Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics (MORSE) BSc (Hons)

Lancaster University

BSc Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics (MORSE) is a coherent degree ideal for mathematically-gifted students who want to use numbers to solve real-world problems in business and industry. The combination of these highly influential subjects and the way we have structured the programme means that from year two onwards, you take increasing ownership over your studies, choosing modules as your interests and strengths change and grow.

Programme overview

Shifting markets and an ever-changing political landscape make for a complex world. Every organisation – industrial, financial or governmental – needs to embrace technology and data to optimise their performance.

Smartphone use, the role of social media data, risk planning, retail patterns; all of these can be counted and analysed. They can also help forecast the future, deciding where to invest or what route to take. This needs creative, technically competent and business-savvy people; the kind of graduates our MORSE degree produces.

We have combined the highly influential subjects of Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics into one coherent degree ideal for mathematically-gifted students who want to use numbers to solve real-world problems in business and industry.

In your first year you will gain a strong foundation in mathematics, operational research, statistics and economics. You will study modules worth 40 credits from each of the departments of Management Science, Economics, and Mathematics and Statistics. For Maths and Stats, the 40 credits are taught as smaller 5 x 8 credit modules (“Calculus”, “Further Calculus”, “Linear Algebra”, “Probability”, “Statistics”), while Management Science (“Tools and Techniques for Business Analytics”) and Economics (“Economic Principles and Applications”) each run a single large module worth 40 credits.

After the first year, you tailor your programme, developing a broad knowledge base or specialising in topics relevant to your future career.

Key facts

Taught across our world-class departments of Management Science, Mathematics and Statistics, and Economics, the focus is on practically applying mathematical theory. In addition to mathematics, you will learn business modelling, economic theory, statistics and analytics, and how all these skills can come together to create better solutions to intricate problems.

Our careers team, including a dedicated departmental careers coach, will work with you from day one to help with internships, placements and graduate employment. We will supply training in CV writing, interview assessment centres and telephone interviews, helping you with your future career ambitions.

You will graduate with an enviable array of quantitative and analytical skills in high demand by industry, commerce, finance, the public sector, consulting and the government.

MORSE is also available as a four-year programme with a year in industry. It may be possible to switch to this course after you start, subject to availability and to visa and other requirements.

Programme outcomes

By combining the four disciplines of Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics, our graduates leave with the skills to make a difference at the core of business. They have gone on to work in consultancies like Accenture and McKinsey, as well as large multinationals. MORSE graduates are highly sought after for their analytical thinking and wide range of technical skills.

Accredited by the EFMD Quality Improvement System.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).