About this course

This course is full and closed to new applications. Search similar degrees in related courses or by browsing our course finder.

Learn how our economic decisions affect others, and how business and financial institutions' choices can affect our society. This BSc Economics degree gives you an in-depth understanding of economic theory, and the skills you need to work in sectors like finance, commerce and industry.

Your A level results will determine which core or compulsory modules you'll need to take.

You'll study economics with experts whose research has influenced international policy, learning in lectures and small classes. Our facilities include the behavioural economics laboratory and the Financial Laboratory (FinLab) - a realistic trading room environment with the most detailed financial data available.

This flexible course has 3 separate pathways you can choose after the first year. These have slightly different module selections. The pathways are:

Economics - this is the default pathway, which will give you a rounded education in the subject.
Econometrics - focuses on the quantitative methods in economics, providing the relevant statistical tools you'll need to analyse economic data and policy.
Behavioural economics - has an additional focus on explaining and predicting human behaviour, and using these insights to evaluate and design economic policy.

You'll also have the freedom to shape your studies by choosing optional modules to suit your interests or career plans. You could choose international banking, risk management or public economics, for example.

As part of this course you can also:

study a minor subject
take part in a 2-week economics summer school at Xiamen University, China
spend a semester abroad in your third year
spend a year in employment
gain vital work experience on our Student Innovation Projects

What it's like to study Economics at Southampton

Raj talks about her experience as a second year Economics student

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Changes due to COVID-19

Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

ODT

Download 2022-23 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAB or ABBB including Mathematics

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

More information about A-levels

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

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 and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

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, as follows: ABB including Mathematics

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 5 points from Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual 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.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

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.

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from two A levels including Mathematics

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in A level Mathematics

RQF BTEC

Additional information

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

More information about BTEC

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels including Mathematics

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level Mathematics

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

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

Got a question?

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

Course structure

Each year is made up of core, compulsory and optional modules. Your modules in year 1 will depend on whether you studied economics at A level.

You'll also be able to broaden your experience beyond economics by selecting:

You do not need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 1 overview

Core modules this year will provide a foundation in economic topics, including:

mathematics
statistics
microeconomics
macroeconomics
exploring the social world

You'll also take an employability module to help you plan your next steps.

Year 2 overview

You'll continue to study core modules in:

applied and theoretical economics
macroeconomics
microeconomics

There are also advanced optional modules in:

econometrics
games
financial markets

You can also choose modules from outside the Economics department.

Year 3 overview

You'll run your own research project and write up your findings in your dissertation. This is great preparation for postgraduate study, and demonstrates to employers that you're capable of meeting a challenge. A research supervisor will support you throughout.

You'll also choose from a range of optional modules on topics such as:

international trade
risk management
choice and decision

You can continue to choose options from outside the department. For example, you can take modules offered by the Business School.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2022-23

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Economics Skills and Employability 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...

Economics with Data

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...

Economics with Experiments

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...

Mathematics for Economics

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...

Principles of Macroeconomics

This module provides an introduction to macroeconomics – the study of the economy as a whole. Combined with Foundations/Principles of Microeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic modules. We begin by discus...

Statistics for Economics

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...

Understanding the Social World

This module lays down the foundations for conducting social research in any discipline within the social sciences, focused around criminology, economics, international relations, politics, population sciences, social policy and sociology. The module will ...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

Foundations of Microeconomics

This module will provide an introduction to microeconomic analysis, the detailed analysis of individuals and groups within the economy. Combined with Principles of Macroeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic m...

Introduction to International Relations

• Introduce students to the study of structures, actors and policy processes in international politics • Enable students to distinguish between competing explanations of international relations • Develop students’ ability to restate arguments and apply ...

Population and Society

This module aims to introduce students to key population issues in both the UK and world-wide.

Principles of Microeconomics

Quantitative Modelling in Economics

The module will provide an opportunity for students to use A-level mathematical skills in studying Economics, Econometrics, Actuarial Science, and Management Sciences throughout their degrees. Pre-requisite for ECON2041 One of the pre-requisites for...

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Applied Econometrics

The module will enable you to apply statistical and econometric techniques to the estimation and testing of economic models and for causal inference. It will thereby provide you with the skills necessary both to undertake your own empirical studies and to...

ECON Dissertation: Prelim Info

This is a blended learning module to provide students with the basic tools and information necessary to embark in their third year dissertation modules.

Economics Skills and Employability 2

Intermediate Macroeconomics

This module will equip students with the central concepts of macroeconomics, building on the foundations laid in ECON1021 Principles of Macroeconomics. Students will gain a clear understanding of the equilibrium behaviour of economies at the macro level. ...

Intermediate Microeconomics

This module will familiarise students with the central concepts of microeconomics, building on the foundations laid in ECON1001/ECON1003. Students will gain a clear understanding of the role of the price mechanism in organising economic activity and of ch...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:

Class Inequality and Social Mobility

This module looks at the changing nature of class inequality and social mobility in the UK and internationally.

Development Economics

The module will introduce students to the economics of development.

Dynamic Macroeconomics

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...

Econometric Theory

The module will familiarise students with the parts of statistical distribution theory and statistical inference that are essential to a full understanding of econometrics and applied statistics. It will give student a thorough introduction to the theoret...

Econometrics with Big Data

The module will proceed from a review of known content (like matrix algebra, linear regression, hypothesis testing) to more advanced topics such as multiple linear regression, heteroscedasticity, restrictions in hypothesis testing, issues of model misspec...

Games

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...

Global Health

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 ...

Industrial Economics

In this module we study the working of imperfectly competitive markets, the behaviour of firms in these markets, welfare implications and competition policy.

Introduction to Econometrics

This module provides an introduction to the nature and use of empirical investigation in economics. The module will familiarise students with the basic concepts in econometrics as well as outline the statistical theory underpinning econometrics and statis...

Operations Management

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...

Population Change in Low and Middle Income Countries

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:

Dissertation: Literature Review

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...

Economics Skills and Employability 3

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:

Behavioural Economics

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 ...

Choice and Decision

This module familiarises students with central concepts and findings in decision theory. It will explore in detail how decisions should be made, introducing normative benchmarks such as rationality and consistency, and will present how decisions are made,...

Dissertation: Research Project

This module forms the second part of a dissertation in Economics. You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work in form of composing a piece of economic research on your chosen topic. This is designed to demonstrate your ability to manage you...

Dissertation: Research Topics

This module forms the second part of a dissertation in Economics. You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work in form of composing two reports addressing specific economic questions. This is designed to demonstrate your ability to manage yo...

Empirical Finance

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...

International Macroeconomics

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...

International Trade

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 ...

Labour Economics

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.

Migration

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...

Principles of Finance

Public Economics

The objectives of this module are to introduce students to the major themes of public economics and to develop their skills in using microeconomic tools to analyse public policy.

Risk Management

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...

Strategic Management

Strategic management is central to the operation of a variety of businesses in different sectors and environments. The creation of a strategy and the management of its implementation are important in developing businesses that can create and sustain a com...

Topics in Macroeconomics

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...

Topics in Political Economy

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...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

20%

Scheduled learning & teaching

80%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
dissertations
essays
group essays
individual and group projects
oral presentations
self-assessment
teamwork
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

58%

Written exam

36%

Coursework

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Thomas Gall is the course leader.

Careers

Employability is an essential part of our economics courses. We make sure our graduates are prepared for a successful career or further, postgraduate study. Throughout the course you'll take a skills and employability module, designed to boost your professional skills.

You can also take modules to enhance your employability in particular areas. You could study social enterprise and finance modules that use our Financial Laboratory (FinLab) - the same technology used by city traders.

You'll gain vital transferable skills that will qualify you for a wide range of careers in economics.

Our students have gone on to work as:

economists
actuaries
statisticians
investment analysts
financial advisers
accountants
management consultants
business analysts
marketing professionals

We also run Student Innovation Projects during term time.

Our careers and employability service will support you throughout your time as a student, and for up to 3 years after graduation. It can help you to find work placements and graduate jobs, as well as offering specialist careers advice.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

You can take a year in employment in the third year of your degree.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £20,340.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 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.

Scholarships and grants

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.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre 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.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

Economics (BSc)