Mathematical Economics and Statistics BSc

From year one, you'll build strong foundations in economic theory alongside core mathematical and statistical tools. Programming and computational skills are introduced early, so you can work with large datasets and solve complex economic problems from the outset.

As the degree progresses, you'll apply advanced mathematical techniques, machine learning, and statistical analysis to real-world challenges. This technical grounding will develop your ability to think critically, analyse evidence, and communicate quantitative insights clearly, the skills employers are looking for.

In your final year, you'll go deeper into the areas that interest you most, completing a dissertation and choosing optional modules from a range spanning the Economics of Industry, International Trade, Economics of Crime and Justice, and Economics of Blockchain and Web3.

You can also extend your degree with:

• A Year in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
• A Year in Computer Science
• A placement year to build professional experience
• A year abroad to gain an international perspective on the issues you're studying

The research that shapes your studies

Birmingham academics are actively shaping policy and leading world-class institutes. Your study will be directly informed by the ground-breaking discoveries happening in our specialist research hubs:

• Shaping regional economic growth with City-REDI: Through the City-Region Economic Development Institute, our researchers work with government and the West Midlands Combined Authority to tackle real economic challenges facing our region.
• Tackling crime with data-driven economics: Learn alongside researchers from our Centre for Crime, Justice, and Policing who use economic modelling and data tracking to evaluate policing interventions, reduce knife crime, and shape national justice policy.
• Driving the transition to a green economy: Discover how business and social sciences intersect to solve global climate challenges through the Birmingham Centre for Environmental and Energy Economics and Management, influencing international policy on renewable energy.
• Analysing global big data across borders: Through the VU Amsterdam Big Data and Economics Research Network, our researchers are undertaking data-driven economic analyses to study urban, environment, migration, and labour market trends.

Why Birmingham Business School?

• We boast the gold standard triple-crown accreditation for Business Schools across AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, placing our degrees within an elite group of globally recognised providers.
• Study at one of the top two UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market in 2026).
• Our dedicated careers service will help you uncover your professional potential, offering expert guidance and personalised support, you’ll be fully equipped to make confident career decisions, connect with leading employers.
• Take part in our unique Capgemini Community Challenge at Capgemini’s world-renowned facilities, or the Deloitte Responsible Business Challenge to enhance your responsible leadership skills.

You'll develop quantitative and analytical skills through econometrics workshops, working with real datasets and applying statistical methods to complex economic problems.

As the degree progresses, you'll engage with research projects that develop your ability to think critically, construct and evaluate quantitative models, and communicate complex insights clearly.

In your final year, the dissertation gives you the opportunity to pursue an area of independent research in depth, developing the analytical and research skills that leading postgraduate programmes and quantitative employers look for.

Throughout the degree, you'll have access to our Bloomberg training suite, building the data analysis and visualisation skills that professional economists and financial analysts rely on every day.

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A levels required: 3

GCSE: Mathematics is required at grade 7.

A level subjects excluded for entry: General Studies, Critical Thinking, and Use of Maths.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and Writing.
• IELTS: 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.5 in Writing and Speaking, and 6.0 in Listening and Reading. 
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 overall, with 67 in Writing and Speaking
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with 176 in Writing and Speaking
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in Listening and Reading and 38 in Speaking and Writing
• Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
• Trinity ISE III: score of Merit in Speaking and Writing, Pass in other skills.

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Professional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade B in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

Core Maths qualification

Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade B in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

Throughout your studies, you'll have lifelong access to dedicated careers support from both the Birmingham Business School careers team and the University's Careers Network - consistently ranked among the best in the UK for connecting students with leading graduate employers.

From tailored workshops and networking events to one-to-one guidance on internships and placements, you'll graduate with the confidence and experience employers value.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Flexible programmes to suit you

Not sure what you want to study?

Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work. 

Intercalated years

Our intercalated opportunities offer the chance to take a year out from your existing course to study within another field. This takes place usually between year 2 and year 3 of your programme.