BSc(Honours) Economics

This economics degree will prepare you for a career in this globally relevant field, with skills valued by employers and a thorough knowledge of modern and international economics.

Course overview

• Our Economics BSc Honours degree has real-world relevance. The course focuses on developing your quantitative skills and giving you a thorough understanding of global economics. You'll leave University as a sought-after graduate.
• You will focus on the fundamental concepts, analytical tools and quantitative techniques. These will help you understand modern economics.

You'll gain an in-depth knowledge of global economics, studying theory and policy with topics such as:

• International economics
• Micro and macro-economic analysis
• Development economics

You'll become a confident economics expert who can identify problems, predict outcomes and evaluate policies. You'll also gain skills that are highly valued by professionals and industry experts. You'll graduate ready to pursue your career in economics.

Stage 1

• You will be introduced to the main economic issues that confront the British and world economies. You'll also learn about core economic topics within micro and macroeconomics.
• In addition, you will be introduced to key mathematical and statistical techniques used in economic analysis. You will develop a variety of IT and quantitative skills, which will be of use both within and beyond your degree.

Compulsory Modules Credits

• Statistical Methods for Economics 20
• Mathematics for Economics 20
• Economic History 20
• Economic Analysis 30
• Economic Applications 10
• Introductory Mathematical Methods for Economics    0
• Academic Tutoring 0

Optional Modules Credits

• Introduction to Accounting and Finance (for Business School Students) 20
• Introduction to Management and Organisation 20
• Introduction to Marketing 20
• Placement and Study Abroad Info Sessions (Stage 1) 0

Stage 2

• You will build on your knowledge and skills with modules in macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometric analysis. This will give you a deeper insight into methods used by economists to analyse the modern economy.
• A module in applied economics engages you in group work and develops key skills, such as the ability to present and defend arguments on topical economic issues.
• Your remaining topics are optional and cover areas such as international economics and ecological economics.

Compulsory Modules Credits

• Econometric Analysis 20
• Applied Economics 10
• Microeconomic Analysis 30
• Macroeconomic Analysis 30

Optional Modules Credits

• International Economics 10
• Economics of Regulation 10
• Economic Evaluation and Investment 20
• Mathematical Economics 10
• Python Programming for Economists 10
• British Economic History, 1780-1979 10
• Ecological Economics and Environmental Policy 10
• Economics of Inequality and Disadvantage 10
• Placement and Study Abroad Info Sessions (Stage 2) 0

Stage 3
Two compulsory modules in advanced economic theory are complemented by a choice of optional topics including:

• Labour economics
• Behavioural economics
• Advanced econometric analysis
• Public economics
• Financial economics
• Monetary economics
• Industrial economics

You may also complete a dissertation. This gives you the chance to undertake original research and apply your economic knowledge to a topic of particular interest to you.

Compulsory Modules Credits

• Advanced Microeconomics 20
• Advanced Macroeconomics 20

Optional Modules Credits

• Labour Economics 20
• Behavioural Economics and Experimental Methods 20
• Economics of Banking 10
• Advanced Econometric Analysis 10
• Monetary Economics 10
• Public Economics 20
• Advanced Time Series Econometrics 10
• Financial Economics 10
• Dissertation Part 1 10
• Economics of Risk and Uncertainty 10
• Health Economics 10
• Industrial Economics and Policy    20
• Dissertation Part 2- Independent Research Project 20
• Game Theory 10
• Happiness Economics 10
• Development Economics 10
• Environmental Economics    10

Opportunities
Work placement

• Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You'll spend 9 to 12 months working in an organization either in the UK or internationally. You'll receive University support from our dedicated team to help you apply for work placements. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
• You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

Recent placement students are in roles such as:

• Consulting intern
• Associate
• Management trainee
• Customer analyst
• Research assistant
• Student economist
• Business analyst
• Hedge fund research intern
• Credit risk analyst

They are working on the following projects:

• Assisting with bespoke economic consultancy projects at Oxford Economics
• Providing internal and external audit services to a variety of clients at PwC
• Aiding innovation through research and application of solutions for clients at Deloitte

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability and must be sourced by the student.

Your future
Our economics students are highly employable when they graduate from Newcastle University.

Our graduates took on roles within the economics and finance sectors, with organisations such as:

• KPMG
• the Financial Conduct Authority
• Deloitte
• Santander
• Hargreaves Lansdown
• Department for Work and Pensions
• Goldman Sachs

Economics careers

• Economics graduates are highly employable. As well as a specific understanding of the subject, they have excellent numeracy, analysis and communication skills.
• Graduate destinations vary widely in terms of the range of roles, employers, and sectors.
• Whilst only a few economics graduates may be expected to become professional economists, many find it an excellent base for entry into a rewarding career in finance – including accounting, insurance, tax and banking, or management.

Careers support
You'll have access to a wealth of resources and support to enhance your employability, including:

• The annual Future Focus: Careers Conference, tailored to different industry areas
• Interwoven employability provision
• Access to a dedicated placement officer within the Business School who can help you find a work placement in your area of interest
• Specialist careers and business start-up support from the University's award-winning Careers Service and the Business School's careers consultants
• Career management sessions with a careers consultant
• Work experience opportunities while studying with us

Business School summer internship scheme

• We're also one of 140 business schools worldwide to be accredited by the EQUIS scheme for our managerial and entrepreneurial skills development.
• Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.