A new bachelor's degree that allows students to study economics and finance with a data science emphasis was unveiled by Imperial earlier this month. According to the school, the degree, which is being hailed as the first in the United Kingdom, also gives a new perspective on leadership to help future generations of economists, policy analysts, and corporate executives. The first cohort of the new BSc in Economics, Finance, and Data Science at the college will begin enrolling in October 2023.

This ground-breaking degree combines intensive study of data science and its applications with economics and finance. Thanks to the curriculum created with input from business and public policy leaders, you will have access to experts in each area. You'll improve your analytical and coding talents through in-depth study in each topic area and have the option to study all three courses in your final year or focus on one due to the wide variety of modules available. 

Additionally, you'll take specialized courses on crucial competencies that businesses have identified, such as successful teamwork, emotional intelligence, and corporate social responsibility. You have the chance to acquire the abilities needed to become a member of the upcoming generation of economists, policy analysts, corporate executives, and researchers.

The curriculum includes big data and coding concepts 

Imperial claims that the new degree reimagines the conventional study of economics and finance by directly integrating data science, analytics, and coding skills into the curriculum. 

According to the school, "students will develop the skills needed to excel in a range of professions in industries like technology, banking, consulting, and the public sector, including central banks, regulatory bodies, think tanks, and international organizations." The program's design incorporates societal effects, diversity, and sustainability. 

According to Emma McCoy, vice provost for education and student experience, graduates with the degree will have a broad, in-depth understanding of how to use data to guide their decision-making.

The university students of today will be the future-thinking leaders, according to McCoy. "Education will be the most potent stimulator of our worldwide economic recovery from the epidemic and tackling global disruption," she claims. 

By introducing this degree, Imperial is assisting the future generation in the discussions that will continue to influence our society for a very long time. 

With input from business and government policy experts, Imperial's academics at the forefront of each area created the program.

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Built-in Flexibility

With this degree, students will learn how to use the study of economics and finance to understand issues including global inequality, financial market dynamics, and the forces behind technological innovation. According to the course website, students will learn how to use statistics, econometrics, and real-world data through data science to investigate the origins of such problems and provide remedies. 

Students are expected to attend essential skills courses to prepare for a future in business, in addition to the three key competencies of economics, finance, and data science. These skills include effective communication, emotional intelligence, and other abilities employers deem crucial.

Students are completely immersed in all the required disciplines during the first two years, with the opportunity to further specialize in the third year. Electives in all three areas will be available, along with career counselling and mentoring. 

Moreover, candidates must be proficient in mathematics, demonstrate excellent linguistic and analytical abilities, and be interested in solving global problems. Visit the Imperial College Business School website to learn more about the new degree.