Ranking
Triple
Crown Accredited
Hear from our students
Discover first-hand experiences from current students and recent graduates. Learn about studying at Birmingham, life on campus, and living 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
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, the UN, the World Bank, and more.
- Ministry accreditation opens exciting prospects in this booming UAE region.
Triple-crown accreditation
Birmingham Business School is one of a small number of schools worldwide to hold triple-crown accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
- #68
QS World University Rankings 2027
QS Top Universities
- #99
THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Business and Economics
Times Higher Education
- Top 15
MBA in the World
(Financial Times 2025)
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.
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
| Core Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Business and Management | 20 |
| Business and the Market | 20 |
| Introduction to Global Environmental Issues | 20 |
| Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics | 20 |
You will also be enrolled on one of these English modules below based on your IELTS score.
| Core Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Academic English and Study Skills | 40 |
| Advanced Academic English and Study Skills | 40 |
| Advanced Academic Skills (SSBL) | 40 |
Year 1
Year 1
Year 2
Year 2
| Core Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Econometrics | 20 |
| Macroeconomics | 20 |
| Microeconomics | 20 |
| Behavioural and Experimental Economics | 20 |
| Environmental Economics | 20 |
| Financial Markets and Institutions | 20 |
Year 3
Year 3
| Core Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Microeconomics | 20 |
| International Trade Theory and Policy | 20 |
| Advanced Financial Markets and Institutions | 20 |
| Advanced Macroeconomics | 20 |
| Economics Dissertation | 40 |
Entry requirements
To secure your place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you must meet both our general entry requirements and the specific criteria for your chosen course. Your application will be carefully reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will determine if you will receive an offer.
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.
Integrated Foundation Year
The tuition fee listed applies to the Integrated Foundation Year only.
- AED 123,506
January 2027 (full-time) per year
- AED 133,199
September 2027 (full-time) per year
Undergraduate degree
After progressing to the BSc Economics, tuition fees for the remaining years of the course will be:
- AED 128,695 (full-time) per year for January 2027 entry
- AED 133,199 (full-time) per year for September 2027 entry
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your programme. To help you manage the cost of study, you can pay fees in full or in three instalments per academic year.
To secure your place, you must pay a non-refundable tuition fee deposit of AED 5,000 by the deadline stated in your Conditional Offer. This deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for a range of scholarships following a Conditional Offer from the University of Birmingham Dubai.
- Up to 30%
Tuition fee scholarships available for eligible students.
Application process
Applying to the University of Birmingham Dubai is straightforward. Applications are made directly through our online Admissions portal, with no application fee.
To avoid delays, please ensure all required documents are included with your application.
Find guidance on how to apply, key steps in the process and answers to frequently asked questions.
Career opportunities
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.