BSc Mathematics and Economics

Dream of a career where you can apply your maths skills to solve real-world economic problems? This degree offers the perfect preparation.

Key information

Study mode Home full-time ( Three years ) Open Overseas full-time ( Three years ) Open Academic year Start date 20 September 2025 Houghton Street, London Application deadline 29 January 2025

Overview

Introduction

Mathematics and economics are inextricably linked in modern society. This BSc Mathematics and Economics allows you to study both topics in depth – dedicating roughly the same amount of time to each subject.

The programme is carefully structured to focus on mathematical and statistical topics that are highly relevant to economics and finance. You’ll dive into key mathematical methods, such as algebra and calculus, and statistical theory. In parallel, you’ll study how these principles are applied in macroeconomics, microeconomics and mathematical economics.

This degree is taught jointly with our world-class Department of Economics. There is a strong focus on building your quantitative knowledge – increasingly important for a successful career in finance, accounting and other sectors.

This degree will be of interest to all mathematically or scientifically minded students, regardless of whether you’ve studied economics previously.

Preliminary readings

Mathematics as it is applied in economics and finance

Economics

Mathematics

Much of university level mathematics is concerned with formal proofs and rigorous mathematical argument, and this is necessary for some of the advanced mathematics required in finance, economics, and other fields of application. For an introduction, we recommend:

Entry requirements

Here, you can check our entry requirements for GCSEs, A-levels (please read them alongside our information about subject combinations) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. We also consider applications from students with a range of other UK qualifications and from overseas. Please select the overseas button below and choose your country from the dropdown list to find the equivalency to A-levels of your qualification.

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GCSEs

For GCSEs, you’ll need several GCSE grades at A (or 7) and A* (or 8-9).

As a minimum, we ask for GCSE English Language and Mathematics grades at B (6) or higher. We’ll also consider your overall GCSE subject profile.

A-levels

A*AA, with an A* in Mathematics

Where it's offered by your school or college, AS- or A-level Further Mathematics is expected to be taken and a grade A achieved.

We also consider your AS grades, if available.

Contextual admissions A-level grades

A*AB with an A* in Mathematics

Read our undergraduate admissions information to learn more about contextual admissions.

A-level subject combinations

IB Diploma

38 points overall, including 766 in higher level subjects, with 7 in Mathematics: analysis and approaches.

Contextual admissions IB grades

37 points overall, including 765 in higher level subjects, with 7 in Mathematics: analysis and approaches.

Read our undergraduate admissions information to learn more about contextual admissions.

Overseas

Select a country Search for a country

Additional tests

Applicants are encouraged to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). The test is not mandatory, however a good performance on the test may make an application more competitive.

We welcome students from all walks of life at LSE. We want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation. So, whatever your background, please do apply. Get all the details on our general entry requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is high. We cannot guarantee you an offer of a place even if you’re predicted or achieve our standard entry requirements.

Our standard offer requirements are intended only as a guide and, in some cases, you’ll be asked for different grades.

Programme content

Your study time for this degree will be divided equally between mathematics and economics. You'll study 12 units over three years, plus LSE100.

Year 1

You’ll take five compulsory foundation courses and LSE100.

Microeconomics I

Macroeconomics I

Mathematical Methods

Elementary Statistical Theory

Introduction to Abstract Mathematics

The LSE Course

Year 2

Your second year includes compulsory courses across economics and mathematics.

Microeconomics II

Macroeconomics II

Further Mathematical Methods (Calculus)

Further Mathematical Methods (Linear Algebra)

Real Analysis

Choose one half unit course from the following:

Optimisation Theory

Differential Equations

Discrete Mathematics

Algebra and Number Theory

EITHER choose the following courses:

Principles of Finance I

Principles of Finance II

OR choose two half unit courses from the following:

Econometrics I

Econometrics II

Algorithms and Data Structures

Year 3

In the final year, you’ll take one course in advanced mathematical economics and optional courses (totalling three units).

Choose one advanced mathematical economics option

Browse your options

Choose one mathematics option

Browse your options

Choose either one economics option, one mathematics option or one finance option

Browse your options

Choose one outside option

Browse your options

Programme regulations

For the latest list of optional courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page.

You may be able to take a language, literature or linguistics option as part of your degree. Find all the details on our Language Centre web pages.

A few important points you’ll need to know:

We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.

The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside our control (including a lack of demand, industrial action, fire, flooding or other damage to premises).

Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.

Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to global developments in the discipline or student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are always made to improve the learning experience.

For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department.

Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our updated undergraduate course and programme information page.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Department of Mathematics aims to be a leading centre for the study of mathematics in the social sciences.

The department has a vibrant intellectual community, with fantastic students, internationally respected academics and high-achieving alumni. Our department has grown rapidly in recent years, with exciting developments in research and new teaching programmes and courses.

This research encompasses four main overlapping areas:

All aspects of our research were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), submitted jointly with the Department of Statistics.

We embrace the School’s ethos of research-led teaching. Currently, we offer four undergraduate and three postgraduate programmes, as well as doctoral research opportunities on our MPhil/PhD in Mathematics. These programmes are all in high demand – attracting talented students from diverse backgrounds.

Our programmes are highly interdisciplinary and we have close ties with other departments at LSE, including Statistics, Economics, Finance, Management and the Data Science Institute.

Whatever your study route, you’ll benefit from a welcoming, inclusive and friendly learning environment where students and staff are supported to achieve their best.