Mathematics with Economics

The BSc Mathematics with Economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers a rigorous and comprehensive undergraduate education that combines the fundamental principles of mathematics with the analytical and quantitative approaches of economics. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to equip students with advanced mathematical skills and a solid understanding of economic theory, preparing them for diverse careers in finance, consulting, policy analysis, or further academic study. Throughout the course, students engage with a broad range of topics, including calculus, linear algebra, probability, statistics, and differential equations, alongside core economic concepts such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, fostering strong problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills. The programme also provides opportunities for students to develop their quantitative research skills through seminars, projects, and internships. With faculty renowned for their research, students benefit from a stimulating academic environment that encourages innovation and intellectual curiosity. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme ensures graduates are well-prepared to analyze complex economic issues using advanced mathematical techniques. Additionally, students have access to LSE’s extensive resources, including state-of-the-art computer labs, libraries, and networking events with industry professionals. The programme typically spans three years for full-time students and includes options for modules that allow specialization in areas such as financial mathematics, development economics, or behavioral economics. Graduates of Mathematics with Economics at LSE often pursue careers in financial institutions, governmental agencies, international organizations, or continue their studies at postgraduate level. Overall, this programme offers a challenging yet rewarding pathway for students interested in understanding and solving some of the most pressing economic problems using quantitative methods and mathematical rigor.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

This programme is a major/minor in favour of mathematics. For a programme that is evenly split, see BSc Mathematics and Economics.

First year:

• Introduction to Abstract Mathematics
• Elementary Statistical Theory
• Mathematical Methods
• Economics B
• LSE100 (Lent Term only)

Second year:

• Microeconomic Principles I or Microeconomic Principles II
• Further Mathematical Methods (Calculus and Linear Algebra)
• Real Analysis
• Another 1.5 course units in Mathematics
• LSE100 (Michaelmas Term only)

Third year:

• An advanced course in Mathematical Economics
• Two options in mathematics and statistics
• One other option

First year

You take four core foundation courses. Economics B is an introductory course and you do not need previous knowledge of the subject. Elemental Statistical Theory is also an introductory level course. Mathematical Methods will continue your A level studies and includes calculus and linear algebra. Introduction to Abstract Mathematics will give you a gentle introduction to modern mathematics with emphasis on careful reasoning.

Second year

In the second year, you take two core courses, Microeconomic Principles and Further Mathematical Methods, which build on your first year studies and reinforce your understanding of economics and mathematics, whilst underlining the connections between the two subjects.

You will take a half unit course in Real Analysis, following on from the Abstract Mathematics course in the first year. You will be able to broaden your mathematical knowledge by taking a further one and a half course units in mathematics (Optimisation Theory, Differential Equations, Discrete Mathematics, Algebra and Number Theory) or statistics (the full unit course Probability, Distribution Theory and Inference).

Third year

In the third year you take one course in advanced mathematical economics. Your additional options total three course units. You can choose from mathematics, economics or statistics options, but your choice must include at least one unit in mathematics and no more than one unit of statistics. You can also take one outside option of any suitable course taught at LSE, subject to the approval of the course tutor.

Options

(* half unit)

Mathematics

• Optimisation Theory*
• Differential Equations*
• Discrete Mathematics*
• Algebra and Number Theory*
• Game Theory
• Game Theory I*
• Chaos in Dynamical Systems*
• Optimisation in Function Spaces*
• Theory of Algorithms*
• Mathematics of Finance and Valuation*
• Probability for Finance*
• Graph Theory*
• Algebra and its Applications*
• Complex Analysis*

Economics

• Economic Theory and its Applications
• Macroeconomic Principles
• Principles of Econometrics

Statistics

• Bayesian Inference*
• Probability, Distribution Theory and Inference
• Regression and Generalised Linear Models*
• Stochastic Processes*
• Time Series and Forecasting*

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 7 CAE score : 80(Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 627 TOEFL iBT® test : 107

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Course requirement: A level pass at grade A* in Mathematics. International Baccalaureate Diploma with Higher level Mathematics with 7

Usual standard offer: A level: grades A* A A, with an A* in Mathematics. Further Mathematics is highly recommendedInternational Baccalaureate: Diploma with 38 points including 7 6 6 at Higher level (with 7 in Mathematics)Other qualifications are considered.

English language requirements

Although it is not necessary to have the required grade in an acceptable English Language qualification when you make your application to LSE, if you are made an offer of a place and English is not your mother tongue, it is likely that you would be asked to obtain an acceptable English Language qualification as a condition of your offer.

The following qualifications are acceptable to LSE:

• GCSE English Language with a grade B or better.
• International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) English as a First Language with a grade B or better including the Speaking and Listening coursework component (Edexcel) or grade 2 in the optional speaking test (CIE).
• International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) academic test with a score of 7.0 in all four components.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 627 in the paper test including 5.5 in writing and 50 in TSE, or 107 in the internet based test with a minimum of 25 out of 30 in each of the four skills.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with grade B or better.
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate of English (CACE) with a grade A.
• Cambridge English Language (1119) conducted overseas by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate: B4 or better.
• O level (1120 Brunei, 1125 Mauritius A, 1127 Singapore) grade B or better.
• Singapore Integrated Programme (IP) Secondary 4 English Language grade B or better.
• Pearson Test of English (General) with a distinction at level 5 in both the written and the oral test.

Exceptions

If students offer the IGCSE in English as a First Language or O level (other than those specified above) and have been educated in the medium of English during their five most recent years of study (prior to 1 September 2011), then we will accept the qualification as sufficient evidence of English Language proficiency.

Please note that test scores must be achieved from one sitting of the relevant qualification. We will not accept individual component scores from multiple tests

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than London School of Economics and Political Science.

Funding

Financial support for 2011 entry

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country. Government support, in the form of loans and grants, is available to UK and some EU students, while LSE provides generous financial support, in the form of bursaries and scholarships to UK, EU and overseas students.

Government support

for students from England

Student loan for maintenance

The student loan for maintenance helps students pay living costs during term times and holidays. The maximum loan available for students studying in London and living away from their parents' home is currently £6,928.

Maintenance grants

The means-tested maintenance grant (currently worth up to £2,906) also helps students with living expenses during their time at university. The amount a student is eligible to receive is assessed by Student Finance England. The grant does not have to be repaid.

Special Support Grant

The special support grant replaces the maintenance grant for some students who during the course of the academic year, meet the conditions for being a 'prescribed person' under the income support or housing benefit regulations. Students who are likely to qualify include:

• Single parents
• Other student parents if they have a partner who is also a student
• Students with certain disabilities

Other students may be eligible for the Special Support Grant. You don't necessarily have to receive or even have applied for Income Support or Housing Benefit.

for students from elsewhere in the UK

Different financial support packages are available for students from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Students from these countries should refer to one of the following websites:

Student Finance Wales

www.studentfinancewales.co.uk

Student Awards Agency Scotland

www.saas.gov.uk

Student Finance Northern Ireland

www.studentfinanceni.co.uk

for EU students

Students from the EU are not usually eligible for UK Government financial support. However, EU nationals (or children of EU nationals) who have lived in the UK or islands for three years before the start of their course (ie, since 1 September 2008 for a course starting on 1 September 2011) may now qualify for a student loan and grants.

for overseas students

Students from outside the EU are not eligible to apply for UK Government funds. However, there is a range of funding available for overseas students from external agencies, bodies or your home government, details of which are available from your home government or nearest British Council office (www.britishcouncil.org/learning), or UKCISA (www.ukcisa.org.uk).

LSE financial support

for UK students

LSE Bursary

The LSE Bursary is available for students from low-income backgrounds (from England and Wales) and is worth up to £7,500 over a three-year programme. The value of the LSE Bursary is linked to students' (or their family's) income levels, which will be assessed when calculating the maintenance grant. The maximum LSE Bursary of £2,500 per year is awarded to those students with the lowest residual income. These Bursaries do not have to be repaid.

LSE Discretionary Bursary

The LSE Discretionary Bursary is available for new LSE students (from the UK and the EU) who face exceptional financial needs, including, for example, caring responsibilities, financial need related to disability or an unavoidable requirement to live at home. The value of the award may vary according to need. These Bursaries do not have to be repaid.

LSE Scholarships

Each year LSE awards a number of scholarships - funded by private or corporate donation - to UK applicants to the School. The number, value, eligibility criteria and type of awards vary from year to year. Awards are made on the basis of financial need and academic merit.

Stelios scholarships

Four Stelios scholarships, currently worth £5,444 per year, are available for UK students applying for business subjects at LSE.

Access to Learning funds

Registered UK students from low-income households can apply directly to LSE for Access to Learning funds. These funds are designed for students who may need extra financial support for their course, and are provided by the Government to assist with living expenses.

for EU students

LSE Discretionary Bursary

The LSE discretionary bursary is available to EU students. For information about this bursary and how to apply, please see the section on LSE financial support for UK students.

LSE scholarships

LSE offers a number of undergraduate scholarships of varying amounts each year to EU students.

Stelios scholarships

Six Stelios scholarships, currently worth £5,444 per year, are available for EU students applying for business subjects at LSE.

for overseas students

LSE undergraduate support scheme

The LSE undergraduate support scheme (USS) is designed to help overseas students who do not have the necessary funds to meet all their costs of study. In 2008, the School disbursed nearly £1 million in entrance awards available to self-financing students of all nationalities. This financial aid is available only for study at LSE. If you are made an offer of admission, we will advise you on how to apply to the USS online. This system is able to provide an immediate indication of an applicant's eligibility for assistance. In the first instance, you will be assessed on the basis of your financial circumstances. Awards are renewable for each year of your course. Applications will be considered between the end of February and the middle of August.

LSE scholarships

The School offers a limited number of undergraduate scholarships of varying amounts each year for overseas students.

The Bachelor's degree in Mathematics with Economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum that combines rigorous mathematical techniques with a detailed understanding of economic theories and applications. This programme is designed to provide students with a strong analytical foundation, equipping them with essential quantitative skills and economic insights necessary for careers in finance, policy analysis, research, and academia. The course structure typically includes core modules in pure and applied mathematics, such as calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations, alongside specialised modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Students have the opportunity to engage in advanced topics like financial mathematics, game theory, and economic modelling, fostering a deep understanding of how mathematical tools are used to analyse economic phenomena. The programme emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including data analysis, statistical software usage, and problem-solving techniques. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and internships to enhance their practical experience and professional development. The programme also prepares students for postgraduate study or careers in consultancy, banking, government, or international organisations. Admission to the programme requires strong academic achievement, particularly in mathematics and economics at A-level or equivalent qualifications. The teaching methods combine lectures, tutorials, and independent research, supported by faculty who are active researchers in their fields. Graduates from the programme often pursue further education or enter competitive job markets where quantitative and economic expertise are highly valued. Overall, the Mathematics with Economics course at LSE provides a balanced and challenging academic experience, ensuring students develop both analytical capabilities and an understanding of real-world economic issues.