BSc (Econ) Economics

This programme combines a rigorous foundation in economic theories and quantitative tools with opportunities to consider real-world problems using evidenced-based economic analysis. You'll be taught by experts who combine their research experience with an innovative curriculum and teaching methods, preparing you to research and solve problems independently through an economics-lens in the future.

Course overview

• The department's fundamental premise is that students should learn how to do economics themselves, rather than just learn how academic staff or other economists do it. Alongside credit-bearing modules you can get involved with our optional not-for-credit series of Skills Lab modules that help you learn how to study independently and other skills useful for the professional economist.
• You will be taught by distinguished economists whose research confronts real-world issues, such as climate change, inequality, and inflation. Several of our professors are directors of leading research centres, Research Fellows at the prestigious Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), and advisors to governments and agencies, including the Office of Budget Responsibility, The Bank of England, and The World Bank.
• In recognition of the quality and impact of their research, our academics have won several prestigious awards including the ONS Research Excellence Award, the Jacob Mincer Award, the BBVA Foundation Frontiers Knowledge Award, the Philip Leverhulme Prize and the Carl-Friedrich-von-Weizsäcker Prize. 
• In the first year you take compulsory modules in economics, applied economics, mathematics and statistics, as well as optional modules.
• In your second year, principles of model-building, problem-solving and quantitative techniques are emphasised, and you will take compulsory core modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.
• In your final year you can choose from a wide range of optional modules. You are required to choose at least one module with an assessed research project component, in which you will use the tools and knowledge you have developed during your degree. Most final-year modules introduce you to research papers, including those of staff members, and require you to combine all that you have learnt across the degree. You can also elect to do a dissertation.

What this course will give you

• You will benefit from research-based education, informed by the outstanding reseach of our economics professors and Centre for Teaching and Learning Economics (CTaLE) which is at the forefront of new and innovative economics teaching techniques.
• Your first year will be taught using CORE Econ resources to address the world's most pressing problems. CORE Econ has received praise from prestigious publications including The Financial Times, The Economist, The New Yorker and The Washington Post.
• You will benefit from small group tutorials and will join a truly global department, with 50-60% of our student body made up of international students
• You will have access to a range of events and activities, including the opportunity to present your own research at the annual economics student research conference, attend talks by leading economists at the annual Gorman Lectures, and participate in high-profile events organised by the UCL Policy Lab. 
• Our students run the Economist's Society, which organises social and academic events, and publishes the student-led magazine, The Economic Tribune. 

Teaching and learning

• In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
• Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Econ) (Hons) in Economics.

Modules

• Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Year 1
Compulsory modules

• Economics
• Applied Economics
• Statistical Methods in Economics
• Mathematics for Economics

Optional modules

• History of Economic Thought
• An Introduction to Economic Thinking
• The World Economy

Year 2
Compulsory modules

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
• Quantitative Economics and Econometrics

Optional modules

• Economics of Finance
• Computational Methods for Economists
• Economic History
• Economics of Development
• Economics of Labour

Year 3
Optional modules

• International Trade
• Economics of Inequality
• Economics Independent Research Project
• Economics of the Public Sector
• Environmental Economics
• Economics of Tax Policy
• Gender and Ethnicity in the Economy
• Topics in Household Economics
• Economics UG Research Dissertation
• Advanced Topics in International Economics
• Topics in Industrial Economics
• Economics of Financial Markets
• Economic Policy Analysis
• Game Theory
• Behavioural Economics

Your learning

• Each module is taught differently depending on the content and skills required, but in each you are expected to read and watch assigned materials (texts, articles, and multimedia) independently, attend lectures and smaller group tutorials, actively participate in group discussions, and where appropriate, work in collaboration with your peers for formative and summative assessments.
• Contact time will vary according to the options chosen, but students can expect to have approximately 10-15 hours of timetabled lectures and small group classes per teaching week. In addition, students are advised to undertake around 25-30 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

• Your progress is monitored throughout the year on a module-by-module basis, which will provide feedback aimed at improving your understanding and technique. You will be assessed by a mix of methods including, written end of year assessments, term-time quizzes, essays, and group projects with written and video outputs and presentations.

Accessibility

• Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Employability
Over 92% of UCL BSc Economics graduates were either in professional work or postgraduate study 15 months after graduating.

• You will gain skills including finding solutions to real-world problems; combining evidence, mathematical techniques and quantitative tools to critically analyse questions robustly; and understanding the relevance of context – contemporary and historic – when considering economic and political events.