UCAS Code: G0N0 BSc/BMS
HEFCE/QAA Teaching Assessment: Approved 22 out of 24 points (November 1999) - as part of a single assessment of Mathematics and Statistics.
Course Requirement: GCSE pass at grade A or A* in Mathematics.
Normally Required: A level: grades A A A or A A B, with an A in Mathematics.
International Baccalaureate: Diploma with 38 points including 7 6 6 at Higher level (with 7 in Mathematics).

If you have enjoyed mathematics at A level, this degree offers the opportunity to build on your interest in mathematical sciences and learn how to apply your knowledge in areas relevant to business and finance.
Recent graduates have gone on to work in the areas of insurance, banking, accounting, statistics, civil service, postgraduate studies, business consultancy.

Features of the LSE course

After the first year you will be able to choose which aspects of the application of mathematics and statistics suit your interests and career aspirations best.

The main pathways available are:

Actuarial Science (where courses followed are identical with those in the Actuarial Science degree)
Applicable Mathematics
Applied Statistics
Business Methods

If you take the actuarial science options you may be entitled to exemption from the Institute of Actuaries Examination. For details see the section on Actuarial Science.

Degree structure

The degree involves studying courses to the value of twelve units over the three years.

Teaching and assessment

You will usually attend a mixture of lectures and related classes totalling between ten and fifteen hours per week. Your personal tutor will be available to offer general guidance and assistance with both academic and personal concerns, and you will be expected to meet him or her at least three times a term. Most courses are assessed by a three-hour examination in June. A small number of courses are assessed by project work. The class of degree you will attain is based on the assessment over all three years, with the emphasis on marks gained in the second and third years.

Academic Staff

Professor Steve Alpern
Dr Martin Anthony
Dr Wicher Bergsma
Professor Norman Biggs
Professor Graham Brightwell
Dr Angelos Dassios
Dr Jouni Kuha
Dr Adam Ostaszewski
Dr Jan van den Heuvel
Dr Bernhard von Stengel
Dr Matteo Barigozzi
Dr Piotr Fryzlewicz
Dr Sara Geneletti
Dr Kostas Kalogeropoulos

Summary List

First Year

ST102 Elementary Statistical Theory
MA100 Mathematical Methods
EC102 Economics B
AC100 Elements of Accounting and Finance or MA103 Introduction to Abstract Mathematics

You follow a common first year programme. Elementary Statistical Theory is concerned with both theory and application and is appropriate whether or not your A level Mathematics course included statistics. It forms the basis for later statistics options. Mathematical Methods is an introductory level 'how to do it' course designed to prepare you for using mathematics seriously in the social sciences, or any other context. Elements of Accounting and Finance will give you an introduction to the preparation, uses and limitations of accounting information and the problems of finance and investment. You will also take a relevant Economics course.

Second Year

MA200 Advanced Calculus (half) and MA201 Advanced Linear Algebra (half)
Either ST202 Probability Distribution Theory and Inference or ST211 Applied Regression (half) and ST212 Applied Statistics Project (half)
Courses to the value of one unit to be discussed with the tutor
Courses to the value of one unit to be discussed with the tutor

You take a course in Further Mathematical Methods, covering the mathematics needed as a basis for other courses in statistics and actuarial science, and at least one course in statistics; Probability, Distribution Theory and Inference will develop your knowledge of probability and estimation theory beyond the first year course, Projects in Applied Statistics allows you to develop concepts in the area of regression and analysis of variance, and critical thinking on an applied statistics subject of your interest.

You also take another course in a mathematical or statistical subject, including: Introduction to Abstract Mathematics, Operational Research Methods, Actuarial Investigations - Financial or Survival Models. Your fourth course is chosen from a list including: Microeconomic Principles, Macroeconomic Principles, Information Technology and Society, Principles of Finance, Self, Others and Society: Perspectives on Social and Applied Psychology and Work Management and Globalisation.

Third Year

At least three units in advanced topics in Statistics, Market Research, Mathematics, Operational Research and Model Building, Actuarial Science and Information Technology.
Not more than one unit in advanced topics from Management, Economics, Accountancy, Finance, Social Psychology, Demography and Law.

Your choice in the third year is very wide. You should take at least three of the courses on offer in statistics, mathematics and closely related areas.

Statistics options include:

Mathematics options include:

Other options include:

You may take a fourth course from a list including:

Note that your choice may be limited by the second year subjects you have taken.
(*= half-unit). For a full list of course choices please click here|.

BSc Business Mathematics and Statistics