Did you know there are over 50 different types of finance and economics degrees offered by UK universities alone? No wonder it feels overwhelming when you’re staring at your A-level results (especially if they’re Maths, Further Maths and Economics) and thinking—what now? If this sounds like you, don’t worry. You’re definitely not alone.
Why Are Maths, FM & Economics So Popular for Future Finance Degrees?
Let’s start with why your A-level combo is such a big deal. Maths and Further Maths give you a solid foundation for anything numbers-based—think banking, analytics or actuarial science. Throw in Economics and suddenly you’ve got a toolkit that opens the door to business courses as well.
Most admissions tutors love seeing these subjects because they know you can handle tough concepts—and that’s exactly what most finance degrees demand. But with so many “finance” courses listed on university websites (Finance vs Financial Mathematics vs Accounting & Finance vs Economics & Management…), how do you even begin to choose?
What Are the Main Types of Finance & Economics Degrees?
Here’s where things get a bit less clear-cut. On paper, all these degrees sound similar—but their content can be wildly different. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Finance: Focuses on financial markets, investment analysis and corporate finance—great if you want to work in banking or asset management.
- Economics: Explores how economies work at both micro (individual) and macro (country/global) levels. Perfect if you like theory as much as numbers.
- Accounting & Finance: Combines financial reporting/accountancy skills with investment topics—a good fit if you want professional qualifications later.
- Financial Mathematics/Maths with Finance: Heavy on statistics and modelling; ideal for “quants” who love complex maths.
- Econometrics: Merges stats/data science with economic theory; brilliant if you’re into data analysis or research roles.
- Business/Economics & Management: Mixes up business studies with economics modules—broad but less technical.
Each of these opens different doors after uni. Here’s a quick way to think about it:
- Want to be an investment banker or financial analyst? Finance or Accounting & Finance.
- Loving economic theories/policy? Economics.
- Addicted to stats/problems-solving? Financial Mathematics/Econometrics.
- Keen on leadership/business strategy? Economics & Management/Business.
The Most Sought-After Degrees (And Where They Lead)
If your goal is employability (and let’s be honest—most of us are thinking about it), here are the most sought-after options:
- BSc Finance: Direct route into high-paying sectors like investment banking or risk management.
- BSc Economics: Super flexible—think government policy roles, consultancy firms or international organisations.
- BSc Accounting & Finance: Great for getting those ACA/ACCA/CIMA accountancy qualifications faster.
- BSc Financial Mathematics/Maths with Statistics: In demand for data-heavy jobs (quantitative analyst roles in banks/hedge funds).
A friend of mine picked “Financial Mathematics” because she loved pure maths but wanted something practical too—and ended up landing a grad job at a top London hedge fund! Meanwhile another mate went for straight-up “Economics” at LSE because he was hooked on understanding how governments shape economies—now he works as an economic adviser.
So…What Can You Actually Do After Uni?
Here’s where things get exciting—and maybe reassuring! These degrees won’t box you in. With any of these under your belt (plus some internships), possible jobs include:
- Investment Banking Analyst/Trader
- Management Consultant
- Accountant/Auditor
- Actuary/Data Analyst/Quantitative Analyst (“Quant”)
- Civil Service Economist/Policy Adviser
- Market Researcher/Business Development Manager
And if you decide halfway through that banking isn’t for you? No worries—a strong numerate degree gives you options far outside traditional finance too.
An Honest Take: How To Choose The Right Course For YOU?
It comes down to what excites you most day-to-day:
– Do you want lots of maths/problem-solving?
– Are real-world issues/policy debates more interesting?
– Would you rather work with people/businesses than code/models?
Check out course content online (not just the titles!), talk to current students at open days—or even message them on LinkedIn. Remember: it’s normal not to have it all figured out now!
So—if you’ve just finished your A-levels in Maths, Further Maths and Econ… Which finance or economics degree are YOU leaning toward—and what do you hope to do after uni?
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