BA Joint Hons Economics, Mathematics & Statistics
ApplyKey facts
- UCAS Code: LG1C
- Accreditation: triple-accredited Business School - AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA
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Ranked: top 10 in UK for Economics (Complete University Guide 2021)
Applicant visit days: these take place in March each year
Study with us
- use key economics concepts and models to better understand real-world problems
- develop excellent analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers
- understand how mathematics is applied to solve practical problems
- economists with training in the use of mathematical models and techniques are in demand
How could the Covid-19 pandemic affect my studies?
Covid-19: information & FAQsWhy this course?
Following the recent global economic crisis, economics is more important and relevant than ever. Decisions on money, banking, interest rates, taxation and government spending affect us all, with global consequences.
Economics aims to understand the activities of the different agents in the economy – consumers, producers and the government – and how they all fit together.
Our degree will give you the ability to explain complex data in simple terms to different audiences. You’ll also develop excellent mathematical, statistical and problem-solving skills. Mathematics and Statistics make up at least half of the course.

Create your own course
Modern business is too complex to be covered by a single subject: modern managers need to have a broad outlook.
You choose basic classes in business and other disciplines, alongside the Business School’s Management Development Programme. You’ll study a wide variety of subjects and create a curriculum to suit your interests and needs.
You also have the opportunity to try new subjects, some of which you won’t have experienced at school or college. At the beginning of Year 2, you choose two subjects to continue studying in Years 2 and 3. You’ll also select a third, ‘minor’ subject and take further Management Development skills classes.
Apply under the general UCAS entry code N100 if you’d prefer to discuss your subject choices once you arrive. To study accounting, apply under N400 or one of the other accounting codes listed on the site.

Another great part of the economics degree is that lecturers are passionate about their teaching and very approachable – you can always ask questions.
Economics (BA) graduate
What you’ll study
Years 1 & 2
You’ll study an Introduction to Economics, which covers consumers and industries, markets, market failure and the role of government, unemployment and inflation. You’ll take core classes in microeconomics and macroeconomics and choose from a number of optional classes.
In addition to the study of core mathematical methods, you’ll study:
- applied analysis
- mechanics
- numerical analysis
- statistics
Years 3 & 4
Students study a selection of optional classes which complements the classes studied in previous years. You also undertake a dissertation that requires substantial independent research.
The Honours-year project may be in Economics or Mathematics, or Statistics.
Topics offered in Maths Honours-year classes include Dynamical Systems & Chaos Theory, the Mathematics of Finance & Mathematical Modelling in Biology & Medicine.
Economics options include Econometrics, Econometric Theory and Economics of Competitive Strategy.
Strathclyde Business School blog
One of the most important resources available to you is being part of the Strathclyde Business School community. One example of this is the Strathclyde Business School Blog, used extensively by staff and students to showcase our activities.
Student competitions
Prizes for best overall performance are awarded to students in all years of study. We also offer a prize for the best final dissertation in economics in the final Honours year of study. All prize recipients will be invited to attend the Graduation Reception for our final year students.
Triple-accredited business school
Management Development Programme 1
Topics
First Year aims to help you make the transition to the university context. Semester 1 is the Thematic Semester: The World of Business Today and covers topics such as:
- Social-Ethical-Environmental Governance (SEEG)
- Business Ethics
- Disruptive Technologies
Semester 2: Functional Semester: Organisations Today covers topics such as:
- Creativity & Responsibility
- Marketing & Sustainability across Domains
Class description
The first year of the programme is centred on the construction of knowledge in classroom setting with theoretical constructs developed. For each topic we’ve recorded a video by a Strathclyde academic who is a leading expert in the field.
You’ll watch these lectures in advance of each session and complete a pre-sessional activity. The pre-sessional work then forms the basis of team based activities work in the classroom (groups of 50 and teams of six-seven) where you develop an agreed understanding of the topic and present this to the group.
The feedback gained from this activity then feeds directly into the assessment for the block. You’ll complete 16 assignments in the two semesters of the class.
Economics
Introduction to Economics
Mathematics & Statistics
Introduction to Calculus
Applications of Calculus
The fundamental concepts of calculus (differentiation and integration) presented in Applications of Calculus will be examined in more detail, extended to a larger class of functions by means of more sophisticated methods, including an introduction to complex numbers and variables, all demonstrated in application to practical problems including solving basic first and second-order differential equations.
Management Development Programme 2
Topics
Semester 1 topics include:
- Working in Business Organisations
- Working Business Research & Consultancy
- Working Internationally
- Working in the Third Sector
- Rhetorics & Oratory
Semester 2 is about developing the proposal of MDP3; with a presentation and a final report.
Class description
The second year concentrates on developing understanding through industry-specific contextualisation. Sessions are weekly and three hours in length.
The sessions are thematically linked to the pathways for individualised experience in third year whilst also drawing on the theoretical knowledge developed in MDP 1. In order to develop understanding, organisations will deliver a half-day session. This consists of a one hour plenary introduction where the company and case study are introduced. This is followed by the group sessions where you undertake activities in relation to the case study set by the company.
Economics
Microeconomics 2
Macroeconomics 2
Mathematics & Statistics
Linear Algebra & Differential Equations
This class will introduce you to the basic ideas of linear algebra, such as matrices and determinants, vector spaces, bases, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. You'll study various standard methods for solving ordinary differential equations and understand their relevance.
Probability & Statistical Inference
Presentation of the basic concepts of probability theory and statistical inference will be covered to provide you with the tools to appropriately analyse a given data set and effectively communicate the results of such analysis.
Mathematical & Statistical Computing
This class will introduce you to the R computing environment. It'll enable you to use R to import data and perform statistical tests, allow you to understand the concept of an algorithm and what makes a good algorithm and will equip you for implementing simple algorithms in R.
Management Development Programme 3
The third year of centres on individualised experience in an organisational context through one of the following pathways:
- Internship/Charities - gain practical experience in a private or third sector organisation. You need to negotiate and locate your own organisation and experience – this is one of the key learning points of the pathway.
- Research and consultancy - a facility for local small businesses to gain from the experience and expertise of those within SBS. You work on two live business consultancy projects (one in each semester) and, as a team of 6, develop solutions and strategic initiatives for the local SME economy.
- International experience – only available for students who are undertaking an international exchange for either one semester or full year.
- Vertically Integrated Projects - working on a cross-faculty basis to research longitudinal projects (including the ‘Bill Gates Toilet Challenge, Solar Panels for Gambia and Enterprise in Schools) you work with a team of students from all levels of study (first year undergraduate to final year PhD) to further the work of the project.
In addition, you’re required to undertake a social responsibility element (this accounts for one quarter of the overall workload).
These have been designed to provide support to the Curriculum for Excellence and the Widening Access to Higher Education programme. There are no formal classes for MDP3 although there is pathway support with the pathway leads and tutor support.
Economics
Microeconomics 3
Macroeconomics 3
Mathematics & Statistics
Differential Equations
We'll introduce you to analytical methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations so you'll develop an understanding along with technical skills in this area.
Inference & Regression Modelling
This class will:
- review the concepts of probability distributions and how to work with these
- present approaches to parameter estimation, focusing on maximum likelihood estimation, bootstrap estimation, and properties of estimators
- present hypothesis testing procedures, including classical likelihood ratio tests and computer-based methods for testing parameter values, and goodness-of-fit tests.
- introduce and provide understanding of the least squares multiple regression model, general linear model, transformations and variable selection procedures
- present use of R functions for regression and interpretation of R output
Optional classes
Complex Variables & Integral Transforms
This class will introduce functions of a complex variable, define concepts such as continuity, differentiability, analyticity, line integration, singular points, etc. It'll examine some important properties of such functions, and consider some applications of them, eg conformal mappings, and the evaluation of real integrals using the Residue Theorem. It'll also introduce you to Fourier and Laplace transform methods for solving linear ordinary differential equations and convolution type integral equations.
Linear Algebra
Here we'll introduce basic algebraic structures, with particular emphasis on those pertaining to finite dimensional linear spaces and deepen your understanding of linear mappings. We'll also provide an introduction to inner product spaces and bilinear forms.
Numerical Analysis
This module will motivate the need for numerical algorithms to approximate the solution of problems that can't be solved with pen and paper. It'll develop your skills in performing detailed analysis of the performance of numerical methods and will continue to develop your skills in the implementation of numerical algorithms using R.
Stochastics & Financial Econometrics
You'll be introduced to the basic concepts of random phenomena evolving in time, from two complementary points of view: probabilistic modelling and data-driven analysis. Presentation of underlying ideas of simple stochastic processes, time series models, and the associated probability theory and statistical techniques will be covered. In addition to applications of the methods to financial and economic systems, including modelling, data analysis, and forecasting.
Economics
Dissertation
Elective classes
Microeconomics 4
Macroeconomics 4
Introduction to Econometrics
Economics of Firms & Industries
Industrial Economics
Applied Econometrics
In the third year econometrics class you’ll have learned about regression in both a cross-sectional data and time series data context. This class extends that knowledge in three ways.
First, for cross-sectional data, the class deals with regression techniques where the dependent variable may be restricted or limited in some way. In such cases, the regression model as taught in the third year class is not appropriate; this class develops models which are similar in spirit to the standard regression model, but can handle all of these cases.
A second purpose of Applied Econometrics is to develop regression methods which can be used when you have panel data - consisting of both cross-sectional and time-series dimensions.
Third, the class will build on the introduction to the econometrics of time series data developed in this class by developing two classes of models.
Financial Development & Economic Growth
This class gives a balanced view of the role of finance in promoting long-run economic growth, but also booms and busts. The nature and role of financial intermediaries will be introduced, and, afterwards, formally addressed in a simple aggregate growth model. Empirical evidence will be examined, before turning to the specifics of micro-finance. The importance of financial globalisation will also be investigated. Finally, the rest of the class will be devoted to deciphering the causes and consequences of the current financial crisis.
Behavioural Economics
Behavioural Economics offers alternative theories that merge psychological insights with economic theory and are based on experimental and other evidence, that attempt to provide a better explanation of real-world behaviour.
This class is concerned with exploring these new behavioural theories with the aim of providing you with an expanded toolkit with which to approach ‘real-world Economics’ that is based on the burgeoning Behavioural Economics literature that has emerged over the past two or three decades.
After studying this, you should be able to extend much of your previously-learned knowledge in Microeconomics in various directions that take into account more realistic ways of modelling how individuals behave.
Natural Resource, Environmental & Energy Economics
The class provides you with an introduction to natural resource, environmental and energy economics and policy. It focuses on the contributions of economics to understanding environmental, energy and resource problems, their causes, and the design of effective public policies to counteract them.
Mathematics & Statistics
Communicating Mathematics & Statistics
This class provides you with experience of the skills required to undertake project work, and to communicate the findings in written and oral form using a variety of sources, such as books, journals and the internet.
Optional classes
Modelling & Simulation with Applications to Financial Derivatives
Here you'll get an introduction to ideas in mathematics and statistics that can be used to model real systems, with an emphasis on the valuation of financial derivatives. This module places equal emphasis on deterministic analysis (calculus, differential equations) and stochastic analysis (Brownian motion, birth and death processes). In both cases, in addition to theoretical analysis, appropriate computational algorithms are introduced. The first half of the class introduces general modelling and simulation tools, and the second half focuses on the specific application of valuing financial derivatives, including the celebrated Black-Scholes theory.
Statistical Modelling & Analysis
This class will provide you with a range of applied statistical techniques that can be used in professional life.
Applied Statistics in Society
You'll be introduced to a range of modern statistical methods and practices used in industry, commerce and research, and will develop skills in your application and presentation.
Applicable Analysis 3
This class will present the main results in Functional Analysis, give an introduction to linear operators on Banach and Hilbert spaces and study applications to integral and differential equations.
Fluids & Waves
You'll be introduced to the theory of Newtonian fluids and its application to flow problems and the dynamics of waves on water and in other contexts.
Finite Element Methods for Boundary Value Problems & Approximation
You'll be presented with the basic theory and practice of finite element methods and polynomial and piecewise polynomial approximation theory.
Mathematical Biology & Marine Population Modelling
Here you'll learn the application of mathematical models to a variety of problems in biology, medicine, and ecology. It'll show the application of ordinary differential equations to simple biological and medical problems, the use of mathematical modelling in biochemical reactions, the application of partial differential equations in describing spatial processes such as cancer growth and pattern formation in embryonic development, and the use of delay-differential equations in physiological processes. The marine population modelling element will introduce the use of difference models to represent population processes through applications to fisheries, and the use of coupled ODE system to represent ecosystems. Practical work will include example class case studies that will explore a real-world application of an ecosystem model.
Elasticity & Complex Materials
We'll introduce you to general continuum theory with applications to Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids and elastic materials.
Optimisation: Theory & Practice
We'll provide you with a basic mathematical understanding of modern approaches to optimisation and the calculus of variations.
Statistical Mechanics
Here you'll develop approaches to understanding complex or random systems in or out of equilibrium, based on ideas from statistical mechanics that incorporate familiar concepts and methods from neighbouring subjects like classical mechanics and probability and statistics.
You'll also be able to describe, through various examples and techniques, how macroscopic properties of systems arise from the ensemble action of many microscopic ingredients, and, specifically, how deterministic 'laws' may arise from basic randomness of a system with many variables or degrees of freedom. Fundamental examples include Brownian motion and the ideal gas.
Dynamical Models in Epidemiology
We'll introduce mathematical models which arise in epidemiology and population dynamics, and help you develop techniques for analysing the qualitative behaviour of the associated dynamical systems.

We're ranked 8th in the UK for Economics.
Entry requirements
Required subjects are shown in brackets.
Highers | Standard entry requirements*:
(Higher English B; Maths National 5 B, or equivalent; Higher Maths A for combinations with Accounting or Maths & Statistics; Higher Maths B for combinations with Finance) Minimum entry requirements**:
(English B; Maths National 5 B; Higher Maths B for Finance combinations) |
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A Levels | ABB-BBB (GCSE English Language 6/B or Literature 6/B, or an essay-based A Level B may be considered in lieu of English; GCSE Maths 6/B; A Level Maths A for combinations with Accounting or Maths & Statistics; A Level Maths B for combinations with Finance) |
International Baccalaureate | 32-30 (no subject below 5 and including English SL5, Maths/Maths Studies SL5; Maths HL5 for combinations with Accounting or Maths & Statistics) |
HNC/HND | Relevant HNC/HND, A in Graded Units; for advice on entry to Year 2 contact Business School Admissions: |
International students | Find out entry requirements for your country by visiting our country pages. |
Deferred entry | Not normally accepted. |
*Standard entry requirements
Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.
Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.
In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.
**Minimum entry requirements
Widening access
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.
Degree preparation course for international students
We offer international students (non-EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' sectionFees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Scotland | TBC* 2020/21: £1,820 *Fees for students domiciled in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution. |
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England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £9,250 Assuming no change in fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2021-22, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes), MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply. |
International | £16,000 |
University preparation programme fees | International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. |
Additional costs | EconomicsCourse materialsCourse materials comprise both textbooks and course handbooks. All of the compulsory handbooks are available to students free on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Some classes may have a recommended core textbook which you may wish to purchase but copies will be available in the University Library. Study abroadStrathclyde Business School Exchange (compulsory for IBML (one year) and IB (one semester) and optional for BA) Typically the cost of one semester abroad could be £6-8,000 depending on the destination and currency exchange rates. Tuition fees are not paid to the exchange institution but continue to be paid to Strathclyde University in the usual way, however, students are responsible for their own travel and living expenses ie flights, insurance, visa application, accommodation, food, textbooks etc. Students are eligible to apply for a student loan as usual but must let the award agency (eg SAAS) know that they will be on a compulsory exchange. Students with an exchange place in Europe are eligible for Erasmus funding (subject to the outcome of Brexit negotiations) and full details of this process will be provided by the University. Students with an exchange place outside Europe are eligible to apply to the Neil Hood Memorial Fund for a scholarship. Full details of the application process are provided to all eligible students. Other scholarship opportunities may be available through the Alumni & Development department. Other costs
Mathematics & StatisticsCourse materials & costsClass materials (lecture notes and exercise sheets) for the majority of Mathematics & Statistics classes are available free to download. For some classes, students may need access to a textbook. Textbook costs are typically in the £20-60 price range. These prices are dependent on format (e-book, soft or hardback) and whether bought new or second hand. Other costs£40 returnable deposit for PRS handsets. |
Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland
Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland
We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:
You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.
International Students
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Careers
Economists can work across many different industries and often go on to specialise in individual areas, such as agriculture and manufacturing.
Recent Economics graduates have gone on to work in accountancy and business services, retail and investment banking, insurance, government and industry with job titles such as:
- Economist
- Auditor
- Management Accountant
- Business Analyst
- Investment Analyst
- Risk Consultant
- Commercial Manager
Mathematics and Statistics graduates can work in many industries, including actuarial, accountancy and banking professions, commerce and government, consultancy and education. They go on to become:
- Investment Analysts
- Numerical Analysts
- Statisticians
- Actuaries
- Managers
- Teachers

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based in the very heart of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. National Geographic named Glasgow as one of its 'Best of the World' destinations, while Rough Guide readers have voted Glasgow the world’s friendliest city! And Time Out named Glasgow in the top ten best cities in the world - we couldn't agree more!
We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Find out what some of our students think about studying in Glasgow!
Find out all about life in GlasgowApply
Economics, Mathematics & Statistics (1 year entry)
Year of Entry: 1 year
Economics, Mathematics & Statistics (2 year entry)
Year of Entry: 2 year
Economics, Mathematics & Statistics (1 year entry)
Start Date: Sep 2021
Mode of Attendance: full-time
Year of Entry: 1 year