Economics and Finance

This course teaches you to apply economic theory and analysis to real-world financial problems. It provides you with the subject knowledge to understand key developments in global markets and the challenges faced by economies alongside building the technical and analytical skills you need to find innovative solutions. You gain an in-depth understanding of the main ideas and principles of modern economics and finance, and how they shape the operation of businesses, policies of governments and interactions between countries.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• New business analytics suite to support data analytics, 'big-data', data mining, SEO and other management skills needed in today's workplace

• A well-equipped London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) trading room to access economic data and enhance your financial skills

• Access to industry-standard applications and platforms to aid practical learning including Sage (via Sage Cloud), LSEG data platform and econometrics software STATA

• Gain competencies in key digital skills such as Excel through our Microsoft Office training platform

Career-powered links

Our students benefit from our collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Your student experience

Benefit from our connections with top financial firms, including Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, PwC, and Deloitte, along with professional bodies like the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Our links with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) opens up opportunities to attend their networking events; representatives also visit the University as conference speakers.

Our business analytics suite and state-of-the-art trading room give you the opportunity to simulate real-world economic decision-making; you experience what it’s like to be on the trading-room floor, reacting to live ‘stock-market’ data and building international investment portfolios.

Build your transferable skills and experience in critical thinking, problem solving, presentation and team working as well as in using information technology.

Learn from masterclasses from industry experts, benefitting from their experience and keeping at the leading edge in the finance field.

Enhance your student experience with field trips to major financial institutions including the Bank of England, London Stock Exchange and Lloyd's of London.

Learn from professionals and explore the latest industry thinking at our annual conference.

Working with the University’s Research and Innovation Service (RIS), get involved in solving real-life problems for businesses, from start-ups to established corporations, through our business development packages.

Companies that have benefited from our business development packages include Vauxhall; Drax Technology; the Royal Air Force; Luton and Bedford Borough Councils; and a range of national charities.

Course modules

Year 1
Introduction to accounting and business technology – Understand core principles of business, the role of accounting, and the use of IT tools like SAGE and Excel. Introduction to economics and finance – Explore micro-economics, macro-economics and key finance principles. Applied numeracy for business – Develop key numeracy skills vital for future employability. Beginning your professional business journey – Take on business challenges and collaborate with peers in a professional environment.

Year 2
Data analysis for finance and economics – Use relevant software to analyse data and economic relationships and to inform policy and business decisions. Economics – Explore micro-economic theory in addressing issues faced by individuals, households and firms. Professional development and employability – Develop key employability skills like efficient communication, effective networking and successful teamwork. Fundamentals of econometrics – Use statistical inference to bridge economic theory and actual, variable behaviour. Financial theory and practice – Gain understanding of contemporary financial instruments and markets. Data and research methods for business – Learn research methods to support critical research in business issues.

Year 3
Financial management – Gain skills to maximise shareholder wealth through efficient resource allocation. International economics – Understand the key areas of world economy, international trade policies, investment and finance, and how they impact on each other. Applied economic policy – Analyse current economic affairs and government policies, evaluating the performance of the UK and other economies. Business project – Apply high-quality research and data to a current issue or challenge within your specialist area, producing a rigorous research-informed project on the topic.

Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.

Different assessment methods are chosen to evaluate and support your learning in understanding and applying economics and finance theories to real issues. The assessment strategy is also focused on enhance your employability throughout this course. A pivotal element of this is that feedback will be given in due time so it is integrated in the learning process.

Some of the assessments are listed on the course page and in some cases they will be used in combination. In addition your knowledge and skills will be also formatively assessed through problem solving sessions or case study discussions.