BSc Economics and Finance
    Go to University of Reading

    BSc Economics and Finance

    University of Reading
    University of Reading
    United Kingdom
    United Kingdom, Reading
    University Rank:#194
    Go to Official Website
    Duration3 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 40,435 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026
    BSc Economics and Finance

    About

    Study modern economics and its applications to financial markets with our BSc Economics and Finance degree.

    This three-year course will provide a rigorous foundation of economics and financial systems. Learn to apply economic theories to real-life problems in financial markets.

    • How do investors make their investment decisions?
    • Why did the financial crisis of 2007-2008 happen?
    • What can be done to prevent the next financial crisis?

    You will engage with specialist topics including:

    • financial economics
    • financial modelling
    • corporate finance.

    The programme will equip you with analytical skills, decision-making skills, and advanced financial techniques for a successful career in the financial services sector as a banker, investment analyst, advisor, economist, or other related roles.

    Access to real-world facilities

    You will learn advanced analytical methods using relevant industry-specific software and data sources such as simulation software, Bloomberg, and Thompson Reuters.

    Moreover, you will have opportunities to practise your knowledge in asset pricing and risk management by participating in the CME Group University Trading Challenge under the guidance of our academics, who are experts in the field.

    Interdisciplinary study

    Your studies will cover a range of topics, including:

    • Financial economics
    • Microeconomics
    • Macroeconomics
    • Derivative securities/trading simulation
    • Financial modelling/trading simulation
    • Portfolio management
    • Corporate finance.

    Optional modules will bring your studies to life and relate to life outside the classroom, with interactive modules.

    • Fintech and Cryptocurrencies asks how and why firms are implementing blockchain technology in their day-to-day business, as well as addressing the challenges they face. You will also learn about the nature of popular cryptocurrencies and their governance.
    • Economics of Banking explores the weaknesses in the banking sector, the strategies adopted by banks to address risks, and the rationale for government intervention in the financial sector and banking regulation.
    • Economics of Sport and Games dissects how competitive and controlled environments within sport can provide laboratories to study human behaviour, test theories, and observe the impacts of policy.

    Choose economics at the University of Reading

    • Established for more than 50 years.
    • 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).
    • We are ranked in the top 200 universities in the world for Economics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) and 10th in the UKin Business and Economics subjects (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024, United Kingdom providers only).

    For further information, please visit the Department of Economics website.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

    Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

    Typical offer

    ABB including AS or A Level Mathematics at grade B.

    International Baccalaureate

    32 points overall, including 5 in standard level Maths or higher level Maths and 4 in standard level English.

    GCSE

    CGSE English at grade B (5)

    Extended Project Qualification

    In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

    BTEC Extended Diploma

    DDM, plus grade B in either AS or A Level Mathematics or grade B in A Level Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics or Statistics. The BTEC Extended Diploma cannot be accepted on its own to cover the Maths subject requirement.

    English language requirements

    IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5.

    For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

    Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

    For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

    International Foundation Programme

    If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

    Pre-sessional English language programme

    If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

    English Program Requirements

    IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5.

    Career

    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.

    Overall, 89% of graduates from Economics are in full time employment within 15 months of graduation. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes first degree Economics responders). Recent graduates have secured roles as economists with the Government Economic Service or consultancies such as PwC and KPMG. Others have entered related and non-related careers in finance, business, marketing, publishing, PR and media.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    40,435 / year

    How to Apply

    You can apply online for all of our courses, including courses with an Integrated Foundation Year, via the national admissions service, UCAS. You can choose to apply for up to five courses in total, including more than one course at the same institution.

    1. Find a course

    Browse our undergraduate courses and identify which ones you'd like to apply for. Make sure to check your course's entry requirements before you apply. 

    2. Begin your application

    Register at UCAS and complete the application pages online, using the UCAS codes on our course pages. 

    Our UCAS code is R12. The University does not have a campus code. 

    3. Write your personal statement

    As part of your application, you'll be asked to submit a personal statement to support your application. This is your opportunity to tell us more about why you want to study the course and what interests, skills and experience you have that demonstrate your passion for the subject.

    4. Submit your application

    When you're happy with your application and have added the required information such as qualifications, personal statement and reference, you can submit your application. 

    A small charge is made by UCAS for applying to university. The application fee for 2024 entry is £27.50 for up to five choices.

    Make sure to check the UCAS website for the most up-to-date application deadlines. If you have missed the January deadline, there is still the opportunity to apply (via UCAS), and we are happy to consider late applications until 30 June 2024 (all applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing). Please be aware that some of our courses may be full after the January UCAS deadline, so we recommend early applications where possible.

    BSc Economics and Finance
    University of Reading
    University of Reading
    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Reading

    Go to Official Website