Economics gives you the tools to analyse how markets, governments, and societies make critical decisions. From finance and policy to consulting and sustainability, it shapes the global landscape.
With Birmingham's BSc Economics, you'll build rigorous foundations in economic theory and quantitative methods before tailoring your degree to your interests.
You'll explore economic thinking through core modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics, with data visualisation and AI-supported analysis introduced from the outset.
Optional modules allow you to focus on the areas that interest you, such as Development Economics, Labour Economics, and Environmental Economics.
In your final year, you'll complete a dissertation and choose from of a wide range of optional modules such as Health Economics, The Economics of Crime and Justice, and Economics of Blockchain and Web3.
You can also choose to extend your degree with:
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.
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.
Both degrees are taught by the same research-active department and carry the same triple-accredited Birmingham Business School quality education.
We offer a range of economics degrees to suit different interests and career goals.
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We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
in the UK for Economics
The Complete University Guide for 2027
THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Business and Economics
Times Higher Education
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
You will learn through lectures, small-group classes, teamwork, and presentations, building skills and confidence highly valued by employers.
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, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and creativity.
Your progress is assessed through various coursework and exams, including reports, essays, presentations, and 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 modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
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.
In your first year, you will complete the following core modules:
| Core Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Economics | 20 |
| Global Economic Challenges | 20 |
| Introductory Econometrics with Data Analytics | 20 |
| Discovering Economics: Academic and Professional Development | 20 |
| Microeconomic Modelling and Analysis | 20 |
| Macroeconomic Modelling and Analysis | 20 |
In your second year, you will complete the following core modules:
| Core Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Econometrics | 20 |
| Macroeconomics | 20 |
| Microeconomics | 20 |
You will choose one of the following themes:
| Core Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Addressing Real World Challenges: Development Economics |
20 |
|
Addressing Real World Challenges: Environmental Economics |
20 |
|
Addressing Real World Challenges: Labour Economics |
20 |
You will choose 60 credits from the following optional modules:
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| China and the World Economy | 20 |
| Behavioural and Experimental Economics | 20 |
| The Economics of Finance | 20 |
| Mathematical and Statistical Foundations of Econometrics | 20 |
| Economics with Machine Learning | 20 |
| Public Economics | 20 |
In your final year, you will complete your dissertation.
| Core Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Economics Dissertation | 40 |
You will also choose 80 credits from the following modules:
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Topics in Microeconomics |
20 |
|
Topics in Macroeconomics |
20 |
|
Political Economy |
20 |
| Advanced Behavioural and Experimental Economics | 20 |
| The Econometrics of Cross-sectional and Panel Data | 20 |
|
Time-series Econometrics with Applications |
20 |
|
The Economics of Financial Markets and Institutions |
20 |
|
Health Economics |
20 |
|
The Economics of Industry |
20 |
|
International Trade |
20 |
| 20 | |
| Professional Development | 20 |
| History of Economic Thought | 20 |
| Economics History | 20 |
| The Economics of Crime and Justice | 20 |
You can choose one of the following modules if you have completed the relevant pre-requisite challenge module:
| Core Module | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Natural Resource Economics |
20 |
|
Topics in Labour Economics |
20 |
|
Topics in Development Economics |
20 |
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
AAA (including Maths)
7,6,6 or 6,6,6 (to include Maths). 32 overall score.
D*DD in Business or Information Technology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
ABB
AAB (including Maths)
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
To be confirmed
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.
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.
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Application deadline for September 2027 entry to be confirmed.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
Our BSc Economics graduates are highly sought after by a wide range of employers worldwide, reflecting the strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills developed throughout the programme. Many pursue careers as economists, policy advisers, and consultants across leading organisations, including the World Bank, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC.
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.
"During my internship, I worked in a team in operations which assisted Investment Banking and Global Capital Market teams to onboard clients for deal transactions. I worked with numerous KYC programmes and issued requirements to Investment Banking clients. Having a meeting with an Executive Director involved in blockchain technology explorations was intriguing as it was a key interest of mine, and I was able to access the latest crypto and blockchain research."
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency, PwC and BBC Sport.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
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.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.
