economic reasoning; skilled at data analysis, financial modelling, and economic forecasting; competent in independent project work; and prepared to communicate mathematical and economic ideas clearly — making them versatile for careers in finance, analytics, consulting, research, or further study.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The course is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), ensuring it meets professional standards for mathematical training.

Reputation (employability & student experience)

The programme is ranked highly for graduate prospects for mathematics according to recent UK data.
Aston University has a strong global standing, placing among the top 5% of institutions worldwide in broad academic rankings.
Students report high satisfaction with mathematics courses, reflecting excellent teaching and support.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying BSc Mathematics with Economics at Aston University means you won’t just learn theory — you’ll gain practical skills in applying mathematical and economic thinking to real-world problems. The course combines computer lab sessions, group projects, data analysis, modelling, and economics-focused modules, giving you a strong foundation in both quantitative methods and economic reasoning.

From forecasting and financial modelling to policy evaluation and computational simulations, you’ll learn how maths and economics intersect in practical, industry-relevant ways.

Here’s how experiential learning works in practice:

✅ Practical learning opportunities

Blended curriculum of maths + economics/business: From Year 1, you study core mathematics (calculus, statistics, programming, probability) alongside core economics (micro- and macro-economics, economic theory), giving you both quantitative depth and economic context.
Computing labs & software access: Students use specialist computer labs and have access to professional-level software for data analysis, modelling, simulations, and visualisation — helping bridge theory and practice.
Team-based projects and group work: Modules include collaborative projects, such as the Mathematics Team Project, which strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
Optional placement year: A placement year after the second year provides industry experience where you can apply mathematical and economic tools in finance, data analytics, consulting, or other business environments.
Professional skills development (“Power Skills”): The degree incorporates training in areas like AI & Digital, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Sustainability, ensuring you graduate with both technical and soft skills valued by employers.
Advanced specialization in final year: You can choose modules such as computational mathematics, financial mathematics, advanced micro/macro-economics, and a major project, allowing you to tailor your learning to your interests and career goals.

🌟 Why this degree stands out

Professional accreditation: The course is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), confirming it meets professional standards for mathematics-based degrees.
Strong reputation and outcomes: Aston University has excellent student satisfaction and graduate-prospect rankings, offering high-quality teaching and interdisciplinary learning.
Diverse career pathways: Graduates are well-prepared for careers in finance, data analysis, economics, consulting, business analytics, actuarial roles, or further study (MSc/PhD), thanks to the combination of maths, economics, computing, and placement opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme often go into roles such as actuarial analyst, asset-management or liabilities analyst, data / quantitative analyst, financial analyst, economic or business consultant, or even into research and modelling roles. Because the degree combines mathematics, economics, and quantitative techniques, you’ll emerge with a versatile skill set that’s highly valued in finance, business, technology, consulting, or policy-oriented careers.

This blend of strong mathematics background and economic/business insight gives you flexibility — whether you’re drawn to data-driven finance, economic research, risk analysis, or business strategy.

What Makes the Course Stand Out

University support & employability services: Aston offers a dedicated Careers & Placements team and encourages a placement (sandwich) year, giving you real-world, professional experience before you graduate.
Strong academic recognition & teaching excellence: The programme is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), marking it as a rigorous, professionally recognised qualification. The university has also earned a “Gold” rating in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework, indicating high-quality teaching.
Good graduate outcomes and employability reputation: Mathematics (and by extension this joint degree) at Aston is ranked among the top in the UK for graduate prospects. Graduates have gone on to work at major organisations including large consultancies, tech/IT firms, and finance companies.
Versatile skill set (quantitative, economic, analytic & computational): The curriculum combines advanced mathematics, statistics, economics, and financial modelling — preparing you for roles requiring strong quantitative and analytical abilities: finance, data science, risk/actuarial analysis, economic modelling, business analytics, and more.
Long-term professional value & global recognition: Thanks to IMA accreditation and the hybrid nature of the degree, your qualification will retain relevance whether you stay in economics/finance, switch to data/analytics, pursue consulting, or go for further studies — giving you long-term flexibility and career resilience.

This mix of academic excellence, professional accreditation, practical exposure (placement), and the wide applicability of skills makes your profile attractive to employers in finance, tech, consulting, analytics — or in economic research and policy — right after graduation.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduating, you’re well positioned to pursue a master’s (MSc) or even PhD — in fields such as applied mathematics, financial mathematics, data science, econometrics, operations research, or economics. Alternatively, you could specialise with postgraduate degrees in business analytics, actuarial science, or finance — or move into academic research or teaching.