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 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 to work out how they can be used efficiently and effectively. The BA Economics (with placement year) 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. The work placement is a valuable opportunity to gain first-hand industry experience and start building a network of business contacts in preparation for graduation. As well as the placement route you also have the option to complete the degree in three years 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 first year 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 degree culminates in a final-year dissertation on an area of economics of your choice.