Economics

A Brighton Economics degree prepares you for varied and rewarding career paths, including roles in economic analysis, policy development, financial services, consulting and government agencies.

Economics at Brighton is in the top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)

Top 10 in the UK for economics courses and 1st for teaching satisfaction – the Guardian University Guide 2026

In the National Student Survey 2025, Economics at Brighton ranked:

• 1st in the UK for teaching

• 1st in the UK for academic support.

Studying here at Brighton, you’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter your background. This course is packed with opportunities to build real-world experience, including a paid placement following year two. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Brighton graduates go on to work in a variety of roles including at investment banks, commercial banks, accountancy firms, building societies and insurance companies.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Explore modern and critical approaches to learning about economics, informed by economists around the world, and learn how to use and analyse data – a proficiency expected in graduate jobs.

• Economics at Brighton is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects – Complete University Guide 2026.

• Get hands-on from year one via specialist Bloomberg terminals that give you access to data used on trading floors around the world.

• Choose to specialise in data science or finance, with that subject added to your degree title.

• Boost your CV with an optional paid placement year and apply your learning to a real-world setting. Our students have completed placements at companies including American Express, Bank of America, Credit Suisse and KPMG.

• Learn with our highly skilled team of economists and guest traders who bring a wealth of real-world experience and case studies into the classroom.

• The University of Brighton is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – an accreditation achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools globally.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Economics
Less than an hour from central London, Brighton & Hove is home to an active financial hub, with large employers, innovative start-ups and specialist consultancies. This environment offers our economics students lots of opportunities for networking and placements as well as real-world economic and policy insights close to campus.

Named one of the best cities on the planet and the third best city in the UK by Time Out, Brighton is also a bustling hub for technology and entrepreneurship.

Course Modules

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in economics and quantitative methods, exploring key concepts such as innovation, scarcity, property, the credit market and market dynamics. You’ll develop essential skills in data analysis and empirical research and gain insights into financial systems.

Core modules
The Economy, part 1
The Economy, part 2
Quantitative Methods
Introduction to Financial Markets
Financial Analysis
Applied Statistics

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of the core economic theories of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, and decide whether to keep your studies broad or specialise in data science or finance.

Core modules
Intermediate Microeconomics
Introduction to Econometrics
Environmental Economics
Intermediate Macroeconomics

Options*
Programming for Data Science
Financial Management
Money, Exchange Rates and Trade
Development Economics
Applied Business Analytics
Applied Machine Learning
Financial Modelling and Dealing

Optional Placement Year
You’ll have the option to undertake a work placement year. This means you’ll graduate with relevant, real-life work experience which employers value highly, giving you a distinct advantage when it comes to securing the right job after your course.

Year 3
In your final year, you’ll build on the pathway you’ve chosen, engaging with contemporary economic issues, global challenges and policy debates. You’ll have opportunities to lead seminar activities and apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed over your course.

Core modules
Contemporary Issues in Economics
Labour Economics
Dissertation for Economics and Finance

Options*
Applied Econometric Techniques
Experimental and Behavioural Economics
Financial and Capital Markets
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Finance and Risk Management
Game Theory in Economics, Finance and Business
Investment Management
Carbon Accounting
Banking and Money
Quantitative Trading and Investment with R
Data Mining
Placement Project

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.