Why study this course?
The Economics (including foundation year) BA (Hons) degree is a four-year course with a built-in foundation year (Year 0). It’s the ideal course if you’re interested in studying economics at undergraduate level but you are unable to meet the entry requirements or don’t have the traditional qualifications required to start a standard degree.
More about this course
The foundation year of this degree course will give you a sound base in economics, accounting and business, ensuring you’re well-prepared to explore more specific areas of economics during your subsequent years of study.
The modules on this foundation year are shared between a number of other courses, allowing you to meet students with other academic interests and share ideas.
Following your foundation year, which is also designed to improve your communication and writing skills, you’ll have the opportunity to examine subjects including economic growth and sustainability, financial markets, banking and financial crises, econometrics and more.
In Year 1, 2 and 3 of the course you will study the same core modules – and have access to the same optional modules – as those who study our Economics BSc (Hons) course. There will also be opportunities to study abroad and gain valuable work experience.
Taught by experts in the field of economics, some of whom are advisers to major financial institutions, you’ll be well-equipped for a career in finance on graduation. You will graduate with the same title and award as those who studied the traditional three-year course.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 0 modules include:
Development for Success in Business (core, 30 credits)
Orientation for Success in Higher Education (core, 30 credits)
The Context of Business (core, 30 credits)
Using and Managing Data and Information (core, 30 credits)
Year 1 modules include:
Business Law and Ethics (core, 15 credits)
Data Science, Research and Analysis (core, 15 credits)
Introduction to Financial Markets and Institutions (core, 15 credits)
Management Accounting Fundamentals (core, 15 credits)
Principles of Macroeconomics (core, 15 credits)
Principles of Microeconomics (core, 15 credits)
Understanding and Managing Data (core, 15 credits)
Understanding the Business and Economic Environment (core, 15 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Applied Macroeconomics (core, 15 credits)
Applied Microeconomics (core, 15 credits)
Labour Economics (core, 15 credits)
Principles of Econometrics (core, 15 credits)
Principles of Finance (core, 15 credits)
Problem Solving: Methods and Analysis (core, 15 credits)
Creating a Winning Business 1 (alternative core, 15 credits)
Learning through Work (alternative core, 15 credits)
Developing Inclusive Organisations (option, 15 credits)
Investment (option, 15 credits)
Sustainability, Business and Responsibility (option, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Development Economics (core, 15 credits)
Dissertation (core, 30 credits)
Financial and Economic Modelling (core, 15 credits)
International Banking (core, 15 credits)
International Trade and Finance (core, 15 credits)
Issues in Labour Markets (core, 15 credits)
Financial Instruments (option, 15 credits)
Personal Finance (option, 15 credits)
Practising Business Strategy (with simulation) (option, 15 credits)
Professional Experience Year Placement (option, 30 credits)
Where this course can take you
A degree in economics can open up a wide range of careers. Graduates who have gone on to find roles in consultancy, government, research and international corporations.
You will also be well-prepared to undertake a further study at postgraduate level.
What is a degree with foundation year?
This is a four-year degree course with a built-in foundation year (Year 0). It’s the perfect route into university if you don’t meet the necessary entry requirements for the standard undergraduate degree. You’ll graduate with a full undergraduate degree with the same title and award as those who studied the three-year course.