Economics BSc(Hons)

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Course structure 

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

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, which gives you essential experience and improves 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 a range of optional modules to broaden your knowledge further.

Learning on the economics degrees 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.

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. It also highlights the importance of institutional, historical, political and environmental contexts in economic analysis. Part I covers the first half of the CORE curriculum. 

• 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. It also highlights the importance of institutional, historical, political and environmental contexts in economic analysis. Part II covers the second half of the CORE curriculum.

• Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance

  This module will provide 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 in the first and subsequent years of study.

  By the end of the module you'll 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.

• Working with Data

  This module introduces you to using real-world data to understand and solve problems in economics and finance. You'll 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 will develop your understanding of core analytical methods in economics and how to effectively apply them. You will also be able to choose from option modules to start tailoring your course to your interests and career aspirations.

Core modules 

• Intermediate Microeconomics
• Intermediate Macroeconomics
• Introduction to Econometrics
• Research Methods

Options*

• Environmental Economics
• Money, Exchange Rates and Trade
• Understanding Finance Theory and Practice
• Financial Modelling and Dealing
• Business Law
• Operations and Process Management
• Marketing in Practice

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

Placement year

The optional paid work placement year is a great opportunity to apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges. You'll meet and network with potential employers, and have opportunities to get real work experience before you graduate – something that employers value highly.

On your placement, you will complete a business project. This project contributes to your degree and, depending on the topic you choose, could provide valuable insight for your placement employer.

Our students have completed placements at American Express, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse, Dow Jones, Ernst & Young, the Financial Services Authority, FTSE Group, HM Revenue and Customs, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and The Bank of England. It is also possible to undertake a placement year abroad.

Our dedicated Placements and Employability team will support you throughout, helping you to get a placement and during your placement. Read more about our placements.

Final year

In your final year, the majority of modules are optional, allowing you to choose what interests you from a wide range of economics and business-related modules such as behavioural economics, globalisation, human rights and corporate strategy. If you have taken a placement year, your placement project may also contribute to your final year.

Modules

• Contemporary Issues in Economics
• Labour Economics
• Dissertation 

Options* 

• Further Econometrics
• Development Economics  
• Game Theory in Economics, Finance and Business
• Behavioural Economics
• Financial and Capital Markets
• Globalisation and International Markets
• Applied Financial Techniques
• Political Economy in Europe
• International Law and Socio-economic Development
• Placement Project
• Corporate Financial Management
• International Finance
• Financial Management
• Small Business and Entrepreneurship
• Social Enterprise: New Business Planning
• Employee Selection and Development
• Understanding Employee Relations
• Human Resource Management and Organisational Change
• Digital Marketing
• Ecommerce and Online Behaviour  
• Commercial Law
• Negotiation, Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution for Law and Business
• Human Rights and Business  
• Intellectual Property Law
• Family Law  
• Big Data and Business intelligence  
• Corporate Strategy

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

Course leader

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2023–24.

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.

Find out more

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

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