Ranking
Triple
Crown Accredited
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to get their thoughts on our courses, state-of-the-art campus, and life in Dubai.
Course overview
Our Economics programme with Foundation Year in Dubai teaches you the science behind decision-making and managing resources. Excel in today's competitive global market by studying economics at our world-renowned institution.
You will become independent thinkers. A diverse Economics degree will expose you to a wide range of opportunities and careers. You will learn the art of strategic decision-making and manage resources which will carve your path to international success.
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Course structure
Our 4-year programme includes core modules designed to support talented graduates in the region with the skills to aid and further employability.
Foundation year
Foundation year
Experience a supportive university environment during your foundation year in Dubai, ensuring you’re ready to begin your undergraduate studies. When completed with at least 100 credits, you’re guaranteed progression to the BSc Economics. You'll cover academic skills, quantitative methods for business and economics and more.
Year 1
Year 1
Begin your undergraduate study with a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and real-world economic challenges in Semester 1. In Semester 2, you will further develop your analytical and statistical skills while exploring global economic issues and applied economic practice.
Year 2
Year 2
In Year 2, you will advance to core areas such as econometrics, macroeconomics, and microeconomics, strengthening your theoretical and quantitative expertise. You will also explore specialised fields including behavioural and experimental economics, environmental economics, and financial markets and institutions, broadening your understanding of how economic principles apply to real-world challenges.
Year 3
Year 3
To complete your degree, you’ll delve into more advanced modules in micro and macro economics, financial markets and institutions. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake independent research into an economic topic that interests you with your dissertation.
Course highlights
Embrace endless possibilities at Dubai's dynamic economic hub. Discover the perfect balance of a broad-based degree and personalised mentorship in the heart of Dubai's thriving economy. Launch your dream career with boundless opportunities without ever having to leave the country. Join our exclusive cohort and immerse yourself in a vibrant community that fosters growth through tailored guidance from renowned economic experts.
- You will be taught by economic experts in a research-active learning environment rated Gold standard by TEF.
- You’ll gain the same globally respected qualification from Triple-Crown accredited Birmingham Business School, in Dubai.
- Our diverse economics curriculum unlocks opportunities beyond the business realm. Join our alumni in roles at NGOs, UN, World Bank, and more!
- Ministry accreditation opens exciting prospects in this booming UAE region.
Course delivery
Engage in small class sizes, personalised one-to-one sessions with your tutor and learn from academics in the UK and Dubai.
- You’ll learn by attending lectures, small group classes to further your understanding of material covered in lectures. You’ll work in groups and make presentations, the skills that are valued by employers.
- 30 hours weekly contact time. The remainder will be self-guided study based on content and requirement of specific modules.
Experience a blend of coursework, exams, and tests, thoughtfully designed to assess your progress based on your selected modules. Our adaptable approach ensures a balanced and effective evaluation of your learning journey.
Unlock Limitless Career Potential with Global Opportunities and UAE Ministry Accreditation. With our esteemed programme, you'll gain access to a world of career opportunities, bolstered by the competitive edge of UAE Ministry accreditation.
You'll be eligible for sought-after government positions in the region's thriving economic sector, or you can embark on an international journey of professional growth. The possibilities are endless.
You’ll receive support from our careers officer to make sure you have the right skills to success in the competitive job market. You’ll have access to events covering CV writing, interview preparation and summer internships, where you can spend two to three weeks working on a project in industry.
Module information
The modules described here are the ones that we currently offer and will give you a good idea of the range of subjects that we teach. However, as our undergraduate teaching is research led and we constantly review our teaching to ensure that the modules that we offer are up to date, there may be changes to module titles and content.
Modules
You will complete mandatory core modules and choose from a mix of optional modules.
Foundation Year
Foundation Year
Year: 0: Social Sciences, Business and Law Pathway
2026/27 Session
| Core Modules | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Business and Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Business and the Market | 20 | Full Term |
| Introduction to Global Environmental Issues | 20 | Full Term |
Students on Business or BSc Sustainability progression routes take:
| Core Module | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics | 20 | Full Term |
| Optional Modules | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Academic English and Study Skills | 40 | Full Term |
| Advanced Academic English and Study Skills | 40 | Full Term |
| Advanced Academic Skills (SSBL) | 40 | Full Term |
Year 1
Year 1
| Core Modules | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Contemporary Economic Challenges A | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Introduction to Mathematics for Economics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Principles of Economics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Professional and Academic Skills Development for Economists A | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Applied Economics and Statistics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Contemporary Economic Challenges B | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Professional and Academic Skills Development for Economists B | 10 | Semester 2 |
| The Global Economy | 20 | Semester 2 |
Year 2
Year 2
| Core Modules | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Econometrics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Macroeconomics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Microeconomics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Behavioural and Experimental Economics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Environmental Economics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Financial Markets and Institutions | 20 | Semester 2 |
Year 3
Year 3
| Core Modules | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Microeconomics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| International Trade Theory and Policy | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Advanced Financial Markets and Institutions | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Advanced Macroeconomics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Economics Dissertation | 40 | Full Term |
Entry requirements
The Foundation Pathways are suitable if you've completed your high school education to a high standard and you'd normally require a foundation year before being eligible for first-year undergraduate entry to UK universities.
English language requirements
To study at the University, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Many applicants do this by submitting a recent IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result, or by completing a Presessional English course.
The level of English language proficiency required varies depending on your level of study and subject area.
You can view the full English language requirements, including accepted tests and required scores, on our entry requirements page for the Dubai campus.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation.
- AED 123,506
Full-time (September 2026/January 2027) per year
The above fee applies to the Foundation Year only. Subsequent year's annual tuition fee for the programme will be AED 128,695/year for September 2026/January 2027 entry.
Paying your tuition fees
We charge an annual tuition fee (per year of study). The tuition fee will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can be paid in full or in three instalments per year of study.
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. For students with the potential to thrive here, we have a number of scholarships available at our Dubai campus.
Application process
To apply for an undergraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Career opportunities
At Birmingham Dubai, our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network information, advice and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life at our Dubai campus.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.