Overview 

This foundation-level programme prepares students for progression into an undergraduate degree that combines economic theory with the study of finance and financial markets. Delivered at the University of Reading, it builds core knowledge across economics and mathematics alongside academic skills training, forming the foundation year of a route into full undergraduate study. The programme is designed to give students the analytical grounding valued across both economic analysis and finance-related careers.

What You'll Learn

• Core microeconomic and macroeconomic principles underpinning economic and financial analysis

• Two dedicated mathematics modules building the quantitative skills needed for finance-focused study

• Foundational understanding of financial markets and financial concepts

• Academic skills training covering critical thinking, essay writing, research, referencing, and presentations

• Group work and project-based learning to develop collaborative and communication skills

• Optional modules that broaden understanding of related economic and business themes

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this programme, students will be able to apply core economic principles to analyse market behaviour and the basic mechanics of financial markets. They will have developed strong quantitative and mathematical skills for interpreting data and financial information, alongside academic writing, research, and presentation abilities gained through structured skills training. These outcomes will prepare graduates to enter the first year of a BSc Economics and Finance degree with the theoretical and analytical foundation the programme requires.