BSc Economics and Finance
About this course
BSc Economics and Finance, an undergraduate degree focused on modern economic theory and financial market applications. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, Financial Analysis, Communication & Writing, Entrepreneurship, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students can optionally undertake a placement year, study abroad, or complete a foundation year. The first year covers core concepts through compulsory modules such as Introductory Microeconomics, Introductory Macroeconomics, Introductory Securities and Markets, and Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance. The second year builds on this foundation with compulsory modules including Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Data Science for Finance, and Corporate Finance, alongside optional modules covering areas such as business economics, economic history, and programming. The final year involves advanced compulsory modules like Financial Economics, Financial Modelling, and Derivative Securities, while optional modules allow specialisation in topics such as private equity, fintech, and machine learning in finance, with an optional 8,000-word dissertation project available.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB with B in A/AS-level Mathematics OR Grade B A-level Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Statistics. IB: 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 (Statistics is not available as a standalone IB HL subject).
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What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 30%
- South East: 35%
- South West: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Foundation course: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
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
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Data Science for Finance
- Corporate Finance
- 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
- Financial Economics
- Financial Modelling
- Derivative Securities
- Environmental Economics
- International Economics
- Development Economics
- Money and Banking
- Economics of Labour
- Dissertation
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
- Fintech and Cryptocurrencies
- Financial Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Finance
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Economics and Finance at University of Reading earn?
The median salary is £32,500 after 15 months, £38,500 after 3 years, £48,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £37,500 and £66,500. The £48,500 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Economics.
What do graduates of BSc Economics and Finance at University of Reading do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Economics and Finance at University of Reading?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Economics and Finance at University of Reading?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 118 UCAS points.
Does BSc Economics and Finance at University of Reading include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Economics and Finance at University of Reading?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.