Course summary
Have you ever wondered why some musicians earn so much money? Or the costs and benefits of a country hosting the Olympics? If you have a natural curiosity about the way the world works and you enjoy maths and problem-solving, BA (Hons) Economics might be the course for you. Economics is at the heart of decision-making across every aspect of society. From individuals and businesses to public bodies and multinational organisations, economists examine available resources and work out how they can be used efficiently and effectively. BA (Hons) Economics has been developed to meet the needs of the business world and equip you with the skills to succeed in a range of industries. As well as preparing you for a career in the financial services sector, the critical and analytical skills developed during the degree provide a springboard into the worlds of journalism, policy, education and international development. Central to the course is the real-world application of economics. The curriculum includes lectures from expert speakers and projects where you will have a chance to investigate a range of contemporary economics issues. Learning from industry experts you’ll develop a solid grounding in economic analysis, applied economics and statistical techniques. Year 1 provides a foundation in domestic and international economics. In subsequent years you will further develop your understanding of core areas such as macroeconomics, microeconomics and data analysis. The flexible structure coupled with the wide range of optional modules across all years allows you to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. You have the option to complete the course in three years, add a placement year or spend a year abroad. It may also be possible to spend the third term of your second year at the University of Pisa. The degree culminates in a final-year dissertation on an area of economics of your choice. The dissertation draws on skills developed throughout the course and is worth one-third of your final-year marks.
Modules
Year 1 Core modules: Principles of Economics provides a sound foundation for modules in micro- and macroeconomics. You will cover areas including methodology of economics, supply and demand, consumer spending choices, competition and growth theories. Economic Methods familiarises you with the use of mathematical and statistical tools in solving economic problems. You will look at equations, matrix algebra, calculus, statistics, distribution, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. The World Economy provides knowledge and understanding of the features of different types of economy, and of world trade and the international financial system. You will learn about international trade theory, economic growth and cover some of the key concepts relating to developments and crises in the world economy using real-world case studies. Examples of optional modules: The Economics of Sustainability Introduction to the History of Economic Thought Foundations of Finance. Year 2 Core modules: Macroeconomics uses real-world examples to analyse the general equilibrium of an economy both in the short term, with a static model, and in the medium to long term, with a dynamic model. Microeconomics develops your knowledge and understanding of the essential components of microeconomics, with a particular focus on the analytical skills relevant to consumer and production theories, general equilibrium and welfare. Econometrics equips you with the skills to understand the type of empirical analysis used in economic literature. You will also write a report based on econometric analysis. Examples of optional modules: Behavioural and Experimental Economics Intermediate Methods for Economics and Finance Microeconomic Applications and Policy Macroeconomic Applications and Policy Intermediate Finance. Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement or year abroad) The Dissertation is a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of economics. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic and present your findings and conclusions. Examples of optional modules: Advanced Macroeconomic Theory Advanced Microeconomic Theory Applied Econometrics Developmental Economics Environmental Economics and Policy International Economics Monetary Economics Game Theory and Applications Financial Theory and Corporate Policy Security Investment Analysis.
Assessment method
Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations, written assignments and reports, investigative projects and presentations. The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your critical thinking skills, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues. The 12,000-word dissertation makes up one-third of your final-year marks.
How to apply
This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you’re eligible to apply.
EU
Wales
England
International
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L100
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - A*AA
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*DD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AAAAA
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 38 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - Not accepted
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D2, D3, D3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - D*DD
T Level
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level ABB including an A in Mathematics (or equivalent). To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £27600 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
International | £27600 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE