BSc (Hons) Economics

Equip yourself to succeed in today’s fast-evolving world on our BSc Economics degree. You will gain new perspectives on pressing problems facing the world, build sought-after skills and get the practical experience you need to get noticed by today’s employers.

Economics relates to almost every area of our lives – from the decisions we make as individuals, to the policies adopted by governments, and the products and services offered by companies. By joining us on our BSc Economics degree, you will develop the skills of an economist, learning to understand how consumers and firms interact and behave, how government policy affects the economy, and how financial systems operate. This will enable you to go out and help organisations have a positive impact by tackling pressing issues that matter to all of us.

We explore such questions as: what causes income inequality in society, and how can it be addressed through economic policy in the UK and globally? And how can we use ‘behavioural nudges’ to help people save more for their pensions?

Engaging and topical modules

• There are a variety of choices built into the course, so you can focus on the areas that interest you the most – from sustainable economic development to financial economics. You will also work on your own purpose-driven projects, and build key transferable skills to get you ready for making a difference when you start work.

Enhanced employability through a third year placement

• Most importantly, you will not only be learning the theory – you can also have the opportunity to put it into practice. We offer several placement pathways, including a year-long or half-year work-based placement, building on your skills and getting valuable experience in industry. There are also options to study abroad. Many students find the experience vital in helping them secure good positions following graduation and increasing their confidence when they start their first job after graduating.

Lots of support available

• This is a challenging but rewarding course and is open to you even if you have not studied economics or maths at A Level or equivalent. There will be plenty of support available, both inside and outside the lecture rooms, to help you get the most from your experience with us.

Why you should study this course

• Develop highly prized skills in economics that can help governments, individuals and businesses make better decisions and create positive change.
• Learn from leading academics who apply the latest research insights and professional best practice to your university experience.
• Stand out with employers by opting to do a placement, studying abroad, or running your own business on the 'Year in Enterprise' pathway in your third year.
• Tailor the course with topical options in areas like the history of economic thought, or international trade.
• Maths A Level not essential.
• Lots of support available, including extra help with Maths.
• Study at a triple-accredited, leading UK business school as part of a top 10 university.

What you'll study

• This degree covers all the topics you need to succeed as an economist, with plenty of flexibility built in to tailor the course to the areas that interest you.
• In year one: you will develop your understanding of economic theory and applied economics, while also delving into areas like data analysis and quantitative economics. This will give you a strong basis to build on in the rest of your degree.
• In year two: you will dive deeper into macroeconomics and microeconomics and start looking at areas like econometrics. You will have lots of choice of optional modules in everything from knowledge data and information systems, to the economics of social issues.
• In year three (after you have been on placement if you choose to do so): you will develop your skills further and tailor the content towards the areas that most appeal. Choose from topics like environmental economics, financial economics and asset pricing, and international trade.

Year 1
Semester 1 & 2

• Skills for Study, Placement and Employment
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Principles of Microeconomics
• Data Analysis
• Quantitative Economics

Optional modules

• Foundation Maths for Quantitative Economics

Semester 1
Optional modules

• Organisational Behaviour
• Introduction to Accounting
• Economic and Political Geography
• Identities and Inequalities
• University-wide Language Programme

Semester 2
Optional modules

• Principles of Law
• Management of Human Resources
• Social and Cultural Geography
• Politics and Government (10 credits)
• Understanding Social Policy
• University-wide Language Programme

Year 2
Semester 1 & 2
Compulsory modules

• Intermediate Macroeconomics
• Intermediate Microeconomics
• Introduction to Econometrics

Optional modules

• Introduction to Financial Economics
• International Economic Relations
• Economics of the Financial System
• History of Economic Thought

Semester 1
Optional modules

• Knowledge Data and Information Systems
• Principles of Marketing
• Management Science Methods
• Globalization: Citizenship & Development
• Social Difference: Geographical Perspectives
• The European Union (20 credits)
• University-wide Language Programme

Semester 2
Optional modules

• Programming for Business Analytics
• Energy Economics
• The Economics of Social Issues
• Economics of Business Strategy
• Company Law
• Accounting for Managers
• The Marketing Mix
• Operations Management
• The Contemporary Business Environment
• Globalization: Economy & Innovation
• Social Difference: Post-Colonial Societies
• University-wide Language Programme

Final year
Semester 1 & 2
Optional modules

• Applied Econometrics

Semester 1
Optional modules

• Developments in Microeconomics
• Developments in Macroeconomics
• International Money & Finance
• Financial Economics and Asset Pricing
• Behavioural Economics
• International Trade
• Environmental Economics
• University-wide Language Programme

Semester 2
Compulsory modules

• Research and Communication Skills for Economists

Optional modules

• Industrial Economics
• Central Banking and Financial Crises
• Labour Economics
• Development Economics
• Corporate Finance and Derivatives
• University-wide Language Programme

Companies students have worked for on placement
Some examples of placement roles students on this course have undertaken include:

• Audit Placement, PwC
• Business Consultant, IBM
• Financial Reporting and Compliance Intern, Warner Bros.
• Government Economic Service Placement, Office for National Statistics
• Legal Intern, Volkswagen Financial Services
• Monetary Analyst, Bank of England
• People Data Placement, Samsung Electronics
• Procurement Assistant, Unilever
• Statistician, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Your future career

• Our economics graduates are in high demand for jobs. You could go on to become an economist for government or a think tank. You could become an analyst or go to work in a financial services organisation.
• One of the big advantages of this degree is its versatility. The skills you develop will open the door to lots of different career options.
• Students have gone into fields as diverse as economic consultancy, banking, accountancy, financial management, insurance and marketing, while others are employed in more general management roles.

Skills for your future

• Your placement, study abroad or year in enterprise third year pathway will give you transferable skills that are valued across the industrial landscape, whether you end up working in retail, manufacturing or service organisations, or in the private, public or charity sectors.
• As a student at Loughborough Business School, your employability will be developed both inside and outside of the classroom. Employability modules are embedded into the curriculum and there are lots of opportunities available through student enterprise, clubs and societies, as well as through Loughborough's Careers Network.
• We encourage a spirit of enterprise here at Loughborough. It is a key part of the Loughborough experience and can really boost your job prospects. For example, you can join Loughborough Enterprise Network which thrives on campus with a range of extracurricular activities including business planning competitions, events and support services for students with real business ideas.

Career support services

• Your time at Loughborough University will form a launchpad from which you can build an exciting career. With so many opportunities available, you’ll never be short of ways to improve your employability.
• Our award-winning Careers Network team is here to help and support you, offering everything from CV workshops, one-to-one advice sessions and mock interview practice sessions to high-profile employer events. We’ve got everything you need for a really successful future.