BA (Hons) Economics

Businesses and governments rely on economists to help them examine issues, identify trends and deal with financial uncertainty. Joining us, you’ll explore how organisations and individuals invest and allocate their resources.

Over three years, we’ll challenge you to think about choices people make and how those decisions affect every aspect of our lives. You’ll explore everything from employment to distribution of wealth, government spending to international trade.

Boosting your employability

To make sure our teaching tackles the most current challenges, we work in partnership with local government and companies such as investment platform, AJ Bell. You’ll explore a diverse range of areas including policy, cryptocurrencies and economic forecasting.

In response to industry need, we’ve also introduced a computer coding module. Moving forward, employers will expect graduates to be confident in this area. It’s not something all universities offer, but we know it’s an important part of learning to handle data in all shapes and forms.

Teaching influenced by experience

We have an excellent mix of academics leading in their area and lecturers who have had successful careers in industry before teaching. In the team, there is a former treasury adviser, chartered accountant, chartered tax adviser, and the former head of research and policy at GM Chamber of Commerce.

Traditionally this sector was made up of predominantly men. But there is a shift to more women moving into economics roles, which we support through our large number of female staff who come with industry experience, including our head of department.

We’ve designed the first year of this course to explore the principles of economics. At the same time, you’ll start to think about the global business environment and look at how to handle data.

Before starting your second year, you’ll gear your learning towards the BA and BSc route. This will influence whether you focus on the statistical or policy side of economics. Whatever route you take, you’ll develop advanced analytical skills and the tools to interpret data.

Beyond the core modules, you can tailor your learning to your interests and career goals. Pick from a range of options, from the economics of corporate finance to nudging economic behavior.

In your final year, you’ll put your data handling skills to the test for your dissertation. It’s completely up to you what you explore.

What is the length of the course?

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years with placement
• 4 years with overseas study
• 4 years with foundation