BSc (hons) economics & mathematics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Essex

Program Overview

This degree gives you a powerful mix of economic theory and rigorous mathematics, so you can analyse how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions using solid quantitative tools. You’ll develop strong problem‑solving, modelling, and data skills that are in very high demand across finance, consulting, policy, and research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a foundation in both economics and mathematics. You’ll take Introduction to Economics (covering micro and macro ideas), Calculus (differentiation, integration, differential equations), and Statistics I (probability, distributions, data analysis using R). You’ll also study Matrices & Complex Numbers, learning about linear algebraic systems and the properties of complex numbers.

Year 2
In your second year, you dive deeper: you’ll study Intermediate Microeconomics and Intermediate Macroeconomics, exploring consumer-producer behaviour and macro policy analysis. On the math side, you'll take Real Analysis (limits, sequences, continuity), Ordinary Differential Equations (modelling change), and Statistics II (hypothesis testing, regression, estimation in statistical models using R). You also develop your programming and modelling through Mathematical & Computational Modelling (using MATLAB and R) and explore Discrete Mathematics (proof techniques, sets, relations).

Year 3
In your final year, you’ll explore more advanced economics and mathematics topics. A compulsory module is Mathematics of Portfolios, where you model financial decisions and portfolio theory. You’ll also select optional economics modules (such as behavioural economics, financial economics, or econometrics) to specialise. Plus, you’ll carry on building employability skills with the Mathematics Careers & Employability module, helping you prepare for life after university.

Focus areas: quantitative economics, financial modelling, statistical analysis, computational mathematics.
Learning outcomes: proficiency in economic reasoning, advanced calculus and analysis, statistical inference, and computational modelling.
Professional alignment (accreditation): While this degree doesn’t have a formal professional body accreditation, it aligns with the QAA benchmark for Mathematics, Statistics & Operational Research and Economics.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Essex’s Economics & Mathematics degree combines the analytical power of mathematics with real-world economic insight. You don’t just study theory — you apply mathematical tools to understand economic systems, financial markets, and policy analysis. From the first year, you’ll work with statistical and computational tools to analyse data, model economic behaviour, and solve practical problems. Programming in R, Python, and MATLAB is embedded into your coursework, allowing you to build simulations, run econometric models, and visualise data effectively.

As part of your learning, you can take a placement year in industry or a study abroad year, gaining professional or international experience. In your final year, you undertake a supervised project where you explore a topic combining economics, finance, and mathematics — developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.

Key Experiential Features

Integrated Economics & Mathematics: Study core economic principles alongside mathematics modules such as linear algebra, real analysis, calculus, and optimisation.
Econometrics & Statistical Modelling: Apply statistical methods to real economic data, including regression analysis, time series forecasting, and policy evaluation.
Programming & Data Tools: Learn to use Python, R, and MATLAB to manipulate data, build simulations, and model economic and financial systems.
Applied Economics Modules: Work on practical applications including finance, macroeconomic policy, and market analysis, combining theory with quantitative techniques.
Team-Based Projects: Participate in group projects where you analyse datasets, present findings, and solve real-world economic problems collaboratively.
Final-Year Independent Project: Undertake a research project in economics or applied mathematics, using quantitative methods to explore a specific topic.
Placement Year Option: Gain hands-on professional experience in finance, consulting, government, or business analytics between Year 2 and Year 3/4.
Study Abroad Option: Experience international economic systems and broaden your perspective by studying at a partner university overseas.
Career & Employability Module: Build a professional portfolio, develop analytical and communication skills, and prepare for internships or graduate employment.
Dedicated Maths & Stats Support: One-to-one and small-group support is available for both mathematical and statistical aspects of the course.
Research Seminars & Workshops: Engage with faculty-led research seminars, workshops, and events to connect theoretical learning with current economic research.

Why This Degree Will Boost Your Career

Highly Quantitative & Analytical: Equips you with numerical, statistical, and economic analysis skills sought by employers in finance, consulting, government, and research.
Hands-On Experience: Programming, econometrics, and project-based learning ensure you graduate with practical, job-ready skills.
Research Experience: Final-year project provides independent research experience, valuable for postgraduate study or data-driven roles.
Global Perspective: Optional study abroad develops international awareness, essential in today’s global economy.
Professional Preparedness: Placement year, teamwork, and career modules help you transition into professional roles or advanced study.
Flexible Career Pathways: Graduates can enter economics, finance, data analytics, consultancy, policy-making, or continue to postgraduate study in economics, finance, or mathematics.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Essex’s BSc Economics & Mathematics often go on to roles like Investment Analyst, Actuarial Analyst, Economic Consultant, or Quantitative Researcher, thanks to the strong blend of economic theory and mathematical rigour. With the option of a placement year or study abroad, you gain both academic depth and real‑world experience, positioning you very competitively for future careers.

Here’s what makes this degree especially powerful:

University Support & Services for Employability
 – A dedicated Mathematics Careers & Employability module helps you develop transferrable skills, build a professional portfolio, and prepare for job applications.
 – The Student Development / Careers Team offers mentoring, internship‑search support, and workshops to help you navigate career pathways.
 – The Maths Support Centre provides one-to-one and small-group help for challenging mathematical topics throughout your degree.
Employment Outcomes & Salary Figures
 – About 65% of Economics & Mathematics graduates are in roles where their degree is essential or beneficial 15 months after graduation, and 80% are in work, study, or other activity.
 – Median salaries for the 3-year course are approximately: £25,900 in year 1, £35,000 by year 3, and £40,900 by year 5.
 – For the placement‑year variant, by year 5 graduates earn around £37,200 (median) in mathematical sciences.
 – Typical earnings for this mix of disciplines grow to about £36,500–£47,500 five years after graduation.
University–Industry & Applied Links
 – The course includes computational techniques in MATLAB and R, and statistical methods, equipping you for data-driven roles.
 – Research-active faculty from both mathematics and economics work on real-world problems — for example, financial modelling (asset pricing, risk), optimisation, big‑data statistical analysis, and macroeconomic policy.
 – With the placement-year option, you can work in external organisations in sectors such as finance, banking, consulting, or public policy — giving you industry contacts and relevant experience.
Long-Term Value & Accreditation
 – The course is jointly taught by the School of Mathematics, Statistics & Actuarial Science and the Department of Economics — so you get top-tier academic depth in both areas.
 – You’ll study via cutting-edge software and quantitative tools, with access to computer labs and statistical computing environments.
 – While the programme isn’t professionally accredited by a specific body, the strong theoretical foundation, combined with practical exposure, gives you excellent flexibility for roles in finance, analytics, research, or business.
Graduate Career Snapshot
 – Alumni have gone into careers like chartered accounting, investment consulting, accounts management, and financial analysis.
 – Many choose to continue with postgraduate study, such as master’s degrees in economics, finance, or applied mathematics, leveraging their strong analytical education.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BSc, you have several strong academic paths:

You can pursue an MSc in Economics, focusing on advanced economic theory, econometrics, or macroeconomic policy.
Alternatively, an MSc in Financial Mathematics, Quantitative Finance, or Actuarial Science would be a natural fit, capitalising on your mathematical background.
If research interests you, you could also apply for a PhD in Economics, Mathematics, or Financial Mathematics, building on your undergraduate experience and any placement or project work you completed.