Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Economics and Mathematics with Placement Year

at University of Bath United Kingdom

Learn about key approaches in applied maths and data science that can be integrated to solve real-world problems.

The cutting edge of the application of mathematics in industry combines modelling, analysis and interpretation using methods from applied mathematics and the rapidly growing area of data science. This course is for you if you're interested in applying maths, statistics and computer science to solve complex problems in industry.

Course highlights

• Study a wide range of taught units in applied maths techniques, mathematical modelling, data science, machine learning and scientific communication.
• Gain real-world experience from group projects with other students and the opportunity to work on a project with one of our industrial partners.
• Projects and modules benefit from our research specialisms, including industrial applied maths, probability, scientific computing, machine learning, dynamical systems, asymptotics, imaging, modelling of waves and fluids, and mathematical biology.

Working with industry

A key element of the course is the opportunity to work on a real project with one of our industry partners. This may include some time-based at an external company. Some of our current industry partners include the Met Office, Barclays, Emerson Roxar and Raytheon. Industry projects give direct experience of the problem-solving process, including:

• Identifying the problem and translating it into mathematical language
• Processing and analysing relevant data
• Solving the mathematical problem
• Communicating the results to the client

The modern world needs thoughtful, politically-conscious, questioning economists. Become a professional who understands how economics and politics intertwine.

In this course, you’ll examine the challenges facing individuals, countries and the international community. You will develop an understanding of government and society through core concepts such as power, justice, conflict, accountability, obligation, sovereignty and decision making. You will develop strong analytical skills which will aid your understanding of the institutional, UK and global context within which economic decisions and policy formation takes place.

In your first year you'll study key concepts in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. You'll explore political theory and analysis, introducing central subjects such as power and the state, democracy and the climate crisis.

In your second year you'll continue with more advanced study of political and economic theory. You'll study the exercise of power in societies and economies through an engagement with themes such as democratic theory, populist and nationalist politics, and the politics of race and gender.

In your final year you'll explore your interests through a range of optional units in both economics and politics.

By the end of the course, you will have an appreciation of the interface between economics and political science.

Placement Year

Taking a placement in your third year enables you to use the theory you have learned in a practical context. You will learn about an organisation and its area of work in the UK or overseas. This is an excellent opportunity to test potential career paths. Sometimes permanent jobs are offered to our students. You’ll develop skills such as teamwork, planning, problem-solving, decision making and project management.

Employers value a year of professional work and you’ll gain an advantage in the job market. Sometimes it is possible for you to acquire additional professional qualifications, particularly in accountancy, whilst on placement.

Placement opportunities can’t be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure a placement.

Year abroad

On this course you'll combine a work placement with studying at a university overseas. Broaden your horizons and experience another culture whilst studying a course that complements your studies at Bath.

Study abroad locations include the National University of Singapore and Stellenbosch University (South Africa), as well as others. We seek to further expand on these. Study abroad opportunities are limited and are subject to availability at our partner institutions.

Explore the mechanisms of policymaking to understand the key dilemmas and challenges around social rights, equality and the distribution of resources.

On this course, you’ll learn about the social and political underpinnings of key policies affecting our lives. Understand the implications social policy has for questions of identity, political organisation, social justice and human rights.

You'll learn about the origins and transformations of the institution of the state and how it interacts with the economy and third sector in the UK and beyond. You'll relate these changes to societal, technological and economic developments in Britain and around the world.

Placement Year

The placement year will give you valuable practical experience and is an excellent opportunity to try different careers. It enables you to leave university with a strong CV and may set you apart from other graduates entering the job market. You can take placements in commercial, voluntary or government organisations, or in a research setting.

Learn about the deep connections between mathematics and theoretical physics and develop your scientific computing and theoretical modelling skills to understand and solve complex physical problems.

This course is for you if you want to study a broad physics degree with less emphasis on experimental laboratories and a stronger focus on theoretical, mathematical and computational aspects of physics.

You'll study the cornerstones of theoretical physics while developing your understanding of their mathematical foundations. Our courses reflect our theoretical research expertise in condensed matter, photonics and astrophysics. The computational physics and programming aspects also reflect the more applied nature of our theoretical research.

The combination of theoretical and practical knowledge of physics and mathematics is highly sought-after by employers and also gives an excellent grounding for postgraduate or industrial research.

Placement Year

As an MPhys student, you can choose to undertake a research placement in the final year of the course. You’ll spend six months (July to December) working in a research organisation of international standing, before returning to the University for the final semester. We have links with leading research organisations, including CERN, NTT Basic Research Laboratories (Japan), European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (France) and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

Gain specialist knowledge in pure and applied mathematics with a particular focus on statistics.

Mathematics enables us to reason logically, to understand structure and formulate scientific principles. Statistics is the collection, analysis and interpretation of data central to everything from scientific progress to medical research and the work of government.

This course is for you if you would like to study statistics and have a significant interest in mathematics. You’ll be trained how to analyse problems and interpret patterns in data to make careful predictions about the future.

Placement Year

Going on placement gives you the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge to a year working professionally. You’ll be employed full-time in a role to match your future career ambitions, broadening your experience and transferable skills. This could give you a competitive edge when applying for graduate jobs.

We have links with some of the industry’s leading companies. Recent placement employers include BAE Systems, EY, Office of National Statistics, JP Morgan and Deloitte.

Combining core economics with relevant finance topics, this course is ideal preparation for a finance-focused career.

If you are considering work in a financial institution, consultancy, ministry of finance or economics, or central bank, our MSc Economics and Finance course is for you.

This specialist master’s brings together a compelling combination of training in advanced economic theory with relevant finance units; some of which are taught by our School of Management.

Starting with a comprehensive refresher course in essential maths and economics skills, you will go on to explore how economics can be used to help address real financial issues such as the global financial crisis.

You will use a deeper understanding of economic theory to gain additional insights into these events, and we will support your investigations with rigorous training in econometrics to allow you to interpret and analyse empirical data effectively.

The dissertation will give you the chance to work with one of our experienced lecturers on a topic of your interest and apply your knowledge to a specific problem.

In a world regularly rocked by major upheavals, this course offers you a solid grounding in political systems and ideas, and contemporary global challenges.

This degree combines the study of political theories and concepts with the study of global affairs. You will gain the knowledge and analytical skills required to understand and respond to contemporary international and domestic socio-political challenges, from political polarisation to climate change. The integrated study of politics and international relations allows you to tailor your degree to suit your interests.

In your first year you’ll study topics such as political theory and analysis, comparative political systems, international relations, international political economy and UK politics in a global context.

In your second year you'll delve further into political theory and analysis and advance your skills in research design and data analysis. You'll start to specialise, with themes such as conflict and security, foreign policy analysis, or the politics of environmental crisis.

In your final year you’ll carry out a year-long dissertation and select optional units relating to your interests, covering themes such as international economic crises, war and peace, gender politics, and contemporary critical theories.

Placement Year

The placement year is an opportunity for you to use the theory you have learnt in a practical context. You will learn about an organisation and its area of work. This is an excellent opportunity to test potential career paths. Sometimes permanent jobs are offered to our students. You’ll develop skills such as teamwork, planning, problem-solving, decision-making and project management.

Employers value a year of professional work and you’ll gain an advantage in the job market. Over the years, we have built contacts with a large number of organisations that can provide the high standard of training we expect.

Specialize in advanced propulsion systems to develop the expertise to make an impact in the future of vehicle engineering.

Our master’s furthers your automotive engineering knowledge and focuses on propulsion systems to prepare you for working in a dynamic and changing industry. You’ll develop systems-thinking approaches to understand the breadth of challenges faced in the sector such as moral, ethical and sustainability issues.

At the start of the course, you’ll be set a topical automotive theme that will feed into group projects, as well as your dissertation. This brings the content of subject-based units to life as well as reflecting professional practice in the industry. It also gives you the benefit of a personalized learning pathway.

You’ll explore automotive engineering applications and a range of technologies, considering their impact, analysing past failures and predicting future challenges and successes. A mix of theory and technical learning throughout the course allows you to use your analytical skills, innovation and creativity. Your group project and dissertation will also be aligned to the UN’s sustainable development goals so that your learning experience is relevant to the ongoing developments and future of the sector.

To help prepare you to work in an increasingly digital-based industry, you’ll develop specialist skills in modelling, testing and product development. And you’ll learn how simulation and testing go hand-in-hand to enable rapid product development cycles that help us on our way to achieving zero impact mobility.

Gain a broad education in chemistry and business ready for careers in science or management.

This course allows you to combine your love of chemistry with an interest in how business works. You’ll gain a broad education in chemistry with an understanding of the theories of chemical behaviour and how they're applied. You'll also develop skills in experimental chemistry and in designing experiments to test hypothesis.

At least a quarter of the units you’ll study will be management topics, delivered by the School of Management. You’ll develop an understanding of the social, legal and economic implications of the decisions managers in industry are required to make.

Develop practical and technical skills to design and engineer the built environment. Use integrated and creative solutions to engineer a sustainable future.

Our course is for students who want to ask difficult questions about the future of civil engineering. You’ll push the boundaries of design and construction to generate new ideas for our infrastructure and cities. Your knowledge will enable you to integrate energy, sustainability and environmental design.

In your first two years, you will learn the foundations of materials, geotechnics, structures and digital design. You will develop the fundamental engineering design skills and attributes, including ingenuity and communication skills, that are essential for exploring aspects of infrastructure and the built environment in later years.

Our courses draw on the strengths of a joint department with architecture, offering a different experience from most universities. Cross-disciplinary group work mirrors the professional relationships you'll experience in your career, and you’ll develop the imaginative approaches and skills needed to tackle a wide range of civil engineering projects.