Economics BA

Launching in 2027, Birmingham's BA Economics combines rigorous economic foundations with practical, applied training, equipping you with the analytical thinking and data skills to evaluate real policy interventions, examining what worked, what didn't, and why.

In your first year, you'll explore core micro and macroeconomic principles alongside practical data analysis skills. Modules on sustainable development and economic perspectives establish the real-world, policy-facing outlook that runs throughout the degree.

As the degree progresses, you'll move from exploring economic principles to applying them. You'll apply data to inform policy, tackle real-world economic challenges, and choose optional modules that reflect your interests.

You can extend your degree with a placement year to build professional experience, or a year abroad for an international perspective on the issues you're studying. You can take your tech skills to the next level by adding a Year in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science or Year in Computer Science.

What's the difference between BA and BSc Economics at Birmingham?

The BA Economics is built around graphical and written analysis rather than advanced mathematics - a rigorous but different kind of economic reasoning that's particularly well-suited to students drawn to policy, public debate, and the qualitative dimensions of how economies work. It doesn't require A-level Maths.

The BSc Economics takes a more mathematical and quantitative approach, with flexible specialisms for students who want to go deeper into economic theory and modelling.

Both degrees are taught by the same research-active department and carry the same triple-accredited Birmingham Business School qualification.

Which Birmingham economics degree is right for you?

We offer a range of economics degrees to suit different interests and career goals. Explore all economics programmes at Birmingham or find out more about some of our most popular options below.

• BSc Economics - if you want a more mathematical approach with flexible specialisms
• BSc Mathematical Economics and Statistics - if you're looking for a more quantitative, data-intensive programme
• BSc Economics and Politics - if you're drawn to the political dimensions of policy
• BSc Money, Banking and Finance - if you want more of a focus on financial systems and institutions

• Study in a UK Policy Hub: Tap into one of the largest public sector and policy communities outside London, perfect for networking and early career opportunities.
• Master Bloomberg Terminals: Get hands-on access to our premium trading suite to develop the data analysis and visualisation skills economists rely on.
• Add a Year in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science or Year in Computer Science to your degree.
• Add a Year in Industry: Take a paid placement year to gain hands-on experience alongside your qualification, apply your economic theory, and build a competitive professional network.
• Study abroad: Gain international perspective on the global economic challenges you've been studying.

The research that shapes your studies

Birmingham academics are actively shaping policy and leading world-class institutes. Your study will be directly informed by the ground-breaking discoveries happening in our specialist research hubs:

• Shaping regional economic growth with City-REDI: Through the City-Region Economic Development Institute, our researchers work with government and the West Midlands Combined Authority to tackle real economic challenges facing our region.
• Tackling crime with data-driven economics: Learn alongside researchers from our Centre for Crime, Justice, and Policing who use economic modelling and data tracking to evaluate policing interventions, reduce knife crime, and shape national justice policy.
• Driving the transition to a green economy: Discover how business and social sciences intersect to solve global climate challenges through the Birmingham Centre for Environmental and Energy Economics and Management, influencing international policy on renewable energy.
• Analysing global big data across borders: Through the VU Amsterdam Big Data and Economics Research Network, our researchers are undertaking data-driven economic analyses to study urban, environment, migration, and labour market trends.

Why Birmingham Business School?

• We boast the gold standard triple-crown accreditation for Business Schools across AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, placing our degrees within an elite group of globally recognised providers.
• Study at one of the top two UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market in 2026).
• Our dedicated careers service will help you uncover your professional potential, offering expert guidance and personalised support, you’ll be fully equipped to make confident career decisions, connect with leading employers.
• Take part in our unique Capgemini Community Challenge at Capgemini’s world-renowned facilities, or the Deloitte Responsible Business Challenge to enhance your responsible leadership skills.

Small-group classes are a core part of the experience. They're where you'll debate economic ideas, work through real policy problems, and develop the ability to communicate complex arguments clearly.

Assessment is varied throughout the degree, including written examinations, coursework, problem sets, and presentations. 

Teaching across the programme is research-informed. The academics delivering your modules are actively engaged in economic research and that expertise shapes what you learn and how you learn it.

In your final year, the dissertation gives you the opportunity to design and carry out independent research on a policy problem or economic question of your choosing, bringing together the analytical, data, and communication skills developed across the three years.

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

A Level

AAA

A level subjects excluded for entry: General Studies, Critical Thinking, and Use of Maths.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
• IELTS: 6.5 overall with 6.5 in Speaking and Writing and 6.0 in Listening and Reading.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced
• Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
• Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade B in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

Core Maths qualification

Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade B in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

The skills you'll develop on your BA Economics - working with data, evaluating policy, and understanding how economic decisions are made - are directly transferable to a wide range of graduate roles, including in the Civil Service, international organisations, central banking, and the private sector.

If you want to continue your studies, a BA Economics provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in economics, public policy, finance, and related fields.

Throughout your studies, you'll have lifelong access to dedicated careers support from both the Birmingham Business School careers team and the University's Careers Network - consistently ranked among the best in the UK for connecting students with leading graduate employers.

From tailored workshops and networking events to one-to-one guidance on internships and placements, you'll graduate with the confidence and experience employers value.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Flexible programmes to suit you

Not sure what you want to study?

Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work. 

Intercalated years

Our intercalated opportunities offer the chance to take a year out from your existing course to study within another field. This takes place usually between year 2 and year 3 of your programme.