BAEcon Economics and Philosophy

The aim of this course is to introduce students who have not taken mathematics A level to the main mathematical tools used in economics and the social sciences.
At the end of the course students should be able to: (i) differentiate simple mathematical functions of one variable, (ii) use differential calculus to solve simple, one-variable unconstrained optimisation problems; (iii) partially differentiate two-variable functions, (iv) integrate simple mathematical functions, and (v) use the definite integral to find the area under a graph.
 

GCSE/AS-Level Mathematics (compulsory Pre-Requisite).

The aim of this course is to introduce students who have not taken mathematics A level to the main mathematical tools used in economics and the social sciences.
 

At the end of the course students should be able to: (i) differentiate simple mathematical functions of one variable, (ii) use differential calculus to solve simple, one-variable unconstrained optimisation problems; (iii) partially differentiate two-variable functions, (iv) integrate simple mathematical functions, and (v) use the definite integral to find the area under a graph.
 

Provisional

The course is organized in three parts of which the second will be the largest.

Algebra and Coordinate Geometry: Basic algebra, factors and factorizing, quadratic equations, powers, logarithms, mathematical functions, graphs, linear and non-linear functions.
Differential Calculus: Slopes of graphs between points and at a point, differentiability, ordinary differentiation, rules of differentiation, marginal concepts, second derivatives, maxima and minima, profit maximization, functions of more than one variable, partial derivatives.
Integration: Indefinite and definite integration, finding the area under a curve.

Please note when looking at past exam papers that the syllabus for ECON10061 changed in 2017-18, when matrices/linear algebra was dropped and replaced with partial differentiation and integration.

Synchronous activities (such as Lectures and tutorials), and guided self-study

Understand how to differentiate simple mathematical functions of one or two variable as they arise in the study of economics 

Understand how to integrate simple mathematical functions as they arise in the study of economics 

Apply differential calculus to solve simple, one-variable unconstrained optimisation problems

Apply mathematical skills and knowledge to tackle economic problems 

In-term exam: 30%

Final exam: 70%

• Answers to exercises and tests provided via Canvas
• Exercises done during Lecture time
• Weekly exercise classes/tutorials
• Student hours

Students may find one of the following books useful in additional to the lecture notes and practice questions. There are several editions available, both second hand, and new of the following recommended books:

(1) Jacques, I. "Mathematics for Economics and Business“

(2) Renshaw, G. "Maths for Economics.”

(3) Wisniewski, M. "Mathematics for Economics”

(4) Asano, A. "An Introduction to Mathematics for Economics”

For every 10 course unit credits we expect students to work for around 100 hours. This time generally includes any contact times (online or face to face, recorded and live), but also independent study, work for coursework, and group work. This amount is only a guidance and individual study time will vary.
 

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £33,100 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students.

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026