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Economics BSc (Hons)

4 years with professional placement or study abroad, starting in September 2025

This course is closed to applications from Home students for September 2025 entry. We are still accepting applications from Overseas students.

Develop the skills you need to resolve complex economic issues. You’ll learn about core economic theories and empirical methods, and their real-world uses.

During this course, you will explore the connections between the economy, its key sectors (such as businesses, the financial sector and government) and people’s decisions. By focusing on real-world issues, you’ll explore the foundations of economic theory and its applications.

You’ll learn about applying economic principles and methods to policy issues and increase your knowledge of UK and global economic institutions. This will help you understand economic and policy decision-making.

Your first year will focus on key concepts in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. You’ll develop your core mathematics, statistics, data analysis and coding skills.

In Year 2, you’ll build on this through further study of economic theory. The econometric techniques and software skills you’ll develop will focus on estimating and forecasting economic relationships.

In your final year, you’ll choose from a range of optional units. This will give you the freedom to focus on your interests and career ambitions. These units will broadly cover advanced topics and up-to-date techniques in economics.

Informed teaching to advance your learning

You’ll learn from teaching staff with diverse backgrounds and expertise in different areas of economics. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching with the aim of enhancing your learning experience.

Benefit from specialist resources

You’ll have access to some of the latest industry-standard statistical, mathematical and econometric software. This will allow you to access up-to-the-minute data on real-world trends to enhance your learning experience.

Develop your professional skills

We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study.

These include:

  • critical and analytical thinking
  • quantitative skills to apply to real-world economic challenges
  • presentation and communication skills
  • adaptability and resilience

Prepare for your future career

Many of our economics graduates have gone on to careers in both the private and public sectors, working as economists, financial or business analysts, researchers, accountants and tax professionals.

Examples of where our recent graduates have gone on to work include:

  • Barclays
  • BNY Mellon
  • Capital Economics
  • Department for Transport
  • EY
  • FTI Consulting
  • Network Rail
Find out what our graduates go on to do

2025/2026 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 4 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2029. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.

As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.

Year 1

Compulsory units

  • Macroeconomics 1

    15 credits

  • Mathematics for economists

    10 credits

  • Microeconomics 1

    15 credits

  • Probability and statistics

    10 credits

  • Programming and computational methods for economists

    10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory units

  • Econometrics

    10 credits

  • Macroeconomics 2

    10 credits

  • Microeconomics 2

    10 credits

Options

  • Year 2 Options

    30 credits

Year 3

Compulsory units

  • Professional placement or study abroad

    60 credits

Year 4

Options

  • Final Year Options

    60 credits

Study abroad or placement


You can choose to do a professional placement, study at one of our overseas partner institutions, or combine the two in your third year. This is an opportunity to enhance your CV, gain new skills, and establish networks either within industry, internationally, or both.

Professional placement

Doing a professional placement in Year 3 allows you to use what you've learnt in a practical context. You’ll find out about the organisation you join and how it works, while learning more about potential future careers. Our students have worked in the UK and overseas. Some have been offered graduate roles following placements.

You’ll develop skills like planning, problem-solving, decision making and project management. Sometimes you can gain professional qualifications, particularly in accountancy, during placements.

Employers often value placements, so you could gain an advantage in the job market.

Previous students have done placements with organisations in the public and private sectors. These include:

  • Adobe
  • Amazon
  • BNY Mellon
  • Bank of England
  • Hewlett Packard
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS)
  • Vodafone

Placement opportunities can’t be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our dedicated placement team to help you secure a placement.

Read more about doing a professional placement.

Study abroad

If you decide to study abroad in your third year, you will spend time at one of our agreed partner institutions. You will study a course that complements your existing learning and experience a new culture.

You can combine studying abroad with a placement (this can be in the UK or overseas) to further broaden your experience and enhance your CV. If you do this, you'll spend one semester studying and one working.

Study abroad exchanges are typically available in the below countries:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • Hong Kong
  • Italy
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • United States

Taking part in study abroad is dependent on good academic performance in Year 1. Some funding may be available but isn’t guaranteed.

For each option, you’ll receive support from various university teams, as well as your Director of Studies.

Study abroad opportunities are limited and are subject to availability at our partner institutions. Available destinations may vary from year-to-year.

Read more about studying abroad as part of your undergraduate degree.

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.


Learning

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Presentations
  • Report

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Contact hours

Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 12 and 15 hours a week in your first year.

Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.

The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.

Independent learning

In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 20 to 28 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example, you may do a final year project in the final year. You’ll be expected to work both on your own and as part of a group.

Assessment breakdown

You will be assessed in a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge.

50% to 75% of your course will be assessed through examinations.

25% to 50% will be assessed through essays, reports, and presentations.

The balance of assessment methods may vary throughout your degree.

The final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 32% and 68% respectively. 

You will primarily be assessed as an individual, but may also be assessed as part of a group.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information. 

Recognition of professional qualifications


As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘There’s a wide spectrum of opportunities that you're exposed to during a placement. I would say it's one of the best opportunities for you to get a step ahead.’
Cici Xia BSc (Hons) Economics (Graduating year, 2024)

Entry requirements


Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for your chosen degree. This might include relevant reading, involvement in political or debating societies, other extra-curricular or co-curricular activities, work experience or activism for a political party or an NGO.

You do not need to have studied Economics or Business before to be suitable for this course. You will need a strong performance in Mathematics as part of your entry qualifications.

We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

A level Typical offer

A*AA

A*AA in three A levels including Mathematics.

Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level (unless studied alongside A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics alone). Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Contextual offer

AAB

AAB in three A levels including A in Mathematics.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level (unless studied alongside A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics alone). Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Alternative offer

AAA or A*AB

We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

AAA or A*AB in three A levels including A in Mathematics plus one of:

  • grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
  • grade A in AS level Further Mathematics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
  • grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Further Mathematics
  • an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:

AAAB or A*ABB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.

Read more about how our alternative offers work.

International Baccalaureate Typical offer

7, 6, 6 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including either HL Mathematics.

Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.

Standard Level in Mathematics

If you are studying Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches we may be able to consider you. In this case the typical offer is 36 points overall and 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects plus 6 in the Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.

We do not accept Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations for this course.

We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.

To be considered for this course you will usually need to study either Mathematics course at Higher Level.

We prefer vocational study in Business.

International Baccalaureate Certificates

If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.

If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.

To be considered for this course you will usually need to study either Mathematics course at Higher Level.

International Baccalaureate Contextual offer

6, 6, 5

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in either HL Mathematics.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Standard Level in Mathematics

If you are studying Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches we may be able to consider you. In this case the contextual offer is 36 points overall and 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects plus 6 in the Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.

We do not accept Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations for this course.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer

D*DD plus A at A level

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)

D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus A in A level Mathematics.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification.

We prefer the above qualifications in Business. We can also consider BTEC qualifications in Engineering or Science, but we would expect you to demonstrate evidence of strong essay-based skills, such as strong GCSE performance in English and humanities subjects.

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification.

OCR Cambridge Technical Typical offer

D*D*D* plus A at A level

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

D*D*D* in the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your Cambridge Technical qualification.

We prefer the above qualifications in Business. We can also consider Cambridge Technical qualifications in Engineering or Science, but we would expect you to demonstrate evidence of strong essay-based skills, such as strong GCSE performance in English and humanities subjects.

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider OCR Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your Cambridge Technical qualification.

T Level Typical offer

T Levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.

Scottish Highers Typical offer

AA in Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers including Mathematics.

We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved AAAAA in their Highers.

Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Access to HE Diploma Typical offer

39 credits at Distinction

A pass in the Access to HE Diploma with at least 39 credits achieved at Distinction including 12 credits from Mathematics units at Distinction.

We are looking for you to be studying a suitable level of Mathematics as part of your Access course (at least 12 graded credits of Level 3 Mathematics) to be able to succeed on our course.

Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.

Combination of qualifications Typical offer

We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.

To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include A level Mathematics (or equivalent).

You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.

GCSE requirements

  • GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category B)

Read more about how we consider GCSEs.

English language requirements

Category B

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

  • IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components
  • IELTS Indicator: 7.0 with 6.5 in each component
  • TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum 24 in all 4 components
  • TOEFL iBT and iBT Special Home Edition: 100 overall with 24 in each component
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
  • Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 130 overall with sub scores of Literacy 130, Comprehension 140, Conversation 125, Production 110
  • Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 130 overall with sub scores of Literacy 130, Comprehension 130, Conversation 130, Production 130
  • LanguageCert SELT: C1 Expert Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Economics BSc (Hons) with professional placement or study abroad


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.

Find out more about student fees

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.

Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.

Application information


  • Course title
    Economics
  • Final award
    BSc (Hons)
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    D101
  • Institution code
    B16
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Overseas application deadline
    30 June 2025
  • Application eligibility
    Only Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator

Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.

Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.

Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.

Course enquiries


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