BA (Hons) Economics

From environmental sustainability to financial stability, and from wages to wealth, economic forces affect every aspect of our lives.

Studying BA (Hons) Economics will give you a solid understanding of how and why, and the skills needed to analyse issues and effect change across a wide range of areas, including the public sector, think tanks, financial institutions and charities.

Economics at UWE Bristol is an exciting and cutting-edge applied course which focuses on real and relevant issues, using and applying the latest post-crisis economic theory. 

Why UWE Bristol?

Along with this economics degree we also offer BSc(Hons)Economics. On both, you'll apply the latest economic theories to real and relevant challenges, develop critical thinking and debate ideas from a range of perspectives.

The BSc course gives you the chance to develop your technical skills to a more advanced level. The BA degree provides a rigorous and accessible economics training to those with less mathematical experience.

On both pathways, you'll be taught by a passionate and enthusiastic team of research-active staff with a growing reputation for being at the cutting edge of new ideas in economics. You'll develop your experience and test theoretical learning though placements and study abroad opportunities.

Learn to analyse a wide range of economic issues, such as where does wealth come from? Is our way of life sustainable? Is global trade a force for good? How does the banking and financial system affect our lives? Will robots take people's jobs? Is inequality getting worse and does it matter?

UWE Bristol takes a unique pluralist approach to teaching economics. As well as using traditional textbooks, you'll draw on ideas from a range of viewpoints and disciplines, placing economics in its broader social and political context.

With an emphasis on developing key skills and critical thinking while gaining real-world experience, you'll get regular access to industry and policy-making through placements, field trips and guest lectures.

Where Can It Take Me? 

As a graduate with a degree that's rooted in realism and application, you'll be highly attractive to employers.

You could pursue a career in government, banking and finance, retail, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or charities.

Content:

• The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
• Year one
• You will study:
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Economic Reasoning
• Statistics and Data Management
• Evolutions of Economy and Industry
• History of Economic Thought.
• Year two
• You will study:
• Applied Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics: Theory and Applications
• Economic Research Methods
• Introductory Econometrics.
• Plus, two optional modules from:
• Good Business, Bad Business and Sustainability
• Emerging Economies
• Economics of Money and Banking
• International Trade and Multinational Business
• The Wellbeing of People and Society.
• Placement year (if applicable)
• If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work or study placement after Year two.
• Depending on which you choose, you'll either complete a placement learning or learning and development module.
• See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
• Final year
• You will study:
• Final Year Project
• Economic Theory and Policy
• Plus one from:
• Work Integrated Learning
• Cross Cultural Learning and Development
• Placement Learning
• Learning and Development on Study Year Abroad.
• Plus optional modules from (the number depending on credit requirements): 
• The Economics of Developing Countries
• Sustainable Business
• Econometrics
• Economics of International Financial Markets
• Economics of Labour and Migration
• Behavioural Economics
• Political Economy
• Feminist and Gender Economics.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Learning And Teaching:

• Throughout the course, you'll be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars, independent student-led study, online materials, and group projects including presentations and debates.
• Lectures, seminars, group project work and tutoring make up 12 hours of contact time each week. You'll spend at least as much time again studying independently. 
• This includes preparing for seminars, reviewing lectures, online work, reading and other research activity. You'll also prepare assessed work and revise for end of module exams.
• Developing a solid grounding in core economics concepts and skills, you'll also learn how to conduct quantitative and statistical analysis using industry standard software packages such as STATA and data sources including Bloomberg and Datastream.
• In your third year, you'll undertake advanced study in your chosen areas of interest, and complete a dissertation or applied project.
• This degree offers opportunities to gain industry experience through placements, field trips and guest lectures. You can also gain experience through short-term internships, paid work as a Student Ambassador or Peer Assisted Learning Leader, or through volunteering.