BSc (Economics)

Studying Economics at Birmingham, you will work alongside experts in fields such as environment, energy, charity, philanthropy, public policy, society and finance to develop the skills required to make informed, responsible decisions and to positively impact society in a diverse range of careers.

Every decision we make, as individuals and right up to the level of global business and government, is based on scarcity and choice. The world has limited resources – and they’re becoming more limited every day. ‘Responsible’ means making sure those resources are used strategically and fairly to make people and society as a whole better off. 

Why study this course?

• Be part of the next generation of responsible leaders - We are developing a curriculum that holds responsible and ethical practice at its core. You’ll be involved in our research from the start, applying what you are taught to real world problems and honing your communication skills when presenting findings to stakeholders.
• Join a vibrant academic community - As part of the Birmingham Business School, you will be supported to achieve your best and that includes all aspect of your wellbeing. This includes making sure you have access to our extensive welfare services, mentoring programmes and student societies, including our thriving Economics Society. 
• Exclusive training opportunities - Global firm Capgemini work exclusively with us every year to deliver a second-to-none consultancy training experience that you won’t find at any other UK university. Taking place over one week at Capgemini’s world-renowned facilities, this is an amazing opportunity to make a real difference by engaging in projects for charitable organisations.
• Strong job opportunities through industry links - Our strong links with industry mean that your study will be combined with a real practical focus, leading to excellent job opportunities.
• An international approach - We currently have students from approximately 35 countries on our undergraduate courses, taught by a strongly international faculty, allowing you to develop a truly global perspective. 
• A placement year - You may apply for a placement year during your 2nd year and undertake a year-long placement during their third year. If you successfully secure a placement you will be moved on to the four-year BSc Economics with Placement Year degree. 

Modules
Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2025.

First year
Core modules

• Applied Economics and Statistics
• Principles of Economics
• The Global Economy
• Contemporary Economic Challenges A
• Contemporary Economic Challenges B
• Professional and Academic Skills Development for Economists A
• Professional and Academic Skills Development for Economists B
• Either Introduction to Mathematics for Economics or Mathematics for Economics (dependent on whether you have A Level Mathematics)

Second year
Core modules

• Econometrics
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics

Optional modules
Depending on the choice above, students will also choose either 2 or 3 optional modules from the following:

• Contemporary Issues in the UK Economy
• Behavioural and Experimental Economics
• China and the World Economy
• Development Economics
• Environmental Economics
• Financial Markets and Institutions
• Mathematical Methods for Economics
• Mathematical Methods for Statistics and Econometrics

Final year
Core modules

• Economics Dissertation  (40 credits)
• At least one of Advanced Macroeconomics and/or Advanced Microeconomics

Optional modules
Depending on the choice above, three or four modules are taken from:

• Advanced Behavioural and Experimental Economics
• Advanced Econometrics: Theory and Applications
• Advanced Financial Markets and Institutions
• Decision Theory and Games
• Economics of the European Union
• Health Economics
• History of Economic Thought
• Industrial Organisation
• International Trade Theory and Policy
• Labour Economics
• Monetary Policy and Dynamic Macroeconomics
• Professional Development
• Public Economics

Teaching and assessment

• In your first two years of study you will focus on core theory, applied economics and quantitative techniques. As you progress will have the chance to focus on areas that reflect your interests and take advantage of the specialist research conducted by our staff.
• As well as learning the detail of your subject, you will develop the all-round skills needed for a modern working world - critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and creativity. For many students this is a big transition but you can be reassured that right across campus support and help is available if you need it. University is a time for self-discovery and adventure - shape your own experience and discover who you are.
• You will be taught by an international faculty who research across all major areas of economics, using a combination of lectures and tutorials. We have staff working on Environmental Economics, Economic Theory, Development and International Economics, Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics, Banking and Financial Economics. 

Employability

• Our BSc Economics graduates are highly sought after by diverse employers globally. They go on to become: economists, policy advisers, analysts, tax managers, treasury analysts, traders, economics advisers, and consultants working for employers such as World Bank, Frontier Economics, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Lloyds Banking Group, Cabinet Office, Citi, Grant Thornton, HSBC and HM Treasury to name a few.

BBS Careers and Careers Network

• As a Birmingham Business School student, you benefit from two award-winning Careers teams.  
• Careers Network is the University of Birmingham careers and employability team offering: career fairs, employer events with top firms across the UK, start-up and entrepreneurial activities, and support. Internships and bursaries are also available exclusively to University of Birmingham students.   
• BBS Careers is a dedicated service for Birmingham Business School students. The team provides guidance, support, and work experience opportunities, tailored to business school students, to help you succeed during and after university. We offer workshops, alumni & employer events, and 1-to-1 consultations. These will help you to develop your skills and learn how to submit high-quality internship, placement, and graduate applications.  
• BBS Careers is one of a few, if not the only business school career service to offer life-long support.  
• We are here to support you! Whether you are applying for a summer internship, a third-year sandwich placement, a graduate job, or applying for a management role five years after graduation. 

Work Experience, including Placement Year

• You will have the chance to gain work experience, including year placements, summer internships, voluntary work, work shadowing, insight programmes, and part-time work.  
• All BSc Economics students may apply for a placement year during their 2nd year and undertake a year-long placement during their third year. If you successfully secure a placement you will be moved on to the four-year BSc Economics with Placement Year degree. 
• Students can apply for any paid placement opportunity from multi-national, third sector, and SME employers in the UK and internationally. BBS Careers also source exclusive opportunities that are only available to BBS students. 

Professional Development Module

• The Professional Development Module (PDM) is an award-winning 20-credit module that is optional for students in their final year who don’t undertake a placement year. The module includes a minimum of 40 hours of work placement in the summer or during term time.   
• The module aims to help you bridge the gap between your academic life at Birmingham and your future professional life after graduation. The module is flexible, so you can use it to extend your experience into a specific area of work that interests you.

Extra-curricular activities

• Our employer-endorsed Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects. There are also a vast number of student groups and volunteering opportunities offered by the Guild of Students, our students’ union, which cover a wide variety of interests across drama and the arts. With over 300 societies and groups at The Guild, there is something for everyone – and if your interest does not yet have a group, then The Guild will support you to set it up and find likeminded individuals to join you.

Exclusive to Birmingham - the Capgemini Challenge

• Global consultancy firm Capgemini works exclusively with us to deliver a second-to-none consultancy training experience that you won’t find at any other UK university. Taking place over one week at Capgemini’s world-renowned facilities, this is an amazing opportunity to make a difference by engaging in projects for charitable organisations.