BSc Mathematics, Statistics and Business

The BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business provides a thorough grounding in the practical application of mathematical and statistical theory in the business world.

Taught in a supportive and friendly department, you’ll study an incredibly broad range of topics covering maths, statistics, economics and accounting in your first year. From the second year, you can tailor your studies to suit your interests and career aspirations by choosing one of the following pathways:

• applicable mathematics
• applied statistics
• actuarial science (courses are identical to those in the BSc Actuarial Science)
• economics
• finance
• accounting.

You’ll get stuck into practical projects – helping to develop your problem-solving and communication skills. Many of our students also complete internships in actuarial and financial firms or placement companies during their degree – providing invaluable workplace experience and providing the edge over other graduates.

Several courses also provide exemptions from professional examinations from the Institute of Actuaries.

Watch The Joy of Stats, a documentary that gives an insight into the exciting world of statistics.

For an introduction to mathematics as it is applied in economics and finance:

• M Anthony and N Biggs Mathematics for Economics and Finance (Cambridge University Press, 1996)

Much of university level mathematics and statistics is concerned with formal proofs and rigorous mathematical argument and this is necessary for some of the advanced mathematics required in finance, economics and other fields of application. For an introduction, we recommend:

• R Allenby Numbers and Proofs (Butterworth- Heinemann, 1997)
• P Eccles An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning (Cambridge University Press, 1997)
• T Gowers Mathematics: a very short introduction (Oxford University Press, 2002)
• D Hand Statistics: a very short introduction (Oxford University Press, 2008)
• M Liebeck A Concise Introduction to Pure Mathematics (Chapman & Hall/CRC Mathematics, 2005)

Applicants are encouraged to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). The test is not mandatory, however a good performance on the test may make an application more competitive.

The Department of Statistics at LSE is one of the oldest and most distinguished in the UK.

The department has an international reputation for the development of statistical methodology and a long history of pioneering contributions to research and teaching. Many of the world’s most famous and innovative statisticians have been associated with LSE.

Our research spans four main areas – data science, probability in finance and insurance, social statistics and time series, and statistical learning. The department has close links with the Data Science Institute at LSE – an interdisciplinary institute that fosters the study of data science, with a particular emphasis on the social, economic and political contexts.

All aspects of our research were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), submitted jointly with the Department of Mathematics.

The department’s research strengths are reflected in our teaching curriculum. We have a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and doctoral research opportunities – hosted in a vibrant department with a supportive and friendly community of staff and students.

Our alumni enjoy successful careers in diverse areas, such as banking, accounting, finance, statistics, government and business consulting while others pursue postgraduate study or research. Our alumni frequently return to LSE to share their career experiences with current students.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Statistics

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage. See our English language requirements page.

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• outstanding mathematical abilities
• interests in mathematics, statistics and finance
• involvement in related extra-curricular activities, such as maths competitions or Olympiads
• independent thinking
• intellectual curiosity and the ability to ask incisive questions
• creativity and flexibility in problem-solving
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard

Formative coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment. We use a wide range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams.

Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and feedback is normally given within two weeks – provided the work is submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

Summative assessment for most courses is by a three-hour examination in June. A small number of courses are assessed by project work. Your degree award will be based on assessment over all three years, with a particular emphasis on the second and third years.

You’ll receive feedback on any summative coursework submitted for individual course assessments (except for final submitted dissertations). Generally, feedback is given before the examination period.

Please note that assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. See details of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods.

Graduates from this programme will be able to go on to work in broad areas of industry, including banking, insurance, business consultancy, data analytics, accounting, statistics, civil service and graduate studies

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.