Mathematics with Economics

Course overview

Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applied Applications our mathematics with economics degree provides a dynamic interdisciplinary curriculum. It combines foundational mathematical concepts with economic theories, allowing you to have a deep understanding of both fields. You will engage in data analysis, quantitative techniques, and problem-solving, enhancing your analytical prowess. The program delves into economic dynamics, policy analysis, and mathematical modelling, equipping graduates with versatile skills applicable across industries.

This course is delivered jointly with the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Aston Business School, and combines economics, finance and business-oriented modules with applied maths modules.

aston-mathswitheconomics--fionndunn-heroimage

"I am an Analyst at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Aston helped me achieve this by having a great careers team who worked with me to hone my CV, getting me valuable work experience through an industrial placement at Deloitte, and giving me additional support during my studies when I felt I was struggling."

Fionn Godwin

BSc Mathematics with Economics

Analyst J.P Morgan Asset Management

Why Mathematics with Economics at Aston University?

Accredited

Institute of Mathematics and its Applied Applications

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Excellent graduate prospects

Mathematics ranked 1st in the UK for graduate prospects Complete University Guide 2024

Mathematics at Aston University

Final year student Vishakha talks about her experiences studying mathematics at Aston.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Course description

BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Economics

In today's data-driven world, there's a high demand for graduates who possess strong math skills and a deep understanding of economics, business, and finance. These individuals are equipped to excel in various career paths, from enhancing a company's market insights through computer modeling to forecasting economic trends. Our mathematics with an economics degree, offered in collaboration with Aston Business School, seamlessly blends economics, finance, and business modules with practical math applications.

What we will provide
This interdisciplinary course equips you with a comprehensive toolkit that combines mathematical expertise with economic insights, preparing our students for a dynamic and analytical career path.

What you will provide
We hold in high regard individuals who not only absorb knowledge but also actively employ it, displaying determination in the face of challenges, maintaining flexibility, and embracing teamwork. If you have a passion and genuine interest in Mathematics with Economics, this course is for you.

What skills we teach
Throughout the Mathematics with Economics programme, you will develop proficiency in advanced mathematical techniques, data analysis, and economic theory. You will also cultivate critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how mathematical concepts intersect with economic principles.

Placement year
We encourage all our students to partake in a mathematics placement year. This invaluable chance enables you to employ mathematical concepts within authentic real-world environments, acquire hands-on experience and boost your employability.

Career prospects
The Mathematics with Economics programme has been meticulously crafted, incorporating insights from industry experts, to cater to the substantial demand for graduates equipped with this unique skill combination, primarily within the finance and information-intensive sectors. Recent graduates have embarked on diverse career paths, with positions such as Graduate Forensic Accountant, Actuarial Analyst, Asset and Liabilities Management Analyst, and Route Analyst in esteemed organisations such as Virgin Media, Accenture, Fujitsu, IBM, and GCHQ. Alternatively, you might opt to further your education by pursuing an MSc or PhD program or even delve into the field of education as a career pathway.

How you will learn

You will engage in a variety of learning formats including lectures, computer labs, and seminars. The mathematics course incorporates guest speakers who bring real-world insights. Additionally, there is a unique aspect of peer teaching, where second-year students assist first-years in labs, promoting collaborative learning and a supportive learning community.

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What you will learn

Our joint honours course enables you to gain versatile problem-solving skills quantitative prowess, and critical thinking abilities. You will engage in real-world applications, interdisciplinary opportunities, and have a strong foundation in mathematics with economics.

First year

In your first year you will cover the foundational concepts that lay the groundwork for your interdisciplinary studies. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong basis in both mathematical techniques and economic principles. Some key areas you can expect to learn about include algebra, calculus and geometry alongside applied maths topics like statistics, machine learning and quantum computing.

Second year

In the second year, you'll advance to intermediate-level mathematics and economics. You'll explore topics like vector calculus, econometrics, numerical analysis, and linear mathematics, laying a robust groundwork for specialised studies within this interdisciplinary field.

Placement year

Your third year will involve a paid, study-related professional placement. This experience provides invaluable hands-on exposure in a real-world setting, greatly boosting your career potential.

Final year

In your final year, you'll be acquainted with the theory and application of scrutinizing and predicting time series data. Through practical coursework and computer labs, you'll gain first-hand exposure to analysing and forecasting real-world economic, financial, physical, and physiological time series. This module equips you with practical skills and insights vital for a data science career or advanced studies.

If you choose to study ‘Financial Mathematics and Portfolio Theory’ you’ll gain career-defining knowledge in the mathematics of finance and investment portfolio construction that has traditionally served as the hidden key to lucrative professions in finance and related academic careers.

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Facilities

You will have access to a range of facilities that will support your academic and personal development. You will gain both practical and theoretical experience in our lecture theatres and seminar rooms where you will be able to conduct any research. You will also have access to a comprehensive library with a wide range of transport-related literature and online databases.

Course objectives

Prepares you for a career in academia or industry, primarily in a mathematically oriented field.
Equips you with a wide range of analytical and computational tools which they can employ in a principled framework.
Prepares you with an understanding of the main areas of mathematics, and their applications, at undergraduate level.
Prepares you with a stimulating and challenging learning experience that will enable students to develop their analytical and computational skills, preparing them for the dynamic and ever-changing environment of the information age.
Provides you with the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience by providing the option of a placement year.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Fundamental Mathematics	15
Vector Algebra and Geometry	15
Probability and Statistics	15
Principles of Microeconomics	15
Probability Distributions	15
Ordinary Differential Equations	15
Numerical Algorithms and Programming	15
Principles of Macroeconomics	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Know the correct use of mathematical language and formalism in mathematical thinking and logical processes.
Know fundamental mathematical concepts and topics.
Possess a range of mathematical skills and techniques for problem formulation and solution.
Be able to use appropriate mathematical software.
Be able to work independently by taking responsibility for the management of their own study and learning.
Know fundamental economic concepts and topics.
Be able to identify key issues that are pertinent to economic thinking and modelling

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Vector Calculus	15
Intermediate Microeconomics	15
Econometrics 1	15
Intermediate Macroeconomics	15
Mathematical Methods	15

You will choose one module from the following sections:*

Section A

Module Title	Credits
Linear Mathematics	15
Professional Practice	15
Introduction to Numerical Analysis	15

Section B

Module Title	Credits
Numerical Analysis	15
Machine Learning	15

Section C

Module Title	Credits
Econometrics 2	15
Markets, Games and Strategy	15
Total	120

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate the ideas and concepts of mathematical modelling.
Select and apply appropriate mathematical techniques, including data processing and computer-aided numerical calculation.
Critically appraise different methods and techniques of problem-solving, and to assess their effectiveness and applicability.
Demonstrate the ideas and concepts of economic modelling and select and apply them to model economic problems.
Implement, test and evaluate given techniques on real-world economic problems.

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement Year

Module Title	Credits
Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Develop new knowledge and understanding of a professional environment, the role of individuals within project teams and associated professional issues.
Be able to communicate effectively in a professional environment.
Reflect on experience studying in a different culture leading to personal development in global awareness, intercultural competency and adaptability.

Final year modules

In your final year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Further Topics in Microeconomics	15
Further Topics in Macroeconomics	15

You will choose six from the following sections:*

Section A

Module Title	Credits
Mathematics Report	15
Time Series	15
Financial Mathematics and Portfolio Theory	15
Partial Differential Equations	15
Probabilistic Modelling	15
Microeconometrics	15
Competition Policy	15

Section B

Module Title	Credits
Approximation Theory	15
Mathematics Project	15
Chaos and Dynamical Systems	15
Stochastic Processes	15
Option Theory	15
Network Science	15
Game Theory	15
Macroeconometrics (Time Series)	15
Total	120

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Final Year Outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Select and apply advanced analytical and numerical mathematical techniques to real-world applications.
Evaluate and apply advanced analytical and numerical mathematical techniquesto mathematical model systems.
Independently select appropriate mathematical methods for problem-solving and critically evaluate their effectiveness.
Combine and utilise a variety of diverse concepts and to solve model economic problems and apply them to real-world problems.
Select appropriate economic models and critically evaluate their effectiveness.

Entry requirements

A Levels
ABB, to include A level Maths at minimum grade A
BBB, to include A level Maths at minimum grade B (with an EPQ or Core Maths at grade B)
BBC (contextual offer)
Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (any subject): DDM plus 1 A-Level in Mathematics at minimum grade A
National Diploma and Diploma (any subject): DM plus 1 A-level in Mathematics at minimum Grade A
Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (any subject): DM plus 2 A-levels grade AB including Mathematics at minimum grade A
National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (any subject): M plus 2 A-levels grade AB including Mathematics at minimum Grade A
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted

32 overall points with 6, 5, 5 in Higher Level subjects including a minimum grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics and a minimum grade 5 in Standard Level English.

Any subject accepted, to include 30 Distinctions and 15 merits at Level 3, including at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics at Distinction

Non-standard qualifications

Degree:

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a 1st year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSE and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
Year 2 entry: Please note that second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and programme director. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme.
Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have gained (or be expected to gain) 65% overall and 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
Year 3: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed which includes previous and predicted qualifications, any experience, references and motivation.

T Levels are not currently accepted as an entry requirement for this course.

You may be able to access this course via our foundation programme route.

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement, you will also need to have achieved:

GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 or above.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,250
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£21,100
During placement year:	£2,500

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

We will assess you in a diverse variety of ways including, blending exams with coursework, portfolio submissions, weekly online quizzes, individual programming tasks, post competitions, and group presentations. Assessing you through different practices will help gain an overall understanding of your knowledge.

Career prospects

On successful completion of our mathematics with economics degree, the analytical skills you acquire open doors to various career paths. You can venture into the financial sector, engage in modeling and engineering, explore the world of computing and programming, or even pursue teaching and research opportunities

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Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study Mathematics with Economics at Aston?

Combining input from both Aston Business School and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, you’ll get a rounded learning experience, getting you ready for a career where your skills will be in high demand.

How will a placement year benefit me?

We think that the knowledge you gain through your studies are best applied to real life and the most effective way to do this is by working in a company. As well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, you’ll also gain invaluable communication and team skills.

We have excellent links with industry and will help to arrange this placement for you.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham