On our BA Economics degree, you'll be applying economics to important societal issues such as climate change, poverty and inequality. You'll learn how policy makers can use economics to design solutions and evaluate their effectiveness.
This course is designed to strengthen your quantitative skills, but it has a strong focus on qualitative analysis and real-world applications. Using the main conceptual and analytical tools used by economists, you'll learn how to interpret and visualize data. You'll also learn how to convey complex economic ideas to non-specialists by developing your communication skills.
To study this degree you do not need to have an A-level in mathematics, and you do not need to have studied economics before.
From your studies, you'll gain a solid grounding in the use of statistics and mathematics in economics. You'll build your understanding of core areas, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative methods. Working with your peers, you'll design and evaluate potential solutions to economic and social challenges.
Throughout your studies you’ll focus on:
You'll have the opportunity to combine your studies with a Year in Employment after year 2, or a semester abroad in your final year.
Employability is embedded throughout the course so you'll develop skills in high demand from employers. With our BA Economics degree, you'll be prepared to enter vocational and non-vocational careers. Graduates on our existing degrees have been employed in a diverse range of professions from banking and insurance to analysis and consulting.
Our BA Economics degree is focused on policy development, the creative application of economic concepts, and communicating complex information simply. It covers similar topics in microeconomics and macroeconomics as the BSc, but the approach is more applied, looking at how each topic relates to the world around us.
The BA will include a tailored dissertation module that is more policy oriented, and will prepare you for a career in government, industry or international organisations.
Our BSc Economics degree is a more quantitative degree that requires A-level Maths (or equivalent). It provides a strong foundation for a careers in banking and finance and is good preparation for a research career.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
This course is based at Highfield.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
AAB plus grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
Excluded subjects are General Studies, Use of Maths and Critical Thinking. If you are taking four A levels, you will receive the standard offer as well as an alternative offer of ABBB.
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 plus grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics and grade A in the EPQ
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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.
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level
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 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. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from two A levels and grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in one A level and grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
DDD in BTEC National Extended Diploma plus grade 6 in GCSE 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.
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels and grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus B in one and grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
DDD in BTEC Extended Diploma plus grade 6 in GCSE 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.
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
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 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.
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.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 (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects plus grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
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.
AAB from 3 A levels plus GCSE Mathematics grade 6 or AB from two A levels and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, plus GCSE Mathematics grade 6.
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.
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Our BA Economics is a full-time course, taught over 3 years.
You'll cover a variety of modules, including optional modules that allow you to tailor your learning.
In addition to your economics modules, this programme also delivers an employability model that will mostly be delivered online and run through the whole year. You'll can start planning your career strategy straight away and apply for short internships.
In your first semester you'll study fundamental areas in maths, microeconomics, economics with experiments and exploring the social world
The mathematics module you take during this semester will depend on your A-Levels. If you do not have A-Level mathematics at a grade A or B, you'll study an introductory mathematics module that will provide an in-depth understanding into the subject. If you do have an A-level grade A or B you'll be placed in a more challenging mathematics for economists module that will help you develop your quantitative skills further.
In your second semester you'll focus on the application of economics to a variety of topics. You'll study data, statistics, and macroeconomics, which will embed training in the use of the Financial Laboratory. You'll also choose an optional module.
The statistics module you take during this semester will depend on your A-Levels. If you do not have A-Level mathematics at a grade A or B, you'll study an introductory statistics module that covers probability and regression analysis.
In year 2 you'll continue to study a variety of economic methods and begin to study applications to specific areas in economics. After this year you'll have the opportunity to apply for a Year in Employment, or to take a Study Abroad semester in your third year.
During your first semester, you'll look at the core areas of macroeconomics and microeconomics, and choose from optional modules. You'll also take modules focused on economic policy-making.
In your second semester you'll gain exposure to cross-discipline perspectives and choose from a variety of optional modules.
In year 3 you'll complete your research project or dissertation, which includes 2 modules, one in each semester. If organised in advance, you can study abroad for your first semester of this year.
During this year, you'll have the opportunity to customise your degree by choosing from a large variety of optional modules that interest you and support your career goals.
In semester 1 you'll produce a literature review for your research project or dissertation.
During semester 2 you'll engage in your own economic research project and write up a project-based report on a topic of your choice. You'll be able to choose from more optional modules for this semester as well.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules in year 1:
The aim of this module is to equip you with some analytical and professional skills that will be useful in your economics degree and future careers. The module will also provide information about employability opportunities in your discipline, such as int...
This module gives an introduction into economic policy analysis that is based on empirical data. A range of economic policy questions covering different areas of economics will be presented. Policy recommendations will be derived using analytical economic...
This module will familiarise students with some fundamental insights and principles in economics through participating, analysing and discussing experiments and it will introduce students to experimental methods as used in economics. This is done by using...
This module gives an introduction to Economics as a Social Science, focusing on economic behaviour and decision-making in social situations, that is, where own behaviour affects other parties and vice versa.
This module provides an introduction to macroeconomics, the study of the economy as a whole. Combined with Microeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic modules.
This module provides an introduction to microeconomics, the detailed analysis of individuals and their interactions within the economy. Combined with Macroeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic modules.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
In both public and private life, we face difficult and pressing ethical questions every day. Should we give a proportion of our wealth to those in developing countries? Should we allow doctors to perform abortions or euthanasia and, if so, under what circ...
The module develops an understanding of the role Finance has in the world today by examining topics such as Ethical Finance, compounding and discounting cash flows, as well as an introduction to risk management. This module is critical for laying the fou...
Explore the forces that shape our world by studying the structures, actors, and policy-making processes of international relations. This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to assess and apply competing theories of world politics, and to ...
This module provides a bridge between school mathematics and university mathematics. It provides a good grounding and in-depth understanding of the theory and application of differential calculus, and other techniques widely used in Economics and Finance....
This module provides a bridge between A-level mathematics and university mathematics. It provides a good grounding and an in depth understanding of the theory and application of differential calculus, and other techniques widely used in Economics and Fina...
This module aims to introduce students to key population issues in both the UK and world-wide.
This module complements the economics modules taken by students in first and second year and is designed to prepare students for the applied economics module taken in the second year. It provides an introduction to probability and statistics, with referen...
This module introduces students to social and economic change, cultural diversity and spatial organisation in cities and western societies. The module also provides an introduction to three main fields in human geography - urban geography, social geograph...
All economics students, on both single and joint honours programmes, take this course. It is optional for students outside of economics. The module is designed to prepare students for the econometrics modules taken in second and third year. It also comple...
You must study the following modules in year 2:
The module shows economic analysis at work in a number of areas of policy concern and develops simple and more advance models and empirical methodologies that help us both to understand central problems of economic policy analysis and evaluate alternative...
This is a blended learning module to provide students with the basic tools and information necessary to embark in their third year dissertation modules.
The aim of this module is to equip you with some analytical and professional skills that will be useful in your economics degree and future careers. The module will also provide information about employability opportunities in your discipline, such as int...
This module will equip students with the central concepts of macroeconomics, building on the foundations laid in the first-year Macroeconomics module. Students will gain a clear understanding of the determination of economic outcomes at an aggregate level...
This module will familiarise students with the central concepts of microeconomics, building on the foundations laid in the first-year Microeconomics module. Students will gain a clear understanding of the role of the price mechanism in organising economic...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Improvements in life expectancy have been one of the major achievements of the twentieth century. Around half of all children born today in the UK are expected to live to celebrate their 100th birthday and two-thirds will celebrate their 90th birthday. Th...
The module will introduce students to the economics of development.
The aims of the module are to develop a simple dynamic framework in order to: (b) give microeconomic foundation to macroeconomic analysis, (a) learn to approach macroeconomic problems from a general equilibrium perspective, (c) enable students to eva...
The module will provide a foundation in contemporary economic geography, focusing on the ways in which economic, political and social processes construct the profound diversity of modern economic life.
According to the United Nations, India has now overtaken China as the most populous country in the world. Since the introduction of economic liberalisation policies in early 1990s, India has emerged as the world’s sixth largest economy in terms of nominal...
Ethics of Global Poverty examines the duties of affluent people towards those living in poverty around the world. Among the questions we will examine are: What obligations do we have to help strangers in need? What bases might such obligations have? Are s...
This module gives a comprehensive overview of the modelling of strategic behaviour in modern microeconomics, building on the foundations laid in Intermediate Microeconomics. It will familiarise students with the central concepts in game theory, covering c...
The global health module is an exciting opportunity to examine the factors associated with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as the recent outbreak of Ebola and Swine Flu that quickly spread around the world, and non-communicable diseases ...
The global challenge that is 'sustainability' impacts every dimension of all of our lives. Regardless of your degree, the social, cultural, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability have important implications for your studies, your daily ...
In this module we study the working of imperfectly competitive markets, the behaviour of firms in these markets, welfare implications and competition policy.
In a world of fast and easy communication, we are increasingly working and studying alongside people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Understanding our intercultural encounters allows us to develop awareness of ourselves and others, as ...
This module considers the generic aspects of decision processes that take place at individual and organisational levels and demonstrates how various lines of enquiry and analytical techniques can help achieve better quality decisions. It draws sharp atten...
This module provides a bridge between A-level mathematics and university mathematics. It provides a good grounding and an in depth understanding of the theory and application of differential calculus, and other techniques widely used in Economics and Fina...
Operations management is concerned with the management of resources for producing and delivering products or services. Case study material will be used in the module to illustrate many of the important issues faced by operations managers as well as coveri...
This module aims to introduce you to the variety of demographic experiences in low and middle-income countries across the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and, Asia. We will explore the patterns of historical and...
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module forms the first part of a dissertation in Economics. You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work in composing a literature review on your chosen research topic. You will motivate the research topic, survey and review the relevan...
This module forms the second part of an Economics dissertation in the programme BA (Hons) Economics. You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work, with written and presentation components, that is aimed at addressing a topic linked to econom...
The aim of this module is to equip you with professional skills and knowledge that will be useful in your future careers, as well as when applying for graduate jobs. The module consists of up to three timetabled lectures per semester plus independent stud...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
The human sciences are evolving fast to incorporate new forms of data and powerful new analysis tools. Advances in machine learning have allowed huge improvements in our ability to predict individual characteristics and preferences, while our interactio...
This module will develop the skills of the student as a social researcher to conduct in depth analyses of secondary, large scale datasets, leading up to the use of these techniques in the final year dissertations and ensuring that students have appropriat...
Improvements in life expectancy have been one of the major achievements of the twentieth century. Around half of all children born today in the UK are expected to live to celebrate their 100th birthday and two-thirds will celebrate their 90th birthday. Th...
This module gives an overview of the concepts, models, and findings in behavioural economics. Behavioural economics is a field of economics that imports relevant insights from neighbouring disciplines, like psychology and anthropology, to inform economic ...
According to the United Nations, India has now overtaken China as the most populous country in the world. Since the introduction of economic liberalisation policies in early 1990s, India has emerged as the world’s sixth largest economy in terms of nominal...
Specifically the module aims to provide a bridge to the more theoretical articles in finance theory, by offering a simple framework of conceptual knowledge that enables thinking while making financial decisions. As such the module gives an appreciation of...
There has been growing interest in the past few years in how cities and regions respond and adapt to rapid, and often turbulent, economic change, and why some cities and regions appear much more successful than others in coping with and taking advantage o...
The global challenge that is 'sustainability' impacts every dimension of all of our lives. Regardless of your degree, the social, cultural, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability have important implications for your studies, your daily ...
In a world of fast and easy communication, we are increasingly working and studying alongside people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Understanding our intercultural encounters allows us to develop awareness of ourselves and others, as ...
This module provides a short course in international macroeconomics. We begin by studying exchange rates before turning to wider issues in international macro, such as the costs and benefits of participation in global capital markets; sovereign debt and c...
This module explores key questions in the area of international trade. Should countries trade freely with each other? What are the gains/losses from free trade and are they distributed evenly within the population? What are free trade agreements and what ...
The module will introduce students to key theories in the analysis of labour markets and to develop knowledge of the relevant institutional framework. The module aims to relate both theory and evidence to key policy issues.
The material covers ideas from many disciplines. Migration represents movement across space, influencing and changing the environments of both the origin and destination locations (geography). It is both affected by and affects population structures and c...
The module aims to provide a bridge to the more theoretical articles in finance theory, by offering a simple framework of conceptual knowledge that enables thinking while making financial decisions. As such the module gives an appreciation of the scope of...
This is a holistic module because it emphasises that its constituent topics dealing with diverse aspects of risk management are highly interconnected. Mastery of the subject is conceived as requiring a strong understanding of these interconnections. For e...
GGES3021 is a module designed for students who are interested in the creative economy and how it is being shaped by geographical processes related to globalisation, digitisation and flexibilisation. The module will cover topics that are central to underst...
The climate crisis is one of the most urgent issues facing humanity. Climate change is having an increasing impact on individual lives, and on social and political relations and institutions. This module examines the moral and political philosophical issu...
The main objective of this module is to expose students to the state-of-the-art discussion in a range of macroeconomic topics: growth, unemployment, taxation, and monetary policy. The approach is to study a simplified version of some widely used models in...
This module introduces topics at the intersection between politics and economics. It exposes students to substantive issues in political economy, such as the comparative analysis of different electoral systems, distributive justice, and the moral limits o...
The learning activities for this course include the following:
How you'll spend your course time:
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
Year 1:
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
Year 2:
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
Year 3:
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Jana Sadeh is the course leader.
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees for a year's study:
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Economics (BA) is a course in the Business, accounting, finance and marketing and Economics subject areas. Here are some other courses within these subject areas:
