Economics

What is the BSc Economics?

The BSc Economics is a three-year degree, or four years with an optional placement or study abroad year.

You’ll study how economies work, how people and institutions respond to incentives, and how economic evidence is used to explain real-world outcomes. With an emphasis on analysis, data, and economic reasoning, you’ll build the confidence to interpret evidence, and apply quantitative insight to complex economic questions.

Why this course

The BSc Economics gives you the opportunity to analyse how people, markets, and governments behave - and the quantitative tools to make sense of a world defined by uncertainty, incentives, and change. If you want a degree that explores not just what is happening in the economy but why - and what to do about it - this programme gives you that foundation.

You’ll explore how economic decisions shape wellbeing, inequality, opportunity, and how societies function. You’ll learn how policy choices affect real lives, and how economists use data to create better outcomes. You’ll study micro and macroeconomics, econometrics, behavioural economics, development, labour markets, and public policy.

You’ll be taught within a department whose research informs decision-making on labour markets, behavioural change, financial regulation, and development, illustrating how economic theory connects to real policy challenges. Throughout your degree, you’ll learn to think like an economist; breaking down problems, analysing evidence, interpreting data, predicting outcomes, and communicating insights clearly and confidently.

You can also add an optional placement or study abroad year, applying your skills in industry or international settings and strengthening both your CV and your global perspective.

By graduation, you’ll have the foundational skills to pursue early careers in government, business, finance - any sector that values sharp analysis - or progress to postgraduate study.

Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.