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Economics BSc

Key information
Additional information
Course structure

Summary

Undergraduate degree course in Economics BSc L100:

Whether the subject is financial crises, the impact of climate change on the economy, trade agreements or income tax, we understand them all better with the insights of economics. The Economics degree programmes at Birmingham Business School give you a sound training – in theory and in practice – for tackling a wide range of relevant problems.

Key facts

UCAS code: L100

Duration: 3 years

Start date: September 2013 (Check to see if this course is receiving applications for September 2012)

Places available: 198 (Total number of places for all Economics programme)

Applications in 2011: 1566

Entry requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: AAA

Required subjects and grades: GCSE Mathematics grade A if not offered at AS or A2 level

General Studies: not accepted

Additional information:

Other qualifications are considered – learn more about entry requirements

International students:

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 36–38 points

Standard English language requirements apply
Learn more about international entry requirements

Contact details

For information about admissions procedure, entry requirements etc, please e-mail the Economics Admissions Officer, Valerie Ashford: v.j.ashford@bham.ac.uk

For information about content and structure of the degree programme, please e-mail the Admissions Tutor, Dr Peter Postl: econ-admissions@bham.ac.uk, Telephone enquiries: +44 (0)121 414 6640

Please also check: Frequently Asked Questions

How to apply

Apply through UCAS at www.ucas.com
Learn more about applying

Fees and funding

Standard fees apply
Learn more about fees and funding

Scholarships
Learn more about our scholarships and awards

Programme overview

The economist exercises the analytical skills needed to tackle many of the complexities of the modern world.

Whether the subject is financial crises, the impact of climate change on the economy, trade agreements or income tax, we understand them all better with the insights of economics. The Economics degree programmes at Birmingham give you a sound training – in theory and in practice – for tackling a wide range of relevant problems.

First year

You are introduced to the main facets of the discipline: statistics, microeconomics and macroeconomics. You learn about computer-based methods for analysing economic data, and explore topics in applied economics. There are modules on Economic History, along with a Quantitative Methods course for students looking for a higher level of technical skill.

Second year

In this year you consolidate the main areas of the subject and begin to explore the many optional modules on offer. You might opt for theoretical or mathematical economics or study more applied topics.

Third year

The emphasis in your final year shifts towards the application of economic theory and how this impacts on policy-making.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is by lectures, tutorials and computer-based laboratory classes. We assess your work both by examination and coursework. You acquire not only specific skills in economics, but also generic skills such as word processing and spreadsheet analysis. You write an extended essay in your third year, drawing on your developed communication skills.

Career opportunities

A high proportion of our graduates enter financial management and accountancy. Others work in government services, investment and retail banking, teaching, insurance, general management, personnel, and journalism.

Other ways to study Economics

Economics can be combined with Geography, Political Science, Russian Studies or Urban and Regional Planning as part of a Joint Honours programme (see Economics Joint Honours BSc). You can also study Economics with a modern language in a range of Economics with Language options.

Employability

A degree in Economics provides the skills required for a very wide range of careers. These skills are useful in the financial sector, general commerce and industry, public service, journalism and education, to name but a few.

Many employers will value the training that an Economics degree provides.

The University of Birmingham is known to produce high quality graduates. Therefore students are in high demand when they have completed their study.

The University offers advice through the Careers Centre. They have specialists who can advise students from the Department of Economics on what the possibilities are on graduating. Joining one of the Department's student societies is also a good way of finding out about future careers. Local firms often sponsor events for our students (such as business games, seminars on interview techniques and how to write a CV, and, of course, more social events) so that they can get to know you and also get you to know about them. It is a further indication of the attractiveness of our students.