BSc (Economics)

A BSc Economics degree allows students to analyse in-depth how economies function (macroeconomics) and how individuals make decisions (microeconomics). 

The models used by economists combine qualitative and quantitative techniques, and you will have the opportunity to gain analytical, computing, presentation, and writing skills. These transferable skills are highly sought after across industry, and also provide an excellent platform for future entrepreneurs.

Economics Degree Highlights:

• Global Opportunities
  • The degree also provides you with further opportunities to work and study abroad through schemes such as Study USA, British Council, Erasmus, International Workplace Tours, Study China, City Scholarships and much more.
• Industry Links
  • Top performing students are regularly awarded prizes, scholarships and internships from leading companies, such as the Shaw Memorial Prize for best performing second-year student in BSc Economics, and the KPMG Prize for the best graduate in the BSc Economics degree.
• World Class Facilities
  • Students will have access to specialist mathematical and statistical training and software, giving them the skills, experience and knowledge necessary to prepare them for careers in economics and business analytics.
• Internationally Renowned Experts
  • Many of our staff are leading international experts in their fields of research.
• Student Experience
  • Students can join the Economics Society, a student-run organisation which aims to educate its members on the use of economics in practice through guest speakers, field trips abroad and educational seminars.

Learning And Teaching:

Queen’s Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University with more than 1800 full-time undergraduate students and 300 plus postgraduate students. 

The School has been delivering high quality programmes for more than 40 years and was one of the first schools in the UK to introduce undergraduate management education. Since then, QBS has been developing and enhancing its teaching portfolio for both local and international students and boasts students from more than 20 different nationalities.

In recent years, the School has benefited from significant investment resulting in many new academic appointments and state-of-the-art facilities including computer teaching labs with specialised software and a Trading Room in Riddel Hall. In addition, the new McClay library houses an excellent selection of Management and related texts and there are extensive IT facilities throughout the campus.

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. 

In line with this, one of QBS’ primary objectives is to deliver innovative learning and teaching programmes that provide students with the competences and skills to make a positive contribution to business, economic and civic life.

On the BSc Economics programme we achieve these goals by providing a range of learning environments which enable our students to engage with subject experts both academic staff and industry guest speakers, develop skills and attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world-class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. 

Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this degree programme are:

• Adviser of Studies
• To assist with the choice of modules at the beginning of each academic year
• Computer-Based and Other Practical Sessions
• These provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.
• E-Learning technologies
• Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials, podcasts and web-based learning activities.
• Induction
• Formalised induction for all undergraduate students. For Stage 1 students, this includes several half-day sessions the week before the programme begins to allow students to familiarise themselves with the campus and the degree programme. During Stage 1 there are a number of follow-up sessions throughout the year. Topics such as academic writing, referencing, plagiarism, communication skills, examination preparation and managing time effectively are all covered in these practical sessions
• Lectures
• These introduce foundation information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. As the module progresses this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally delivered in large groups to all year-group peers, also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments. Additional lectures are also delivered by employer representatives and staff from a range of organisations are involved in the delivery of workshops and more practical sessions. In addition to the academic content of the lectures and workshops, this enables employers to impart their valuable experience to QBS Economics students, introduces important local employers to our students and allows our students to meet and engage with potential future employers.
• Peer Mentoring Scheme
• Whereby students in second and third year of their degree programme volunteer to mentor Stage 1 students. Developing the programme themselves, with support from academic staff in QBS, the mentors organise informal meetings, regular contact and a series of events ranging from ice-breaker type events to employer-led sessions with the Stage 1 students.
• Personal Development Planning
• To encourage students to engage in independent learning.
• Self-directed study
• This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Seminars/tutorials
• A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (typically 15-20 students). These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers. During these classes, students will be expected to present their work to academic staff and their peers.
• Student Support Systems
• QBS has an active and co-ordinated student support system to assist students in making the transition from school to university.
• Work placements
• The BSc Economics programme does not have a compulsory placement year. However, the School actively supports any student who wishes to avail of an optional placement year, normally between the second and final year of the degree programme.