Business Economics Degree Guide

It focuses on how firms operate, how markets function, and how economic forces shape decisions in the business world. If you're interested in how economics applies to companies, strategy and management, this could be the right course for you.

What You Study

Business Economics combines core economics with modules relevant to business and management. You’ll typically study:

Core Economics Topics:

• Microeconomics – how firms and individuals make decisions

• Macroeconomics – national and global economic trends

• Quantitative methods and statistics – using data to analyse performance and markets

• Applied economics – case studies, industry analysis, policy impact

Business-Focused Modules:

• Managerial economics – applying economics to business decision-making

• Corporate strategy and competition

• Finance and accounting basics

• Marketing and consumer behaviour

• International trade and global markets

• Business law, innovation or entrepreneurship (depending on the course)

Courses often include real-world examples, case studies and current business news. Some also offer placements or business consultancy projects.

Useful A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications)

You don’t always need to have studied Economics before, but strong analytical and communication skills are important. Useful subjects include:

• Economics (helpful but not always required)

• Maths (essential at some universities, preferred at many)

• Business Studies

• Politics, Sociology or Geography

• BTECs in Business or Applied subjects may be accepted, often with a strong maths background

Check each university’s specific entry requirements — some Business Economics courses are more quantitative than others.

What Makes a Strong Application

To stand out in your application:

• Show interest in how economics connects to business decisions

• Mention relevant experience or insight, such as:

  • Part-time work or business internships

  • Running a small business or project

  • Following business or economics news (e.g. from The Economist, FT or BBC)

• Discuss what you find interesting about competition, markets or corporate behaviour

• Explain why you’re interested in practical applications of economics rather than pure theory

Career Prospects

Business Economics prepares you for careers in both business and the public sector. Graduates are valued for their ability to make informed decisions using data, logic and strategic thinking.

Common career paths include:

• Business analyst

• Financial services – banking, investment, insurance

• Management consulting

• Marketing or commercial strategy

• Economic or policy advisor

• Data analyst

• Supply chain or operations management

• Corporate finance or accountancy (with further training)

Transferable skills include:

• Analytical thinking

• Commercial awareness

• Problem-solving

• Presentation and communication

• Data interpretation

Studying in the UK vs Other Countries

UK

• Offered at many universities as BSc or BA in Business Economics or Economics with Business

• Often includes practical business modules and optional placement years

• Popular at institutions like Loughborough, Nottingham, Exeter, UEA, Cardiff and Manchester

USA

• Often part of Economics or Business Administration degrees

• Students major in Economics and take business electives or vice versa

• Emphasis on flexibility, case studies and general education in first two years

Canada

• Business Economics taught as a focus within Economics or Commerce programmes

• Strong quantitative base with options to specialise in policy or finance

Australia and New Zealand

• Often found within Business or Commerce degrees

• Combines economic theory with practical business education and internship options

Europe

• Business Economics or Economic and Business Studies offered in English in countries like the Netherlands, Germany and Spain

• Dutch universities (e.g. Erasmus, Tilburg, Maastricht) have strong international reputations for Business Economics

• Many courses emphasise global economics and real-world business challenges

Final Thoughts

Business Economics is ideal for students who:

• Want to understand how economics works in real businesses

• Enjoy both data and strategic thinking

• Prefer a practical approach over pure economic theory

• Are interested in finance, management, or entrepreneurship