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Economics and Accounting

Entry requirements


A level

A,A,B

AAB including Mathematics If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: ABB including Mathematics plus grade A in the EPQ Contextual offer: tbc Offers typically exclude General Studies, Use of Mathematics and Critical Thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Access to HE Diploma

D:39,M:6,P:0

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit Mathematics must be studied to Level 3, A level standard to be considered We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D3,D3,M2

Typical offer: D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics at M2 Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Extended Project

A

The University of Southampton values the Extended Project Qualification. Applicants taking the EPQ in addition to three A levels, will also be made an alternative offer one grade below the standard offer, conditional on an A grade in the EPQ. For more information on the University of Southampton’s EPQ Admissions Policy, please see our EPQ Admissions Policy webpage.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

34

Typical offer: Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level including grade 5 in ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ at Higher Level. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2

Typical offer: H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics at H2 We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)

DD

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level Mathematics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)

DDD

DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in A level Mathematics. If you are studying a BTEC Extended Diploma (DDD) you will also need an additional A Level in Mathematics (grade B). However, we can accept an Engineering BTEC Extended Diploma without the additional A Level requirement.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

D

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from two A levels including Mathematics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DDD

DDD in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A Level Mathematics (grade B). If you are studying a BTEC National Extended Diploma (DDD) you will also need an additional A Level in Mathematics (grade B). However, we can accept an Engineering BTEC National Extended Diploma without the additional A Level requirement.

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)

D

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels including Mathematics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact the Faculty of Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences Admissions Office at [email protected] for more information. Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4 We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

A

Typical offer: AAB from 3 A levels including Mathematics or Alternative offer: AB from two A levels including Mathematics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

UCAS Tariff

136

We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.

About this course


Course option

3years

Full-time | 2024

Subjects

Accounting

Economics

This course will give you an in-depth working knowledge of both economics and accountancy. Our graduates earn an average starting salary of £29,700 within 15 months of graduating (latest Graduate Outcomes 2019/20, published in 2022).

As part of your first year modules, you'll learn to use Bloomberg trading terminals in our Financial Lab (FinLab). You'll also be encouraged to obtain a Bloomberg Markets Concepts qualification.

BSc Economics and Accounting is taught in conjunction with Southampton Business School. You'll build specialist knowledge of microeconomics (the behaviour of individuals and businesses), macroeconomics (the behaviour of the economy as a whole) and the main concepts of accountancy.
You could also:
• Spend a semester abroad
• Spend a year in employment
• Gain vital work experience on a Student Innovation Project
• Gain exemptions from professional accounting bodies and the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries

Choose Southampton and you'll also be joining a department ranked Top 15 in the UK for Economics and Econometrics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

Modules

You will study various topics covering the fundamental aspects of Economics and Accounting.

You can choose between a number of 'pathways' through the degree, to reflect your background and interests. Module choices in year one depend on whether you have studied economics at A level.

Some of the modules you may study include Introduction to Accounting and Finance; Applied Econometrics; Auditing.

Please see the course page online for a list of core and optional modules:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/economics-accounting-degree-bsc#modules

Assessment methods

We'll assess you using: coursework, lab reports and essays; dissertation; group essays; individual and group projects; written exams

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£9,250
per year
England
£9,250
per year
EU
£22,300
per year
International
£22,300
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

The Uni


Course location:

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Department:

Economics

Read full university profile

What students say


We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.

85%
Accounting
82%
Economics

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Accounting

Teaching and learning

83%
Staff make the subject interesting
94%
Staff are good at explaining things
83%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
81%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

87%
Library resources
90%
IT resources
92%
Course specific equipment and facilities
92%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

59%
UK students
41%
International students
57%
Male students
43%
Female students
84%
2:1 or above
3%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

A
B
A

Economics

Teaching and learning

71%
Staff make the subject interesting
84%
Staff are good at explaining things
83%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
71%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

87%
Library resources
86%
IT resources
88%
Course specific equipment and facilities
88%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

78%
UK students
22%
International students
69%
Male students
31%
Female students
86%
2:1 or above
4%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

A
A
B

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Accounting

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£24,000
high
Average annual salary
95%
med
Employed or in further education
68%
low
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

26%
Business, finance and related associate professionals
21%
Business, research and administrative professionals
15%
Administrative occupations: finance

You don't have to be an accountant if you take this degree, but over half of graduates take a look at the rewards on offer for accountancy trainees and go into the job. Many others go into other parts of the finance industry as advisors or book-keepers, and some go into management or marketing. London is very popular for accountancy graduates going into their first job, but it's also quite common to work in Scotland, with Glasgow a perennial hotbed of Scottish accountancy recruitment. If you want to find a job in finance as an accountancy graduates, recruitment agencies were particularly important last year, so try to get in touch with one as soon as you can to improve your chances.

Economics

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£25,000
med
Average annual salary
97%
med
Employed or in further education
73%
med
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

27%
Business, research and administrative professionals
23%
Business, finance and related associate professionals
8%
Sales, marketing and related associate professionals

This is a degree in demand, as business increasingly needs workers who can examine and explain complex data. And yet the number of economics graduates fell by nearly 10% last year, which means demand is even greater. As so many economic grads go into banking and finance, it's not surprising that over half of all 2015's economics graduates who did go into work were working in London. And don't think it's just the finance industry that's interested in these graduates - there's a significant number who enter the IT industry to work with data as analysts and consultants. It's quite common for economics graduates to go into jobs such as accountancy and management consultancy which may 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. And the incentive to take them, of course, is better pay, which will be on top of an already healthy average starting salary of over £30,000 for graduates working in the capital.

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Accounting

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£25k

£25k

£30k

£30k

£46k

£46k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

Economics

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£26k

£26k

£32k

£32k

£50k

£50k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

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This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

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Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

We've received this information from the Department for Education, via Ucas. This is how the university as a whole has been rated for its quality of teaching: gold silver or bronze. Note, not all universities have taken part in the TEF.

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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

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Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

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Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

Have a question about this info? Learn more here