Economics BSc

With a range of optional modules to choose from and a focus on developing both theoretical insight and practical skills, our programme will allow you to build a personalised degree to prepare you for your future career.

• Students who meet our entry requirements may be eligible to join our programme without A-level Maths. You’ll develop key skills in algebra, statistics and calculus through dedicated first-year modules, giving you the confidence and foundation to excel in your studies and future career.
• You'll have the opportunity to apply for a placement year or study abroad opportunities during your time at Birmingham. Whether you gain experience in a global financial institution, a leading bank, or an SME, you’ll apply your classroom learning to real-world financial challenges.
• With the support of our BBS Careers team, you’ll develop professional expertise, expand your industry network, and graduate with the practical experience needed to excel in the world of economics.

Why Birmingham Business School?

• We boast the gold standard triple accreditation for Business Schools across AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, placing our degrees within an elite group of globally recognised providers.
• Our dedicated careers service will help you uncover your professional potential, offering expert guidance and personalised support from Birmingham Business School Careers. We'll ensure you’ll be fully equipped to make confident career decisions, connect with leading employers, and achieve your professional ambitions.
• Stand out to future employers with our unique Capgemini Community Challenge, delivered exclusively in partnership with the consultancy. This week-long programme takes place at Capgemini’s world-renowned facilities and offers the chance to apply your skills to impactful projects for charitable organisations.
• Take part in Deloitte's Responsible Business Challenge, encouraging you to become the next generation of forward-thinking, responsible leaders. By responding to Deloitte’s question, you'll explore how businesses can adapt to a changing world. This experience enhances creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills, providing valuable insight into how to create meaningful change in the business world.

In your first two years, you’ll build a strong foundation in core theory, applied economics, and quantitative techniques. As you advance, you can tailor your studies to your interests and benefit from the specialist research expertise of our staff.

As well as learning the detail of your subject, you will develop the all-round skills needed for a modern working world - critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and creativity.

Your progress is assessed through various coursework and exams, including reports, essays, presentations, and computer assignments. Satisfactory performance is necessary to advance, with your final degree based on accumulated marks and credits from all years, focusing on your second and final-year achievements.

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

A*AA or AAA (including Maths)
GCSE: Mathematics 7 (if not taking A level Maths), English 4.

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 A 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 A 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.

*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.

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.

Throughout your studies and beyond, you'll have access to dedicated careers guidance designed for your success in the global marketplace. Our comprehensive service combines specialist business school expertise with university-wide resources, offering tailored workshops, networking events with alumni and leading employers, and personalised one-to-one consultations.

With the support of our renowned Birmingham Business School careers team, and the guidance provided by the Careers Network, you'll be equipped with the skills, opportunities, and confidence to achieve your career aspirations.

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.