Mathematics & Economics Degree Guide

If you’re someone who enjoys problem-solving, numbers and understanding how economies work, this is a rigorous and rewarding path that opens doors to a wide range of careers.

What You Study

This joint degree combines the core of both disciplines. You’ll typically study:

In Mathematics:

• Calculus and linear algebra

• Probability and statistics

• Real analysis and mathematical proof

• Differential equations and optimisation

• Numerical methods or discrete maths

In Economics:

• Microeconomics (individual and firm decision-making)

• Macroeconomics (growth, inflation, unemployment, monetary policy)

• Econometrics and statistical modelling

• Game theory and behavioural economics

• Public economics, labour markets or international trade (in later years)

You’ll also:

• Work with real data and economic models

• Use tools like R, Python, MATLAB or Stata

• Choose optional modules in areas like finance, development economics or pure maths

Useful A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications)

To be competitive for Mathematics and Economics in the UK, you’ll typically need:

• A-level Maths (essential)

• Further Maths (strongly recommended, especially for top universities)

• Economics (useful but not essential)

• Physics, Computer Science or Statistics (can help with analytical skills)

Top universities like LSE, Warwick, Oxford, UCL and Cambridge will expect A or A* in Maths and often Further Maths.

What Makes a Strong Application

A good applicant will show:

• Genuine interest in both subjects, not just one

• Evidence of strong mathematical ability and logical thinking

• Examples of wider engagement, such as:

  • Reading (e.g. The Economist, The Armchair Economist, The Code Book)

  • Competitions (UKMT, Maths Olympiads, Economics essay contests)

  • Online courses (e.g. on Coursera, edX or FutureLearn in economics or maths)

• A personal statement that connects your interest in abstract maths with real-world economic problems

Career Prospects

A Mathematics and Economics degree is one of the most flexible and respected combinations you can study. Graduates are in high demand in sectors such as:

• Finance – investment banking, risk management, trading, asset management

• Economics and policy – working in government, think tanks, international organisations

• Data and technology – data science, machine learning, algorithm design

• Consulting – economic or strategy consulting

• Research or academia – with postgraduate study

Common job titles include:

• Economist

• Data analyst

• Actuary

• Financial analyst

• Quantitative researcher

• Economic consultant

Transferable skills include:

• Logical and quantitative reasoning

• Data modelling and analysis

• Problem-solving and abstraction

• Written and verbal communication

Studying in the UK vs Other Countries

UK

• Strong tradition in both disciplines

• Highly structured degrees with deep mathematical content

• LSE, Warwick, Cambridge, Oxford and UCL are well known for this combination

• Many graduates go on to postgraduate study, especially in economics or finance

USA

• Typically studied through a double major in Mathematics and Economics

• Broader liberal arts education in the first two years

• Strong emphasis on economic modelling, theory and real-world applications

• Access to research and internship opportunities through college networks

Canada

• Similar to the USA, with joint degrees or double majors available

• High-quality education in both subjects, with options to specialise in applied or theoretical tracks

Australia and New Zealand

• Offered within Commerce, Science or Arts degrees

• Maths and economics may be studied together with business, stats or finance

• Practical orientation with opportunities to apply knowledge to policy and financial markets

Europe

• Excellent maths and economics programmes, especially in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and Scandinavia

• Some universities (e.g. Erasmus University Rotterdam, Bocconi, Tilburg) offer English-taught BSc programmes

• Often more technical and research-focused

Final Thoughts

Mathematics and Economics is ideal for students who:

• Enjoy both abstract thinking and real-world problem-solving

• Are confident with numbers and logic

• Want to keep their options open across finance, tech, policy and research

• Appreciate rigour and want a challenge