About this course
This integrated master's degree in economics will help you understand advanced economic theory. You'll use facilities such as our Bloomberg Trading Suite and behavioural economics labs. You'll develop the analytical and research skills you need to become a professional economist.
Your A level results will determine which core or compulsory modules you'll need to take. Please see the programme specification for the most up-to-date module lists.
You'll gain a specialist knowledge of:
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microeconomics (the behaviour of individuals and businesses)
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macroeconomics (the behaviour of the economy as a whole)
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econometrics (applying mathematical and statistical models to economic systems)
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.
Our teaching staff are experts in the field, whose research has influenced international policy. Our facilities include the behavioural economics laboratory and the Bloomberg Trading Suite - a realistic trading room environment with the most detailed financial data available..
You'll graduate as a master of economics, with practical transferable skills essential to a successful career or continued learning.
As part of this course you can also:
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take part in a 2-week economics summer school at Xiamen University, China
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spend a semester abroad in your third year
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spend a year in employment
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gain vital work experience on our Student Innovation Projects
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
AAB or ABBB including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Although an Economics A level is not required, preference will be given to applicants taking at least one analytical A level subject ; that is, either Economics or a science-based subject.
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 (minimum grade B) 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 (minimum grade B)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 5 points at Higher Level Mathematics: (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)
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 Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A-level Mathematics
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC additional information
We only accept Engineering BTEC Extended/National Diploma
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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. In years 3 and 4 you'll study topics in more depth and carry out independent research.
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.
In the first 3 years you'll also take an employability module to help you plan your next steps.
Year 1 overview
Core modules provide a foundation in mathematical and statistical techniques, such as:
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optimisation
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elasticity
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probability
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hypothesis testing
You'll study macroeconomics to learn about measures of GDP, inflation and unemployment. You'll also look at perspectives on economic policy and explore the social world.
Year 2 overview
You'll take compulsory modules in macroeconomics and microeconomics. You'll learn how economies grow and the effects of monetary policy, as well as price mechanisms and strategies for analysing markets.
There are also advanced optional modules in:
- econometrics
- games
- financial markets
You'll also take a module to prepare you for your research project in year 4.
Year 3 overview
You'll complete a dissertation over both semesters. You'll research an economic problem of your choice, then show that you can use relevant arguments and techniques.
You'll also choose from a range of optional modules on topics such as:
- international trade
- risk management
- choice and decision
Year 4 overview
In your final year, you'll undertake an advanced research project. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that you can set your own objectives, study independently and communicate your findings.
You'll also study microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Further optional modules include topics such as:
- industrial economics
- economic policy
- corporate finance
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
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)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
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, ensuring you're equipped for a successful postgraduate career or further study. You'll be able to take an optional employability module designed to boost your professional skills.
You can also take modules to enhance your employability in particular areas. For instance, you can study social enterprise and finance modules that use our Bloomberg Trading Suite - the same technology used by city traders.
You'll graduate with transferable skills that will qualify you to work in a range of fields and industries.
Our economics graduates have gone on to work as:
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economists
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actuaries
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statisticians
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investment analysts
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financial advisers
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accountants
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management consultants
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business analysts
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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 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 2019). 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 £18,520.
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 that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented 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.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: L101
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
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
