Economics

Explore your passion for economics on this inclusive BA course. You'll examine topics that matter to you through portfolio-style assessments in a collaborative and creative environment.

• Enjoy the freedom to explore economics creatively on this BA degree course and discover your own passion for economics.

• Explore your interests and build a showcase for future interviews through our creative portfolio-style assessments.

• Benefit from strong industry links on a course filled with real-life situations from a wide range of global backgrounds and work experience opportunities.

Economics at Bath Spa University is about becoming the kind of economist you want to be, with space to experiment, debate, and bring your own interests into the classroom. What sets Economics apart is its commitment to creativity, personalisation, and close-knit learning, meaning you will study Economics in a place that values innovation, diverse viewpoints, and the courage to challenge conventional thinking.

BSU values social inclusion, and we pride ourselves on the commitment to empower all students to succeed in higher education, and this is achieved through individualised one-to-one guidance, and continuous feedback throughout your degree.

The structure of our BA Economics degree is intentionally student-centred. You make choices about your research topics, project formats, and areas of special interest. Modules are designed to scaffold together smoothly, giving you a clear and supportive progression from foundational knowledge to more advanced, applied economic thinking.

Our strong emphasis on community, and small group teaching, means you study in an environment where you are known, supported, and encouraged to bring your perspectives into the classroom. Film nights, interactive workshops, and academic events create a culture where students feel confident contributing to discussions and exploring new ideas.

Above all, the university’s creative ethos means that Economics isn’t taught as a rigid formula, it’s approached as a dynamic, global, people-centred discipline, giving you the space to grow into a thoughtful, adaptable economist, with a voice of your own.

Course modules

Course structure

Year one
In your first year you'll study fundamental modules in economics, statistics, business, finance and entrepreneurship to help establish a common core of knowledge.

Your economics modules will introduce you to neoclassical theory but also to its applications in a range of topics, and encourage you from the start to explore current events and industries that you are interested in.

The statistical module will focus on teaching Excel skills and graphical methods of analysing economic data, rather than pure maths. You'll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge by engaging with interdisciplinary modules in business, finance and entrepreneurship. This expansion will give you a holistic understanding of the world in which economics operates.

Year two
In your second year you'll develop a more in-depth understanding of key theories in micro and macro economics. You'll explore different perspectives of political economics being used globally and learn how to design and assess effectiveness of economic policies in areas such as trade, energy, social policy etc.

In addition, you'll further advance your numerical, digital and analytical skills. Optional modules offer the ability to customise your journey and this is when you can choose to do a year-long professional placement or a shorter work placement module.

Year three
Your third year focuses on developing your research skills through modules exploring contemporary issues and the many different tools available to investigate them, sustainability from a business or law perspective and your final research project.

You'll also have further customisation opportunities this year with even more optional modules, allowing you to tailor your learning to your interests. You'll also have the opportunity for a summer work placement.

Professional Placement Year

A Professional Placement Year (PPY), traditionally known as a sandwich year, is where you undertake a period of work with an external organisation for between 9-13 months. The placement occurs between your second and final years of undergraduate study. You can engage in multiple placements to make up the total time and are required to source the placement(s) yourself, with support from the Careers team.