BAEcon Accounting and Finance

This course introduces the mathematical tools essential to study advanced topics in economic theory and mathematical economics. First part of the semester is dedicated to studying real analysis concepts relevant to economists. Emphasis is placed on how mathematical results are proved, how to use these results, and studying situations where the results cannot be applied. Rest of the semester is dedicated to applying these tools to study the theorems underlying unconstrained and constrained optimisation. Students will be provided with detailed material through lectures, tutorials, course notes, textbook references, and other resources. Regular feedback is provided through discussion boards and feedbacks from problem sets.

ECON10071 OR ECON20071

The aim of this course is to help students develop the mathematical techniques to analyse advanced topics in economic theory. Topics covered in this course provide a foundation for many results in microeconomics and mathematical economics.

By the end of the course, you will:

1. Understand the concepts of proof and counter examples.
2. Develop the toolbox of real analysis for economics.
3. In-depth knowledge of constrained optimisation theory and comparative statics

Provisional

• Logic and proof
• Metric spaces, Open & closed sets, Sequence & convergence
• Continuity, Compactness, Differentiability
• Concavity, Taylor’s theorem, Unconstrained Optimisation
• Constrained Optimisation and Envelope theorem.

Synchronous activities (such as Lectures or Review and Q&A sessions, and tutorials), and guided self-study.

70% Exam

15% Coursework (Weekly Online Quizzes)

15% Coursework (Problem Set)

• Solution and Feedback to Problem Sets and Quizzes
• Tutorial feedback and solutions
• Piazza Discussion Board
• Office Hours
• Weekly Open Study Sessions

1. Simon, C. and Blume, L. (2010) Mathematics for Economists, International Student Edition, Norton, NY.
2. Derek G. Ball (2014) An Introduction to Real Analysis, Pergamon.

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 £34,800 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.