Undergraduate

What I learnt in my first term on the BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science programme

Rebecca Pike — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:13:30 +0000

What I learnt in my first term on the BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science programme

Rebecca Pike Tue, 18/02/2025 - 09:13

7 November 2025 Student blog

BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science Students in Paris: career insights

Our BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science students visited leading organisations such as L’Oreal, Alstom and AXA on a trip to Paris, gaining insight into how they use AI and technology to drive innovation.

6 November 2025 Student blog

From competition to internship: working with the Bank of England as a BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science student

Jamillah Thabet, one of our BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science students, reflects on her Bank of England Innovation Competition win and learnings from her summer internship.

17 October 2025 Student blog

How to prepare for your BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science interview at 51�Թ��

To help you approach your interview with confidence, we’ve reached out to those who know the process best – our current students. Hear from Max, Priyal and Ishir for their advice.

19 March 2025

Student blog

Meet Hayden Dyke, a first-year student on the BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science programme at 51�Թ�� Business School. Having settled into his studies, we caught up with him to hear about his insights from term one – and if there’s one thing he’s learnt, it’s that this programme is a real game-changer.

This cutting-edge and unique programme blends economic theory, financial insights and data science skills to create a truly unique combination, equipping you with the skills you need for success in today’s digital-driven business world.

By combining a theoretical foundation with hands-on learning experiences, our programme will set you up to tackle real-world economic, financial and data challenges, and you will leave us with a deep understanding of how these three fields interact with one another.

Whether you’re aiming for a career in fintech, investment, policy or AI, this programme will give you the competitive edge that you need to succeed.

But don’t just take our word for it – let Hayden share an insight into what it’s like to be a first year student at 51�Թ�� Business School.

The main thing that appealed to me about 51�Թ��’s BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science was the quantitative and technical elements of economics combined with the potential that computing and machine learning has in solving economic problems. The focus on this intersection between economics, finance and data science skills is what sets this programme apart from the rest.

Hayden Dyke, BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science

My undergraduate expectations vs reality

Programme content - the programme has not only met but far exceeded my expectations. It is tremendously well thought out and organised, with my first term presenting a unique and challenging blend of data science, probability and statistics, key economic issues and mathematics.

The unique combination - combining economics, finance and data science into one single degree allows you to explore each one in much greater depth than if they were studied siloed from each other. For example, if you wanted to investigate a hypothesis you had about an economic issue, testing that hypothesis empirically against real-world data is a must – and for that, you need data science skills.

These subjects naturally cross-fertilise and buttress one another and learning them together makes you a better-rounded graduate and more competitive in each individual field. It is this interdisciplinary approach that aids your understanding and ability to translate your study into practice, which ultimately is the optimum way to learn anything.
Workload - university learning is much more independent than at school and college – it is up to you to manage your time. I would say that, as long as you stay organised, you will be able to balance everything and keep up with the workload. Aim to review lecture notes if needed to cement understanding. And don’t worry if it takes a little bit of time to get adjusted. The first term moves quickly but stay calm and organised and you won’t fall behind.
Moving away from home - before coming to 51�Թ��, I had always lived in England but never in London – so moving to the capital for my studies was an exciting change. Adjusting to London and university life takes a second. You’re now having to balance your workload on top of essentials like food shopping, cooking, cleaning and commuting – for most of us, this is our first time doing so. However, you will learn to thrive and become a more independent person through the experience.

I found that the best way to adapt was to find a way of doing things that worked for me. For example, I choose to cycle to 51�Թ�� instead of taking the tube, which is quicker, cheaper and healthier. And whilst I’ve always enjoyed cooking, I’ve made a lot of progress in this area – I love trying recipes from scratch that I’ve never made before.

Student life - I have engaged with 51�Թ��’s many extracurricular opportunities while here. For example, the Algorithmic Trading Society, which relates very nicely to both data science and finance. I am a regular attendee of Muay Thai and the History Society and took an introductory course in CAD and robotics. Being surrounded by many of the world’s most promising engineers and scientists is an opportunity not to be missed either.

First term learnings

The first term is comprised of four modules, which give you a good foundation for the rest of the degree:

Module 1: Big Issues in Economics and Finance - this module does exactly what it says on the tin. Each lecture focuses on a key contemporary issue in economics and finance. The key economic models are explained rigorously, and it also focuses on recent developments and how these issues are relevant to today.
Module 2: Probability and Statistics – here you will learn an array of necessary skills, from probability theory to statistics.
Module 3: Introduction to Data Science - this module introduces programming in R and teaches various data science concepts with a very practical approach.
Module 4: Mathematical Foundations - this focuses on logic, set theory, real analysis, vector spaces and linear algebra and multivariable calculus. It’s fast paced and is particularly innovative as it uses generative AI to produce plots to visualise concepts.

My academic growth so far

My understanding of economics, finance and data science has already evolved hugely over the first term. We have covered a huge array of economic and financial issues, from the potential outcomes framework in random controlled trials to a fascinating guest lecture by Professor Jonathon Haskel on the importance of expectations in combatting inflation.

I have developed a greater understanding of the holistic process of data analysis, from the initial exploration of datasets all the way through to presenting our findings.

The programme does a great job of developing your understanding of the different subjects in tandem with one another, allowing for a cross-fertilisation of skills that will be invaluable in the future.

Looking to the future

Considering my career

I’ve always been more of a tech person, and getting some hands-on experience with datasets over my first term has cemented this for me and helped to strengthen my career aspirations.

I am particularly looking forward to developing my theoretical knowledge of AI and machine learning – I really look forward to gaining the mathematical basis needed for a future career in this area.

But no matter your desired field in the group of economics, finance and data science, the programme will keep you sustained and interested throughout the degree. It does a very good job of developing skills in multiple areas, allowing you a chance to find out where your passions lie and giving you all the tools you need to pursue your chosen career path.

Career support at 51�Թ��

In the first instance, the Careers team is a great source of support. They have bookable one-to-one meetings, which are invaluable if you intend to apply to a Spring Week or Insights Programme.

They have supported me with CV advice, and on how to write cover letters. You can book as many meetings as you like and the support given is personalised, fair and, most importantly, useful.

On top of this, the close-knit communication between staff and students is great – they really are on your side and look out for you. Our Head of Year has supported me on multiple occasions and the lecturers work hard to answer your questions and push you to achieve your full potential.

Explore our programme

BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science

Student Journey

Undergraduate

Programme

BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science

Hear from Hayden Dyke as he reflects on his first term as an 51�Թ�� Business School student

6 minute read

Welcoming our undergraduate first years to the Business School

Helen Richardson — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:13:30 +0000

Welcoming our undergraduate first years to the Business School

Helen Richardson Tue, 18/02/2025 - 09:13

7 November 2025 Student blog

BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science Students in Paris: career insights

6 November 2025 Student blog

From competition to internship: working with the Bank of England as a BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science student

Jamillah Thabet, one of our BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science students, reflects on her Bank of England Innovation Competition win and learnings from her summer internship.

17 October 2025 Student blog

How to prepare for your BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science interview at 51�Թ��

To help you approach your interview with confidence, we’ve reached out to those who know the process best – our current students. Hear from Max, Priyal and Ishir for their advice.

14 October 2024

Features

At the start of October, we welcomed a new cohort of students onto our BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science programme. The week-long induction was a perfect opportunity to meet their fellow students, get a sneak peek into what the next year of their studies will entail and start to familiarise themselves with the opportunities available to them as an 51�Թ�� Business School student.

The Induction Week was also a chance to welcome back our second-year students as they embark on another year of studies with us. This one-of-a-kind degree is designed for analytical thinkers who aspire to be future economists, business leaders and financiers who make a global impact.

“The past week at 51�Թ�� Business School has been very informative. The staff have been helpful, students friendly, and the facilities are excellent. Looking forward to the next three years” - Priyal Bharakumar, Year 1 BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science.

Discover 51�Թ�� Fair and Welcome Fair highlights

Students attended the ‘Discover 51�Թ�� Fair’, at the Queen’s Tower Rooms where they could meet the extensive support services available on campus and learn more about these, such as the Alumni, Library Services and Careers teams.

The 51�Թ�� Welcome Fair was yet another noteworthy event that showcased our encouragement of extracurricular involvement. Joining clubs and societies fosters social connections and personal growth. The wide range of options available at the fair allowed students to explore and discover their niche, whether it be in sports, arts, culture, or other areas of interest.

Course kick-off: meeting the Programme staff

During the week, students met their programme staff. The ice breaker activity that followed this meeting not only added a fun and interactive dimension to the students' introduction to their course, but also played a significant role in building rapport among their classmates.

Our new students received a special welcome address from 51�Թ�� London President, Professor Hugh Brady, as well as senior leaders from the Business School.

Introducing support services

During the week, there was a Pastoral & Careers support and a Student Life session. Such sessions can be invaluable for students, offering a platform to discuss any concerns, seek advice on academic or career matters, and create a sense of community within the student body.

Nurturing a Sustainable Future: Climate Workshop at Scale Space

On Thursday we welcomed our students to Scale Space, our White City Campus where students participated in a ClimateFresk workshop, designed to immerse themselves in the critical issue of climate change and its profound effects on our planet.

In groups, students delved deep into the causes and far-reaching impacts of this global challenge. This hands-on approach not only allowed students to expand their knowledge but also provided a platform for open group discussion and brainstorming, nurturing a sense of shared responsibility and collective action.

“The first week has been a lot of fun meeting everyone, I’ve really enjoyed working in groups amidst the great facilities.” - Ishir Narayan, Year 1 BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science

A campus wide scavenger hunt

Throughout the week, students engaged in a campus-wide scavenger hunt to become acquainted with the various campus facilities and resources they will be utilising throughout their academic journey. This entailed deciphering places to discover on campus, followed by capturing a group photograph at each correct location. It was a valuable experience for getting acquainted with the campus and forging connections with fellow students.

Social highlights

From house parties to halls mixers, numerous social activities were scheduled for our students in the evenings, providing opportunities to meet new people and connect with their cohort.

“My first time in Europe and at 51�Թ�� has been nothing but enlightening and inspiring. I’m really excited to be part of this humungous community.” - Beanice Ng, Year 1, BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science.

It was fantastic week, welcoming our undergraduate students at the South Kensington Campus. We look forward to seeing the academic achievements, contributions to our community, and the positive impact our new students will have.

Learn more about BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science

The BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science is a first-of-its-kind degree that offers students the rigorous study of economics and finance, combined with the learning of data science and its applications.

Writing a UCAS personal statement to impress

Learn more about writing your UCAS personal statement for the new BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science at 51�Թ��.

Download a brochure

Our brochures contain information about the Business School, our unique position as part of 51�Թ�� London, and details about our programmes, graduates, Careers team and alumni network.

Undergraduate

Programme

BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science

4 minute read

Entering your economics era: BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science students take centre stage at the Bank of England’s Swiftonomics event

Rebecca Pike — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 09:18:13 +0000

Entering your economics era: BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science students take centre stage at the Bank of England’s Swiftonomics event

Rebecca Pike Thu, 21/11/2024 - 09:18

29 May 2026 Alumni

Real career advice from 51�Թ�� MBA alumni

We recently caught up with alumni from 51�Թ�� Business School’s Full-Time MBA, Weekend MBA and Global Online MBA programmes, who shared insights and advice into succeeding in your career post-MBA studies. Read what they have to say in this blog.

27 May 2026 Student blog

The ROI of an 51�Թ�� MBA: what I learned from the Chile Global Experience Week

51�Թ��’s Global Experience Week offers students a chance to gain real-world experience, applying their learnings to global business challenges. As Naman Goyal reflects, the growth that takes place on these trips is long-lasting and impactful.

1 May 2026 Student blog

What I didn’t expect from 51�Թ��’s Full-Time MBA programme

From leading a Careers event to connecting with industry experts and gaining experience through the Student Investment Fund, Sushrut Deo explores the value of engaging with experiences beyond the Full-Time MBA curriculum.

9 July 2025

Student blog

Taylor Swift and economics might seem an unlikely pair, but they’re more connected than you’d think.

Last month, Taylor Swift was selling out audiences once again – but this time, at the Bank of England Museum for their headline act: Swiftonomics. This event brought together economics and pop culture for an evening of conversation, insight and entertainment. And among the headline contributors? A team of BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science students from 51�Թ�� Business School.

Acting as key members of the conversation, our students explored how one of the biggest cultural events of the decade – Taylor Swift’s 2024 UK Eras Tour – had a meaningful impact on the UK economy.

Swiftonomics: the UK tour effect

Our student team – Maya, Nikita and Sofia – worked closely with Senior Teaching Fellow, Dr Maria Psyllou, to design a research project that used Taylor Swift’s UK tour as a real-world case study. Their findings were presented to an audience of nearly 300 attendees - from Swifties to economists - through an engaging poster exhibition titled Swiftonomics: The UK Tour Effect.

Utilising their learnings from their BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science programme so far, the students broke down how large-scale cultural events can create a far-reaching and impactful economic ripple effect, linking classroom theory to real scenarios.

"The Bank of England x Taylor Swift event was an amazing opportunity to represent the university as an ambassador, connect with fellow economics enthusiasts, and share our passion, while helping introduce new students to the subject in a fun, engaging way," said Sofia.

The set list: what the students explored

The team’s analysis focused on four key economic principles that were illustrated through the tour's far-reaching impact:

The Multiplier Effect
Each concert didn’t just fill stadiums - it boosted local economies. Spending on hotels, restaurants, transport and merchandise stimulated further economic activity in host cities. This multiplier effect also plays out during large-scale events like the Olympics, where a sharp increase in visitors drives demand for local services.
Consumer Surplus
Many fans were willing to pay above face value for tickets. The gap between what people were prepared to pay and the actual ticket price is consumer surplus. You’ll also see this when people queue overnight for the latest tech or limited-edition releases. This is economics wrapped up in emotion and is a great way to measure perceived value.
Price Elasticity
Despite rising prices, ticket demand remained high - a clear example of inelastic demand, where emotional or cultural value outweighs cost. This isn’t unique to concerts. We see it with fuel and public transport too – things that people need for commuting and transport despite rising costs. In contrast, meals out or retail purchases tend to have more of an elastic demand, meaning that customers respond more to changing prices.
Positive Externalities
Beyond direct spending, Taylor Swift’s presence brought wider benefits: increased tourism, boosted visibility for local areas and increased business for non-tour-related sectors.

"Together with Maya and Sofia and the support of Dr Psyllou, we spent weeks researching and designing our poster to illustrate how Taylor Swift's Eras Tour rippled through the UK economy - from the multiplier effect in local communities to concepts like consumer surplus and positive externalities," said Nikita.

Why this matters: a new era for economics education

At 51�Թ�� Business School, the BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science programme is rooted in the real – key insights from applied learning, real-world problem solving and meaningful impact on students’ futures.

Events like Swiftonomics are an opportunity to connect academic theory with relevant cultural moments, using their skills creatively, contextualising their learnings and gaining practical experience.

By looking at the cultural phenomenon of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour through an economics lens and explaining concepts like inelastic demand and the multiplier effect to an audience enables students to think beyond the classroom and develop key skills needed to thrive in today’s business market.

Thinking critically, interpreting data, storytelling with numbers and translating technical insights into engaging presentations are vital skills across a variety of sectors – including finance, consulting, policy, media and tech.

“This project reinforced our belief that economics is not just textbooks and models — it’s woven through our lives, even in friendship bracelets and sold-out stadiums,” Nikita reflected.

Making economics accessible: our school workshops

Beyond breaking down the economic impact of headline cultural events, 51�Թ��’s student ambassadors are actively involved in delivering outreach workshops in schools and colleges, introducing young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds to the world of economics.

If you're a teacher or careers advisor and would like to bring engaging, accessible economics workshops to your students, we invite you to complete our Discover Economics workshop form. Our mission is simple: to show that economics is for everyone - and that it starts with the world around us.

Find out more

Visit our BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science programme

Programme

BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science

Maya, Nikita and Sofia recently brought pop culture and economics together to explore the effect of Taylor Swift’s 2024 UK Eras Tour

4 minute read

Special feature in Poets&Quants: Dr Pedro Rosa Dias on the Business School’s new BSc

Evie Burrows-Taylor — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 10:34:33 +0000

Special feature in Poets&Quants: Dr Pedro Rosa Dias on the Business School’s new BSc Evie Burrows-Taylor Thu, 10/08/2023 - 10:34

14 May 2023

Undergraduate

Undergraduate

What I learnt in my first term on the BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science programme

What I learnt in my first term on the BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science programme

BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science Students in Paris: career insights

From competition to internship: working with the Bank of England as a BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science student

How to prepare for your BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science interview at 51�Թ���

My undergraduate expectations vs reality

First term learnings

My academic growth so far

Looking to the future

Considering my career

Career support at 51�Թ���

Explore our programme

Share

Hear from Hayden Dyke as he reflects on his first term as an 51�Թ��� Business School student

Welcoming our undergraduate first years to the Business School

Welcoming our undergraduate first years to the Business School

BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science Students in Paris: career insights

From competition to internship: working with the Bank of England as a BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science student

How to prepare for your BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science interview at 51�Թ���

Discover 51�Թ��� Fair and Welcome Fair highlights

Course kick-off: meeting the Programme staff

Introducing support services

Nurturing a Sustainable Future: Climate Workshop at Scale Space

A campus wide scavenger hunt

Social highlights

Learn more about BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science

Writing a UCAS personal statement to impress

Download a brochure

Share

Entering your economics era: BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science students take centre stage at the Bank of England’s Swiftonomics event

Entering your economics era: BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science students take centre stage at the Bank of England’s Swiftonomics event

Real career advice from 51�Թ��� MBA alumni

The ROI of an 51�Թ��� MBA: what I learned from the Chile Global Experience Week

What I didn’t expect from 51�Թ���’s Full-Time MBA programme

Swiftonomics: the UK tour effect

The set list: what the students explored

Why this matters: a new era for economics education

Making economics accessible: our school workshops

Find out more

Share

Maya, Nikita and Sofia recently brought pop culture and economics together to explore the effect of Taylor Swift’s 2024 UK Eras Tour

Special feature in Poets&Quants: Dr Pedro Rosa Dias on the Business School’s new BSc

Share

How to prepare for your BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science interview at 51�Թ��

Career support at 51�Թ��

Hear from Hayden Dyke as he reflects on his first term as an 51�Թ�� Business School student

How to prepare for your BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science interview at 51�Թ��

Discover 51�Թ�� Fair and Welcome Fair highlights

Real career advice from 51�Թ�� MBA alumni

The ROI of an 51�Թ�� MBA: what I learned from the Chile Global Experience Week

What I didn’t expect from 51�Թ��’s Full-Time MBA programme