Economics Degree Course

It offers insight into everything from inflation, inequality and unemployment to climate policy, trade, and financial markets. At university level, Economics combines theory with real-world analysis, preparing students to understand and influence complex systems.

If you're interested in how economies grow, why markets fail, or how governments respond to global crises, Economics is a degree that will challenge and equip you with tools to make a difference.

What to Expect from an Economics Degree in the UK

Economics is typically studied as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA). A BSc generally focuses more on mathematics, data and modelling, while a BA may place greater emphasis on economic theory, policy and social context.

The degree usually lasts three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or four years in Scotland. Some courses include a placement year or the option to study abroad.

Economics can be studied on its own or combined with other disciplines such as Politics, Finance, Mathematics, International Relations, Philosophy or History. Joint and interdisciplinary degrees are common, especially at institutions with strong social sciences or quantitative programmes.

What You’ll Study

Most UK Economics degrees are structured around key foundational modules in the first year, followed by specialist or optional modules in years two and three. Here's a breakdown of typical content:

1. Microeconomics
Focuses on decision-making by individuals, firms and industries. You’ll study:

• Supply and demand

• Market efficiency and failure

• Consumer and producer behaviour

• Monopoly and competition

• Welfare economics and public goods

2. Macroeconomics
Examines national and global economies as a whole. Topics include:

• Inflation and interest rates

• Economic growth and cycles

• Unemployment

• Fiscal and monetary policy

• Global trade and exchange rates

3. Mathematics and Statistics for Economics
You’ll learn how to use quantitative tools to support economic analysis. This often includes:

• Calculus and algebra

• Probability theory

• Statistical inference

• Econometrics and data modelling

• Interpreting economic data

4. Applied and Optional Modules
As you progress, you'll choose from a wide range of topics such as:

• Behavioural and experimental economics

• Labour and education economics

• Health, environmental and urban economics

• Public finance and taxation

• Economics of inequality or development

• Financial markets and banking

• Game theory and decision-making

5. Research Project or Dissertation
Many students complete an independent research project in their final year. This is an opportunity to investigate a real-world economic issue using data and theory.

Teaching and Assessment

Economics is typically taught through lectures, seminars, problem-solving classes, workshops and online learning tools. Assessment is a mix of written exams, essays, reports, presentations, and quantitative assignments. Data literacy and the ability to explain complex ideas clearly are key skills throughout the course.

Universities with leading Economics programmes include LSE (London School of Economics), Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Warwick, Nottingham, Bristol, Durham, Bath and Manchester — though many other institutions also offer excellent degrees tailored to different strengths and student interests.

Recommended A Levels

Most Economics degrees require strong quantitative skills. While not all universities have identical entry criteria, the following A levels are typically recommended:

• Mathematics – required by many and essential for understanding core material

• Further Mathematics – helpful for competitive courses and advanced modules

• Economics – useful background but not essential

• History or Politics – supports analytical writing and contextual understanding

• Physics or Chemistry – beneficial for logical thinking and numerical ability

• English Literature or Language – useful for essay writing and argument development

Always check individual university requirements, especially for BSc Economics, which nearly always requires A level Maths.

Career Options for Economics Graduates

An Economics degree opens doors to a wide range of careers. Employers value economists for their problem-solving, analytical thinking and ability to interpret data and trends. Common destinations include:

• Finance and Banking – investment analysis, trading, risk management

• Government and Civil Service – policy development, treasury roles, economic strategy

• Consultancy and Business Strategy – advising companies or public bodies

• International Organisations – working for the World Bank, IMF, UN or NGOs

• Accountancy and Auditing – with further qualifications

• Data Analysis and Tech – roles in market research, forecasting, and data science

• Law or Public Policy – often pursued after postgraduate conversion courses

• Academic Research and Teaching – for those continuing to master’s or PhD level

• Journalism and Communications – economic reporting, media analysis, research writing

Economics graduates are consistently among the highest-earning in the UK, particularly those who combine economic knowledge with strong numerical or programming skills.

Studying Economics Internationally

In the USA, Economics is usually a major within a liberal arts degree. Students explore both micro and macro theory alongside electives such as urban economics or behavioural science. A strong emphasis is placed on writing, critical thinking and internships.

In Canada, Economics degrees are often four-year programmes with options to specialise in economic theory, policy, or financial economics. Co-op placements or research internships are common.

In the EU, many three-year degrees (taught in English) are available, particularly in the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia. European programmes often combine economics with political science or international studies and focus on both theory and real-world application.

In Australia and New Zealand, Economics is typically studied within a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Economics degree. Specialisations may include econometrics, finance or development economics, often with opportunities for work experience or research projects.

Final Thoughts

Studying Economics at university is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, critical thinking and understanding real-world challenges. It is a subject that blends logic and creativity, theory and application, offering insights into how people behave, how governments operate, and how the global economy functions.