Economics BSc(Hons)

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Top reasons to choose this course

• The University of Brighton is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – an accreditation achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools globally.
• Hands-on learning via specialist Bloomberg terminals that give you access to data used on trading floors across the globe.
• Modern and critical approach to learning about economics, informed by economists around the world.
• Learn how to use and analyse data – graduate jobs will expect proficiency in data handling.
• Our specialist pathways and option modules enable you to tailor your degree to suit your interests and personal career goals.
• Strong focus on employability and responsible management.
• Industry insight from experienced guest traders.
• Graduate with a year of work experience when you choose a placement year.

Course structure 

In your first year, study will involve an introduction to economics and quantitative methodologies along with academic and professional skills.

During this year you will decide whether to continue on the Economics BSc(Hons) or to study for one of the specialist pathways:

• Economics with Finance BSc(Hons)
• Economics with Data Science BSc(Hons).

The pathway you choose will shape the rest of your degree and the modules you’ll study in years 2 and 3.

In your second year, you will learn more complex theories of macroeconomics and microeconomics and how to apply them.

You can choose to take a paid placement year between your second and third year – this will give you essential experience and improve your employment opportunities.

You will extend your studies further in the third year to understand labour economics and contemporary issues in economics as well as taking a range of optional modules to broaden your knowledge.

Learning on the economics degree is delivered through a stimulating mix of seminars, academic and industry lectures and workshops. You will mainly be assessed through group work, presentations, exams and essays.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. If you apply to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Year 1

In your first year, you will gain an essential foundation in economics and quantitative techniques alongside core business modules.

Your experiences in year 1 will help you to decide which area you would like to specialise in or whether to keep a more general focus to your studies.

Modules

• The Economy Part 1

  The Economy Parts 1 and 2 introduce you to economics and provide a foundation for further study in economics and related disciplines. We closely follow the CORE economics curriculum which emphasises real-world issues, empirical evidence and recent developments in economics. Part I covers areas including the capitalist revolution and varieties of capitalism; technology, innovation and growth; scarcity, choice and work; social interactions and strategic behaviour; property and power; and equilibrium in competitive markets.

• The Economy Part 2

  The Economy Parts 1 and 2 introduce economics and provide a foundation for further study in economics and related disciplines. We closely follow the CORE economics curriculum which emphasises real-world issues, empirical evidence and recent developments in economics. Part 2 covers areas including banks, money and the credit market; rent-seeking, price setting and market dynamics; markets, efficiency and public policy; economic fluctuations and unemployment; and the Great Depression, the golden age of capitalism and the global financial crisis.

• Quantitative Methods

  This module provides you with a basic, but essential, introduction to statistical and mathematical methods and concepts that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to understand the economic/financial theory presented throughout your years of study. By the end of the module you will be able to effectively undertake and present empirical research/investigations and demonstrate an ability critically evaluate your own work and the work of others on statistical and mathematical grounds.

• Introduction to Financial Markets

  This module introduces you to the interactions between the elements that make up financial markets and the institutions that operate and oversee financial markets at both a national and international context. You will also examine the rapid innovation that takes place in both financial instruments and markets.

• Financial Analysis

  This module introduces company financial statements and the techniques used to evaluate a company’s financial position and performance. You will explore the uses of financial data by capital markets for valuation purposes and gain a theoretical and practical understanding of the ways in which stakeholders, in particular the stock market, analyse and interpret company reports.

• Applied Statistics

  You will use real-world data to understand and solve problems in economics and finance and learn basic techniques required for data acquisition, processing and analysis across a range of computer packages. Three important resources are introduced – Excel, R and Bloomberg – which are key tools for professional economists and finance practitioners in banks, businesses, government and academia.

Year 2

In your second year you’ll further develop your knowledge and understanding of core economic ideas and tools, exploring micro- and macroeconomics as a foundation for specialist study.

You will continue to develop quantitative analytical skills through the study of econometrics as well as getting an introduction to applied economics through environmental economics.

From year 2, you’ll choose whether to stay with the broad-based economics degree or whether to specialise in data science or finance through core and option modules.

Modules

Core modules

• Intermediate Microeconomics

  You will develop a thorough understanding of key microeconomic theories and how they are applied during this module. This understanding will be the foundation for further specialist study in microeconomics and plays an important part in an economist’s professional training. You’ll explore conventional models of consumer and producer behaviour, market efficiency and welfare, and market failure. Alongside this you will consider alternative approaches to microeconomic analysis and criticisms of the standard economic model.

• Introduction to Econometrics

  You will gain the skills and knowledge to analyse economic and financial data using econometric models. You’ll deepen your knowledge of regression analysis and be introduced to econometric methods and techniques. You will also develop your use of econometric software and of analysing real data through secondary data sources or live briefs.

• Intermediate Macroeconomics

  Intermediate macroeconomics will further develop your understanding and application of concepts and tools learned in year 1. You will analyse contemporary macroeconomic policy problems using a three-equation macroeconomic model as a starting point. The financial system is incorporated into the heart of the analysis, and you will consider the historical and institutional context.

Options*

• Environmental Economics

  Issues surrounding the environment and natural resources are becoming increasingly mainstream in economics. This module outlines how economic concepts, tools and policy instruments are relevant, and are used to understand and manage environmental issues at the level of businesses and governments.

• Programming for Data Science

  Programming for Data Science enables you to build on skills developed in year 1 and further explore concepts in programming, such as the object orientation approach, with a focus on how these can be applied to data science. You will use programming languages such as Python and R.

• Financial Management

  The module provides an appreciation of financial decision-making within an organisation. You will be able to explore decisions related to the financing, long-term investments and operations of an organisation. Areas covered include the role of financial markets and institutions; the stock market and market efficiency; sources of finance – equity and debt; and portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model.

• Money, Exchange Rates and Trade

  The module will help you to develop your understanding of monetary economics and its relationship with the exchange rate and international trade. Through this, you will further develop your appreciation of trading blocks, currency unions and commercial policy, and their impact on international finance and trade.

• Development Economics

  You will look at the relationship between international law and development during this module, examining international regulation of economic activities in institutions and considering how effective international law is in achieving development policy objectives in the global south. You will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to conduct a socioeconomic analysis of conditions and institutions across the world, emphasising human development and migration, inequality, poverty, the right to health and the environment.

• Applied Business Analytics

  This module will help you to develop an analytic mindset and equip you with basic data literacy that is useful for the business environment. You will look at methodologies, algorithms and challenges related to analysing and presenting business data alongside applying data analysis to support decision-making across business functions and industries.

• Applied Machine Learning

  This module introduces the key concepts and ideas of machine learning in the context of practical data analysis, enabling you to use machine learning methods to extract value and insight from data. You will explore the common types of learning tasks, how to solve them and how to evaluate the quality of solutions. 

• Financial Modelling and Dealing

  During this module you will learn the basic tools and data handling skills that will enable you to model financial relationships and understand the principles of stock market trading. You will also be introduced to specialist software to carry out set tasks. You’ll develop the practical skills and knowledge needed for further study and to enhance employment opportunities.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

After your second year you’ll have the option to undertake a work placement year. This means you’ll graduate with relevant, real-life work experience which employers value highly, giving you a distinct advantage when it comes to securing the right job after your course.

Our students have completed placements at:

• American Express
• Bank of America
• Merrill Lynch
• Credit Suisse
• Dow Jones
• HM Revenue and Customs
• Ernst & Young
• FTSE Group
• Genomics England
• KPMG
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• Bank of England.

It is also possible to undertake a placement year abroad.

Final year

In your final year, you will continue to follow the pathway you have chosen. You’ll explore contemporary economic issues, events, global challenges and policy debates, as well as have an opportunity to lead on seminar activities and apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed over the course.

Option modules allow you to choose what interests you in your specialist pathway or from a wider range of economics and business-related modules.

If you have taken a placement year, your placement project may also contribute to your final year.

Modules

Core modules

• Contemporary Issues in Economics

  This module explores contemporary economic issues, events, global challenges and policy debates, giving you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you've learned in your course to modern contexts. You'll engage with research done at the university and wider developments at the frontiers of economic knowledge. A significant part of the module content is decided in collaboration with students, and they are expected to lead seminar activities.

• Dissertation for Economics and Finance

  The dissertation is an extended project where you will research a topic you are interested in and that is relevant to your degree. The project is largely based on observations and experience, and you’ll use statistical and econometrics methods along with reviewing and analysing existing research. You will be able to explore and develop your own ideas, with guidance from an academic supervisor.

Options*

• Applied Econometric Techniques

  This module develops your knowledge of the advanced techniques commonly used in empirical finance and economics research. You’ll use real-world data and apply statistical techniques to test economic modules and undertake analysis using statistical software. By the end of the module you will be equipped to apply econometric techniques that are extremely useful for study and in the workplace.

• Experimental and Behavioural Economics

  This module introduces the theory and practice of behavioural economics incorporating insights from psychology and other social sciences. You will explore the contrast between the neo-classical economic models and evidence that people often behave in ways that do not fit with the models. You’ll develop an awareness of the behavioural economics processes, issues and vocabulary and reflect on how it relates to other disciplines.

• Financial and Capital Markets

  This module will develop your understanding of the financial system and enable you to get some experience of financial markets. You’ll have an opportunity to manage a portfolio of assets and analyse the performance of that portfolio as well as explore the investment environment.

• Advanced Artificial Intelligence

  On this module you will examine current development in AI techniques and common issues that arise in real-world applications. You’ll develop an understanding of, and the skills needed to explore, advanced topics in AI such as logic, natural language processing (NLP) and speech and image recognition.

• Finance and Risk Management

  This module focuses on financial management, and mainly the issues that affect corporate financial managers. It has two parts: the first deals with applied topics in corporate finance and the second explores risk management tools and techniques. Areas covered include an appreciation of financial risk management and the use of derivatives, and analysis of capital structure and investment decisions.

• Labour Economics

  This module builds an analytical framework for the study of recent labour market trends and issues. You will explore the determination of pay in the public and private sectors; the graduate labour market and student debt; the factors that influence internal and external human migratory patterns; the determinants of executive pay; labour market discrimination based on gender and ethnicity; and the relationship between the UK and EU labour markets.

• Game Theory in Economics, Finance and Business

  Game theory is one of the most exciting, stimulating and promising subjects in modern microeconomics and is now also broadly applied in philosophy, sociology and political science among other fields. The module gives you the chance to apply game theory to financial and business analysis topics to deepen and widen your knowledge of economics, finance and business as an ongoing strategic game.

• Investment Management

  You will apply your previously gained knowledge to examine the current best practice in investment analysis, considering a variety of asset classes, and in the managing of institutional investment portfolios. Areas covered include the construction and management of bond and equity portfolios; portfolio performance evaluation and insurance techniques; and international diversification.

• Carbon Accounting

  This module covers the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GGP) with its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions as well as associated issues such as net-zero, carbon offsets and certification processes. You will use University of Brighton HESA Estates data to demonstrate your understanding of GGP and to explore potential mitigating strategies. You’ll also undertake a short (equivalent of two days) consultancy with small local businesses to understand their emissions.

• Banking and Money

  This module introduces the study of banking and money. You’ll cover two broad areas: the first covers microeconomic and managerial aspects of banking, such as the bank risk, efficiency, competition and performance; and the second looks at the macroeconomic elements of banking instability, the role of banks in the monetary transmission mechanism, the interplay between banks, regulators and policy makers, and the role of banks in setting the interest rates.

• Quantitative Trading and Investment with R

  This module will develop your ability to use R to assess the performance of investment strategies. You'll implement time series econometric techniques and be introduced to packages of functions for assessing investment performance while also developing the ability to write your own functions.

• Data Mining

  This module will help develop your understanding of data mining concepts and how they can be applied to solve real-world complex problems. You will explore areas including text mining, information extraction and information indexing, with specific algorithms and techniques for feature extraction.

• Placement Project

  This project module enables you to further develop problem solving, creative thinking, analysis and project management skills while on a placement year between year 2 and 3 of your degree. It's an opportunity to reflect on your placement role and experiences and how they contributed to your personal development, shaped your thinking about future careers and enhanced your employment prospects.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Specialise in data science

At the end of your first year, you can carry on with your economics degree for a broad view of the subject along with your choice of option modules or you can choose to specialise in economics combined with one of two topics – data science or finance.

Choosing to specialise means that your core modules and options focus on the subject you choose, and you will graduate with that subject in your degree title.

Economics with Data Science BSc(Hons)

Our data science pathway opens up many career paths as you combine the analytical and statistical skills of data science with the theoretical and practical knowledge of economics.

Alongside core economic modules, you’ll be introduced to the concepts of computer programming for data science. You will explore basic methodologies, algorithms and challenges related to analysing and presenting business data, and study how data analysis can support decision-making across business functions and industries.

This pathway will provide you with highly sought-after employability skills and knowledge essential in roles such as a data analyst, economic consultant, data scientist, financial analyst and econometrician.

Specialise in finance

At the end of your first year, you can carry on with your economics degree for a broad view of the subject along with your choice of option modules, or you can choose to specialise in economics combined with one of two topics – data science or finance.

Choosing to specialise means that your core modules and options focus on the subject you choose, and you will graduate with that subject in your degree title.

Economics with Finance BSc(Hons)

The combination of economics and finance gives you a solid foundation in financial markets, economic theory and quantitative skills, making you versatile in the job market.

Alongside core economic modules, you will also be introduced to  financial environments and explore the ideas and practices of financial management from a range of perspectives. You will develop an understanding of the financial system and evaluate alternative sources of finance and assess investment possibilities. 

You’ll explore financial modelling and trading using specialist software to formulate, estimate and forecast financial relationships.

This pathway will provide you with highly sought-after employability skills and knowledge essential in roles such as an investment banker, financial analyst, economic consultant, portfolio manager and commercial banker.

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

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• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
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• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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