Mathematics/Economics

Mathematics and economics is a combination that acknowledges something that professional economists and quantitative analysts know well: that the most powerful economic analysis is done with sophisticated mathematical tools. Economics has become an increasingly mathematical discipline, using calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics to build theoretical models and test them against data. Mathematics develops the formal reasoning and quantitative skills that allow those models to be understood deeply rather than just applied superficially.

Studying both together gives you the analytical depth to work at the frontier of economic reasoning.

At the University of Glasgow, this four-year full-time MA (Hons) programme includes a year abroad and offers a wide variety of course options in the honours years, allowing you to follow your own particular interests within both disciplines. The ambassador scheme within the programme gives students the chance to spend time in schools, developing communication and professional skills alongside the academic content. You will progress from foundational mathematics and economics through to advanced topics in analysis, algebra, econometrics, and economic theory, developing the capacity for rigorous reasoning that characterises the most demanding work in both fields.

The combination is demanding and the rewards are significant: graduates with genuine mathematical depth in economics are among the most sought-after in the analytical labour market.

Mathematics and economics graduates are exceptionally well placed for careers in financial services, economic consultancy, government economic analysis, central banking, international organisations, and data science. The combination of mathematical rigour and economic understanding is particularly valued in roles that involve quantitative research, financial modelling, risk analysis, and the empirical testing of economic hypotheses. Actuarial work, data science, and technology companies working with large-scale economic or commercial data are also natural destinations.

Postgraduate study in economics, finance, statistics, or data science, often at a highly selective level, is a common next step for graduates of this challenging combination.