Mathematical Economics and Statistics

By tightly integrating the study of economics and statistics, our BSc Mathematical Economics and Statistics programme meets the increasing demand from industry, the professions and public bodies for informed and talented graduates who can apply skill and imagination to real world problems.

Responsible for your learning Economics is important, it means passing on our state-of-the-art knowledge to the next generation as part of our responsibility to the profession and to you. Our responsibility is to help teach you to communicate what you have learnt and how it can be applied - to prospective employers, to your parents, to all the people who benefit from the making of informed decisions.

As a graduate you will emerge with an excellent, professional training in economics allied with advanced technical and quantitative skills that you can readily apply to a host of social science concepts and problems. This programme emphasises developments in modern economic and social theory and takes account of the growth of mathematical and statistical tools in the analysis of economic and social problems.

Your programme of study An important feature of this programme is the rigorous grounding in mathematics and statistics in your first year, along with a good foundation in economics. There are also modules in study skills to equip you for university-level work, and practical information technology courses to enable you to use our excellent computer-based facilities.

You build on your first year with compulsory modules in Economics and Quantitative Methods. You are also introduced to econometrics – applying statistics to test and evaluate economic theories and policies. You pursue your own developing tastes and preferences by choosing an optional module from a list that includes Economic Development and Environmental Economics.

You can apply for a placement year during your second year and undertake a year-long placement during your third year. If you successfully secure a placement you will be moved on to the four-year BSc Mathematical Economics and Statistics with Placement Year degree.

In your third year you take a core course in advanced econometrics along with specialised areas of applied economics. Most of this third year, however, is taken up with optional modules, in which you can branch out into a totally new area of study or develop your second-year options in greater depth. In this year you also write an extended essay resulting from individual research.

As well as learning the detail of your subject, you will develop the all-round skills needed for a modern working world - critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and creativity. For many students this is a big transition but you can be reassured that right across campus support and help is available if you need it. University is a time for self-discovery and adventure - shape your own experience and discover who you are.

Birmingham Business School continues to climb the rankings for its Economics courses and is currently ranked 16th in the Complete University Guide (2024)