Economics BSc (Hons)

From tackling the cost of living crisis to informing government policy on the impact of climate change, this course will give you a way of understanding and thinking about real world issues. It will also develop your business-critical skills that are transferable across whatever career path you choose.

Economics is far broader than many people perceive. It is not just about money, the stock market and banking. It also gives you a set of tools to help you understand a whole range of different issues such as obesity, competition in sports leagues, and crime to name a few.  

Our economics teaching team includes six winners of national teaching awards, the authors of the one of the best-selling economics textbooks, and established researchers who bring up-to-date expertise to the curriculum. 

Two members of the teaching team have also acted as assessors at graduate recruitment sessions for the Government Economic Service (GES). This gives you a unique opportunity to learn from people who have an input into the hiring decisions of the largest employer of economists in the UK.

BSc (Hons) Economics:

• As well as valuable technical skills, this degree will develop your ability to apply economic concepts and theories to business and policy decisions in a diverse range of international settings, with a focus on applying theory to solving real-world problems.
• What we will provide
  • First class teaching in the UK’s second largest city. We have an international reputation for excellence in teaching and learning and our inspirational teaching staff are co-authors of one of the leading textbooks in economics used by many UK universities. Six of our teaching staff are recognised with awards for teaching and learning in economics. Members of the teaching team also contribute to A -GamE. This centre was established at Aston University to share best practice in the use of games, experiments and simulations in teaching.  
• What you will provide
  • It is important to have a natural curiosity and interest in real world issues such as climate change, the cost of living crisis and rising inequality.   
• What skills we teach
  • Our economics programme puts a strong emphasis on analytical and quantitative skills which are highly valued by graduate employers. Furthermore, you will be able to communicate economic concepts and analysis to non-specialists.  
• Placement year
  • Taking a placement year will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston University graduates some of the most employable in the country. Many of our students obtain graduate positions with the same employer that they completed their placement with. 
  • The Aston placement year forms an integral part of your educational journey and gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills.  
  • It is compulsory for all home students. International/EU students can request permission to opt out of the placement year, but we strongly recommend that it is completed where possible. An alternative to a work-based placement is the possibility of studying abroad.
• Career prospects
  • As an economist, you will be open to a diverse range of different jobs and careers that can have a positive impact on society. Some graduates work as economists, for example in the Government Economic Service (GES) or in consultancy, however others will go into finance, banking or a wide range of other graduate schemes and public sector roles. Economists have flexibility.

How You Will Learn:

• We adopt an innovative range of teaching and assessment methods including in-class games and continuous assessment. Assessments are also designed to reflect the type of task you would typically undertake in a graduate job. Examples include consultancy reports, briefing notes and team work.
• At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor; this member of academic staff can offer individual study advice and guidance and is there to help support your studies. Module tutors are also on hand to answer any questions and all modules are recorded so you can revisit the lecture.  
• We make extensive use of group working and presentations to prepare you for the reality of working life. This experience will develop your team working and negotiating skills.
• Through case studies, real-world examples and challenges, you’ll explore economics in an applied context and your placement year gives you an opportunity to develop your employability skills. 
• In addition, lectures from business leaders and mentoring programmes keep the focus on the application of knowledge, rather than the collection of theories. Our high-profile Visiting Professors – some of the UK’s leading business leaders – also share their vast experience with our students and provide unique insights into what they look for in students and graduates.
• Traditional teaching is supported by our virtual learning environment, which hosts a range of electronic supporting materials. You have access to the University Library which has over 25,000 books and a wide range of electronic journals. 

What You Will Learn:

• The degree will provide you with the ability to think rigorously about situations and problem solving, alongside the opportunity to learn technical skills. You will learn about economic theories and build on your analytical and mathematical skills to understand how economics is used to solve a breadth of issues in business and wider society.
• First year
  • Your first year is designed to give you core foundations in micro and macroeconomics, mathematics and statistics as well as from day one applying economic concepts to a diverse range of real-world issues. In addition, you will be introduced to a range of important wider business concepts. 
• Second year
  • You will develop a detailed understanding of economic theories and business strategies. In addition, you will learn to perform data analysis using quantitative methods and computing techniques. The modules will lay a solid foundation towards your final year studies. 
• Placement year
  • The Aston University placement year forms an integral part of your educational journey and gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills. Our award-winning careers and placements team are on hand to support you through every step of your placement journey.

Course Objectives:

• Provides education and training in economic concepts and theories.
• Provides a detailed knowledge of quantitative methods and computing techniques for data analysis.
• Enables you to critically evaluate economic theories and data analysis.
• Develops your ability to apply the concepts, theories and quantitative methods studied to business and policy decisions in a diverse range of international settings, whilst recognising important cultural differences.
• Stimulates your interest in economics and develops appreciation for its application to a range of real world issues and its relevance in a variety of contexts.
• Facilitates you to work effectively as a self-directed and independent learner.
• Develops a range of generic skills that will be of value in employment and self-employment such as team working and communication skills.
• Provides you with the knowledge and skills base required to proceed to further studies in economics or in multidisciplinary areas that involve economics.

Entry Requirements:

• A Levels
• BBB (standard offer)
• BBC (with EPQ or Core Maths minimum grade B)
• BBC (contextual offer)
• Contextual offers
• Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.