Mathematics with Economics MSci
This four-year course is designed for students who are interested in making mathematics their major area of study but who would also like to obtain knowledge and an understanding of general economics and related subjects such as commerce and business. It offers an additional year on top of the Mathematics with Economics BSc, allowing students to specialise further by taking more advanced modules and undertaking a major final-year project. No previous knowledge of economics is required. This course is also available with Study Abroad, with the option of studying an additional year in another country.
Key information
Entry requirements
- Grades
- A*A*A
- Subjects
- A*A*A with A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics; or A*AA with A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, in any order, together with a 2 in any STEP Paper or a Distinction in the Mathematics AEA. Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Physics and Statistics preferred.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4
Contextual offer
- Grades
- A*A*C
- Subjects
- A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics; or A*AC with A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, in any order, together with a 2 in any STEP Paper or a Distinction in the Mathematics AEA. Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Physics and Statistics preferred.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- Points
- 40
- Subjects
- A total of 40 points overall with 20 points in three higher level subjects including 7 in Mathematics; or 39 overall with 19 points in three higher level subjects including 7 in Mathematics together with a 2 in any STEP paper or a distinction in Mathematics AEA. The course will accept higher level ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ only. Physics, Statistics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, Economics, English Language, English Literature preferred as third subject.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 38
- Subjects
- A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects including 7 in Mathematics, with no higher level score below 5. The programme will accept higher level ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ only. Physics, Statistics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, Economics, English Language, English Literature preferred as third subject.
Resits
The English language level for this programme is: Level 1
Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
About this course
This MSci course is ideal for students who wish to make mathematics their main area of study, while also gaining a solid understanding of general economics, alongside subjects such as commerce and business. No prior knowledge of economics is required.
During the first year and a half, you will develop a strong foundation in analysis, algebra, and mathematical methods, studying the same core mathematics modules as single-subject Mathematics students taking 90 credits per year. Instead of Applied Mathematics modules, you will take 30 credits of introductory economics in each of the first two years, covering both microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Building on this foundation, the third year offers over 30 optional modules in both mathematics and economics, allowing you to tailor the degree to your interests.
In the fourth year, you will study higher-level modules that are closely aligned with the research interests of academic staff. You will also complete a substantial supervised research project, which accounts for 25% of the credits in Year 4. With over 100 projects available, students benefit from a wide range of choices informed by the breadth and depth of the department’s research profile.
The course is available as either a three-year BSc or a four-year MSci. The first two years are identical for both courses, and applicants are encouraged to apply initially for the MSci, as it is possible to transfer to the BSc at any point during the first three years.
We are looking for intellectually curious students who enjoy tackling challenging problems and thinking creatively about mathematics. We value applicants who show initiative beyond the school curriculum, who are motivated to explore new ideas in depth and who pursue academic excellence. There is no single profile of a mathematician: we welcome applications from students of all backgrounds, and we are seeking to build a diverse and inclusive mathematical community.
Course structure
The first year modules are all compulsory, covering the core ideas of modern mathematics: analysis, algebra, and mathematical methods. The economics module introduces the core ideas of micro- and macro-economics. There is also an introduction to coding. The content is delivered through lectures supported by regular problem sheets, small-group tutorials and computer labs.
The first half of the second year continues in this format. With fundamental knowledge established, you can then choose 3 out of 8 options that continue to deepen these themes, but also include topics such as Probability and Statistics, Number Theory and Mathematical Physics.
You will also have the opportunity to choose a wide range of electives outside the Department of Mathematics, such as economics, statistics, computer science, management and a modern language, subject to suitability and availability. Additionally, you will be offered the opportunity to participate in a supervised group project in the summer, researching a topic in mathematics related to the degree syllabus.
In the third year, there is a wide range of advanced topics in mathematics available, the majority building on the knowledge mastered in earlier years. These include modules in areas such as geometry, analysis and its applications, algebra and number theory, combinatorics, fluid mechanics, mathematical physics, financial mathematics, mathematical biology, history of mathematics, and various advanced areas of micro-economics. You will also have the opportunity to study further Statistics modules. Again, options outside the Department of Mathematics are available, subject to suitability and availability.
In the fourth year, you will study higher-level modules largely related to the research interests of staff. There is also a substantial supervised research project in Mathematics, which accounts for 25% of the assessment for year 4.
Modules
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
Compulsory modules
- Economics 1 (Combined Studies) (MATH0002)
- Analysis 1 (MATH0003)
- Analysis 2 (MATH0004)
- Algebra 1 (MATH0005)
- Algebra 2 (MATH0006)
- Advanced Calculus (MATH0125)
- Programming and Vector Calculus (MATH0126)
Compulsory modules
- Analysis 3: Complex Analysis (MATH0013)
- Algebra 3: Further Linear Algebra (MATH0014)
- Fourier Methods and Linear PDEs (MATH0127)
- Economics 2 (Combined Studies) (STAT0001)
Optional modules
- Curves and Surfaces (MATH0020)
- Number Theory (MATH0034)
- Analysis 4: Metric Spaces (MATH0051)
- Algebra 4: Groups and Rings (MATH0053)
- Mathematics of Electromagnetism and Special Relativity (MATH0055)
- Mathematical Methods 4 (MATH0056)
- Probability and Statistics (MATH0057)
- Computational Methods and Programming (MATH0058)
Optional modules
- Critical Perspectives on Mathematics Education (CPAS0012)
- Economics of Financial Markets (ECON0001)
- Quantitative Economics and Econometrics (ECON0019)
- International Trade (ECON0023)
- Economics of Competition Policy (ECON0025)
- Game Theory (ECON0027)
- The Economics of Growth (ECON0028)
- Behavioural Economics (ECON0040)
- Economics of Labour (ECON0047)
- Environmental Economics (ECON0052)
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- Further Topics in Algebraic Number Theory (MATH0061)
- Advanced Modelling Mathematical Techniques (MATH0065)
- Spectral Theory (MATH0071)
- Riemannian Geometry (MATH0072)
- Topology and Groups (MATH0074)
- Algebraic Geometry (MATH0076)
- Asymptotic Approximation Methods (MATH0078)
- Cosmology (MATH0079)
- Evolutionary Games and Population Genetics (MATH0082)
- Asset Pricing in Continuous Time (Masters level) (MATH0085)
Teaching is primarily delivered through lectures and small-group tutorials. Lectures focus on introducing key theory and techniques, which are then reinforced in expert-led tutorials through exercises designed to encourage discussion and critical thinking among your peers. In addition, an ‘office hours’ system for each module allows you to meet with tutors on a one-to-one basis to review parts of the degree you find interesting or that need clarifying.
UCL runs a Student Mentor scheme offering support and advice to first-year students.
Most modules are assessed by written examinations in the third term, with a small element of coursework assessment.
Fourth-year projects are assessed in two parts: a written project 70% and an oral presentation 30% .
Typical timetabled contact hours for degree courses in the Department of Mathematics are approximately 16–20 hours per week in year 1, reducing to 12 hours in year 3. In year 1 and the first half of year 2, these hours typically consist of lectures, 12–16 hours per week, and tutorials, 4 hours a week. In the second half of year 2 and in year 3, they typically consist of 12 hours of lectures. In addition, students are expected to undertake approximately 15–20 hours of independent study per week.
In year 4, there are a total of 6 modules, typically 9 hours per week and a substantial four-year project which amounts to 25% of the total credits. Fourth-year projects are supervised individually by a member of staff through terms 1 and 2.
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £9,790 | £42,700 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Why study this course at UCL?
You will gain transferable skills such as quantitative literacy, problem-solving and logical thinking, which can lead to a wide variety of interesting, diverse and well-paid careers.
Together with specialist mathematics options, you will have the opportunity to take modules from outside the department, such as economics, statistics, computer science, management or a foreign language.
There are close and exciting connections between parts of economic theory and certain areas of abstract mathematics. Research interests of staff allow the possibility of advanced modules in this area. The MSci allows for additional in-depth study, providing the skills necessary for academic research in mathematics and economics.
Internationally renowned and 6th in the UK, (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Mathematics) UCL Mathematics is home to world-leading researchers in a wide range of fields, especially analysis and its applications, number theory, geometry and topology, combinatorics, mathematical biology, financial mathematics, fluid dynamics, mathematical physics and mathematical modelling.
Three of the six British winners of the Fields medal, the mathematician’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize, have associations with the department.
Discover Uni
To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
What this course will give you
We aim to develop your skills in mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and accurate mathematical manipulation. You will also learn to handle abstract concepts and to think critically, argue logically and express yourself clearly.
A mathematics degree is highly valued by employers due to the skills in logical thinking, analysis, problem-solving and, of course, numeracy, that it develops. The knowledge and skills gained on the course can also be used in fields including forecasting, risk analysis and trading; financial services, such as accountancy, banking and insurance; and scientific research, information technology and industry.
Recent graduates have found employment around the world with companies such as Deloitte LLP, Goldman Sachs Group, JP Morgan, Amazon, Deutsche Bank, the HMRC.
Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017–2023 cohorts.
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Register nowHow to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Please note that this course does not consider applicants who are resitting qualifications. The department is supportive of the Year in Industry scheme which involves deferring entry for a year to gain valuable work experience.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Mathematics with Economics MSci course. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
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Mathematics
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