Imperial College introduces ‘first ever’ degree in economics, finance, and data science

Imperial College London has announced several new degree courses which will be ‘first of its kind’ in the United Kingdom.

These new degrees will allow students from local and international regions to study and pursue economics and finance, combined with data science.

The new BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Economics, Finance and Data Science will launch in October 2023.

These courses are the first undergraduate degree of their kind in the country. Moreover will offer students a new approach to leadership and curriculum.

These courses aim to prepare the next generation of economists, policy experts, and business leaders.

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Professor Emma McCoy, Vice-Provost (Education and Student Experience), shared his views on this momentous occasion towards a bright future for upcoming generations.

“Education will be the most powerful instigator of our global economic recovery from the pandemic and in addressing global disruption,” Prof McCoy said.

“The university students of today will be the thought leaders of the future,” he said.

The institution, which competes with ppers like the UCL, University of Cambridge, and University of Oxford, also shared that such new degrees reimagines the traditional study of economics and finance by incorporating data science learning. 

According to the committee, all of these courses have been designed by leading academics at the forefront of each discipline, with input from industry and public policy leaders.

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The introduction of such courses has been influenced by the rising demand for graduates with the latest academic training in economics and finance.

Such candidates, who are poised to shape the future of such industries, are required with analytical skills complemented by data science and coding capabilities. 

By engaging in such degrees, students will nurture all the necessary skills to succeed in a range of roles in industries such as technology, finance, consulting and the public sector.

Such individuals will also be seen taking a huge role in major central banks, regulatory bodies, think tanks and international organisations. 

The programmes —- which are still under-diagnosis and will be launched fully next year — embeds societal impact, diversity and sustainability in their design.

Data science could be the aid for rising global complexities.

Dr Pedro Rosa Dias, Academic Director of the programme, also shared his views on this milestone by stating that “We live in the age of big data, and this has revolutionised the workplace and transformed our way of understanding the world’s complexities.” 

Dr Dias also mentioned the similarities in the feedback from employers: of having a new generation of graduates in economics and finance who could use data science to guide their organisations.

“In developing this programme, the goal is clear: To generate graduates who could leverage such education in public bodies and international organisations in today’s digital economy,” the director mentioned.

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The committee also shared that students enrolling in these programmes will also get exposed to live and study in the heart of London, UK.

They will be given ample flexibility that will help them to tailor their studies to suit their career interests. 

Alongside studies, eligible students will also receive career guidance and mentorship to enable them the best possible opportunity to pursue a career path after graduation successfully. 

Currently, the college hasn’t shared many details regarding the eligibility of these programmes. Still, briefly, the institution has shared that applicants must possess strong mathematics skills.

They will also be required to have good analytical and language skills. Eligible students could also hold an interest in addressing global issues. 

Interested students can visit the official Imperial College Business School website to read about the programme’s curriculum and application requirements.