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Subjects

Economics courses

Economics is the study of producing and using wealth. The credit crunch, international trade, global warming, sustainable development and inequalities between countries – these are all issues to which economics can be applied to provide solutions to global problems. You need to have an aptitude for maths and an interest in using statistical techniques to analyse economic and financial data. This course can lead to employment in areas such as financial management, accountancy, investment banking, government and journalism.
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Studying economics at university

Example course modules

  • Mathematics for economists
  • Microeconomic theory
  • International trade
  • Economics principles
  • Econometrics
  • Money and banking
  • Economic history
  • Managerial and industrial economics
  • Legal studies
  • Principles of marketing and strategy

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

9
Low
12
Hours
15
High
5
14
Hours

Average for all subjects

Average hours for this subject: 12 (Low 9 - High 15). Average hours for all subjects: 14.

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 32%
    Male : 68%
  • Mature : 7%
    School leaver : 93%
  • Full-time : 96%
    Part-time : 4%

What students say about economics

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • Maths

Useful to have

  • Economics
  • Further maths
  • Statistics

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Sources: HECSU & KIS
Economics graduates normally do well in the jobs market, but as the finance industry has struggled, it's made for more difficult conditions for new graduates. As the industry recovers, we expect the statistics to improve. As so many economic grads go into banking and finance, it's not surprising that nearly half of all 2012's economics graduates who did go into work were working in London. It's quite common for economics graduates to go into jobs such as accountancy which require you to take more training and gain professional qualifications - so don’t assume you won’t have to take any more exams once you leave uni. The incentive to take them, of course, is better pay, which will be on top of an already healthy average starting salary of over £28,000 for graduates working in the capital.
Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Sources: DLHE & Graduate prospects
Typical graduate job areas
  • Business, research and administrative professionals

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Chartered accountant
  • Management consultant
  • Economist

Other real-life job examples

  • Investment banker
  • Actuary
  • Policy adviser

What employers like about this subject

A degree in economics will give you a range of subject-specific skills from statistical analysis and an understanding of economic theory and modelling approaches to the ability to apply economic reasoning to policy issues in a critical manner. You'll also gain a whole suite of sought-after transferable skills including numeracy, communication, data handling and problem-solving skills. These are in demand from many employers including government departments and thinktanks, banks, universities, consultancies and insurance and accountancy firms.

Related subjects to explore

Finance

Maths

Business and management studies

Politics

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