Economics and Mathematics
Economics and mathematics are two disciplines with a deep and natural affinity. Economics uses mathematical models to understand how markets work, how agents make decisions under uncertainty, how policy interventions affect economic outcomes, and how macroeconomic variables like growth, employment, and inflation are related. Mathematics provides the rigorous language in which these models are expressed and the analytical tools with which they are investigated, from calculus and optimisation to probability theory, linear algebra, and statistics.
Studying them together means you can engage with economics at the quantitative level that serious research and professional practice require.
At the University of Sheffield, this three-year full-time programme combines the two disciplines in a rigorous and applied way, developing strong mathematical and economic skills alongside each other. You will study microeconomics and macroeconomics, developing the theoretical foundations of economic analysis, alongside the mathematical tools of calculus, analysis, statistics, and econometrics that are used to formalise and test economic models. The programme includes a sandwich year with a paid work placement with a leading employer, and a year abroad option, as well as work placement support through the Sheffield Economics Employability Development scheme.
These professional development opportunities complement the academic curriculum significantly.
Graduates with strong mathematical economics skills are in high demand across financial services, economic consultancy, the civil service, data science, and academic research. The combination of quantitative economic understanding and mathematical rigour is particularly valued in roles involving financial modelling, econometric analysis, or research. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in economics, financial mathematics, or data science, where the dual background is a genuine advantage in competitive admissions processes and in the subsequent research or professional work.