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Undergraduate · UCL Economics

UCL Economics BSc: entry, Mathematics and the TMUA

UCL's Economics BSc (Econ) asks for an A* in Mathematics, requires the TMUA and does not accept resits. Those three rules make Mathematics preparation the centre of the application, and they are specific to this course: UCL's other degrees, LSE Economics and Oxford Economics and Management each have their own. This guide is written for families planning 2028 entry. Everything cycle-specific in it was last verified for 2027 entry, because UCL has not yet published its 2028-entry requirements.

Official information · last verified for 2027 entry

What UCL asks for in Economics

Taken from UCL's official Economics BSc (Econ) course page and last verified on 20 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; UCL's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.

A*AA with an A* in Mathematics, no resits

The A-level offer is A*AA, with an A* in Mathematics required, and the contextual offer is A*AB. UCL asks for GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4, and says the course does not accept resits. In the IB the offer is 39 points, with a total of 19 points in three Higher Level subjects including a 7 in Mathematics and no Higher Level score below 5; the contextual IB offer is 38 points with a score of 18 including a 7 in Mathematics and no Higher Level score below 5.

Either IB Mathematics course at Higher Level; two preferred A levels

UCL accepts either IB Mathematics course at Higher Level. At least two A levels should come from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.

The TMUA is compulsory

UCL required all applicants to sit the TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission), run by University Admissions Tests UK.

The programme's shape

The UCAS code is L100. Year 1 consists of five compulsory modules in economics, mathematics, statistics, applied economics and a newly designed module on coding, data and communication skills. In Year 2 students take compulsory modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. The study options presented as post-enrolment specialisms are chosen once enrolment is confirmed.

Official sources

Last verified on 20 October 2026 for 2027 entry, on UCL's Economics BSc (Econ) course page. TMUA sittings, registration deadlines, fees and application deadlines are cycle-specific and are not stated. UCL's other degrees are separate programmes.

The programme

An economics degree with early mathematics and statistics

Year 1 combines compulsory modules in economics, mathematics, statistics, applied economics and a newly designed module on coding, data and communication skills, and Year 2 adds compulsory microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. The mathematics in the entry rules matches the mathematics in the first two years. UCL also describes study options presented as post-enrolment specialisms, which are chosen once enrolment is confirmed, so the application is for the Economics BSc (Econ) itself.

Reading the offer

The A*, the preferred subjects and the resit rule

Three features of the entry standard are worth reading before you plan subjects.

An A* in Mathematics

UCL requires an A* in Mathematics. Unlike UCL's Computer Science BSc, the A* cannot come from Further Mathematics instead.

Preferred subjects

At least two A levels should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.

No resits

UCL says the course does not accept resits. A resit is a second or subsequent attempt to improve a qualification outcome, so plan to achieve the grades first time.

The IB

39 points with 19 points in three Higher Level subjects including a 7 in Mathematics and no Higher Level score below 5. Either IB Mathematics course is accepted at Higher Level.

The test

The TMUA is part of the application

UCL required all applicants to sit the TMUA, run by University Admissions Tests UK, alongside the UCAS application. The TMUA is also used by other universities, and a candidate applying to more than one needs to take it only once. Each university sets its own requirement, so read each course page. UCL's Computer Science BSc used a different test, the TARA, so the two UCL courses should not be prepared for in the same way.

Comparing courses

UCL, LSE and Oxford Economics and Management are different

Applicants often put UCL Economics beside LSE Economics and Oxford Economics and Management. LSE Economics asks for an A* in Mathematics and the TMUA; Oxford Economics and Management uses the TARA. Read each course page for its rule, and avoid carrying one course's requirement over to another.

Planning for 2028 entry

Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication

Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules UCL has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means UCL published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means UCL has not yet published it.

Offers, the Mathematics requirement, the no-resit rule and the TMUA requirement: last verified for 2027 entry

These are the best guide to what to prepare. UCL has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.

Application deadline, TMUA sittings and registration windows: awaiting publication for 2028 entry

Check UCL's course page and the test provider's key dates for the 2028-entry values when they appear.

What to do now

Build the Mathematics record first, plan to achieve the key grades first time, and plan the TMUA alongside the other universities on the list that use it.

Support

Independent support with course strategy and preparation

Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with UCL or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor working within one advisory plan. Support is tailored to the student, and no outcome is promised.

Questions

Questions applicants ask

Is the TMUA compulsory for UCL Economics?

Yes. For the 2027 cycle UCL required all applicants to the programme to sit the TMUA. UCL has not yet published its 2028-entry requirements.

Can the A* come from Further Mathematics?

For UCL Economics the offer asks for an A* in Mathematics. UCL's Computer Science BSc allows the A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics, but that is a different course.

Does UCL Economics accept resits?

No. UCL says the course does not accept resits.

Which IB Mathematics course is accepted?

UCL accepts either IB Mathematics course at Higher Level.

Are these the rules for 2028 entry?

No. They are UCL's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when UCL publishes its 2028-entry requirements.

Students and families

Talk to us about UCL Economics

Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics, the other economics courses on the list and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.

Book a consultationCambridge Economics: entry, Further Mathematics and the TMUAOxford Economics and Management: entry, the TARA and the interviewLSE BSc Economics: entry, the TMUA and no interview