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Economics and Finance with Foundation Year

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 5 Years
  • Sandwich including foundation year
  • 09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Stag Hill
More about University of Surrey

Course options

2026-2027
Apply

Course summary

Foundation courses
A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads in to a full degree programme. It’s a great option if:
You don’t have the grades for a full degree course
You have non-traditional qualifications or experience
You’re starting university after some time away from education
You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study.

During a foundation year you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get used to university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.
As a foundation year student, you’ll be a full student of the University and part of our community. You’ll have access to all our campus facilities and support.

Why choose this course

  • Together with a grounding in core economics topics, you will study the advanced financial decision making, theory of financial markets, and the practice of risk management, to prepare you for your future career.

  • Take the opportunity to get industry-ready with our award-winning Professional Training placements.

  • On this bachelor Economics and Finance degree, you will build key communication, leadership and employability skills which will prepare you to enter economic or finance roles and/or undertake further study in the areas of business and finance.

  • You will develop your analytic abilities to train you as a skilled economist so that you can succeed in today's global financial economics job market.

  • All our Economics degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), fast-tracking your career by giving you exemption from some professional examinations.

  • Our teaching is at the forefront of the field and is influenced by finance questions brought to classrooms by research active academics. Many of our academic staff are advisers to governments and world-renowned organisations.

What you will study
All our economics students follow the same first year in order to build a solid foundation on which to specialise. This means you can choose to transfer to the BSc in Business Economics and Data Analytics or Economics from your second year or continue with the Economics and Finance BSc.

All our programmes include two compulsory employability modules where you will obtain advice and feedback on CV and cover letter-writing, and how to prepare for an interview. You will also be encouraged to think about what kind of career you wish to pursue and how to start working towards your future goals.

The first-year modules are designed to provide you with a broad range of basic tools, skills and knowledge that you will develop in the course of your programme. You will study introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics as well as the mathematics essential for an economist to know. First year modules also comprise of introductory statistics and data analysis modules.

In the second year, you will start to specialise in your interests, economics and finance. In addition to studying microeconomic, macroeconomics and econometrics now at an intermediate level, you will complete several finance modules. After laying down the fundamental models and concepts of financial economics, the modules will move onto more specific topics in finance (e.g. financial accounting, quantitative portfolio theory and investment).

In your final year, you will continue to study finance-related topics but can also choose six optional modules in addition to two compulsory ones. We offer a long list of specialised modules, some of which are more technical than others, all taught by lecturers conducting research in various fields in economics. You will be able to choose to study further finance-related topics or explore other specialised fields in economics to equip you with invaluable skills for your career.

Modules

To see the full range of modules for this course please visit our website. The link is under course ‘contact details’. You will also find full details of the programme, including assessment methods, programme structure, contact hours and Graduate prospects.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Stag Hill

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Sandwich including foundation year • 5 Years

Start dates

  • 09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
L114
Institution code:
S85
Campus name:
Stag Hill
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Foundation

University of Surrey has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
L114
Institution code:
S85
Campus name:
Stag Hill
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

International applicants

We are proud to be one of the most culturally diverse universities in the UK, with more than 140 nationalities playing a role in university life. Our International Recruitment team are here to help you throughout the application process – from advising on choosing the right course to applying for a visa and preparing for your first few weeks at Surrey. You can contact them via international@surrey.ac.uk

Applicants who require a Student Visa to study in the UK:
To apply for a Student Visa, you must have a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) for the University you wish to study at. This is a unique number which will enable you to apply for your visa. The University is under no legal obligation to sponsor any individual and exercises caution with respect to issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to avoid risking its status as a Student sponsor. Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) will be issued in accordance with the Student Route and CAS Issuing Policy, available at: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/apply/policies

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Economics and Finance with Foundation Year at University of Surrey: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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    Hi! I’m a Norwegian international student who has done my whole higher education abroad. As could be guessed from my degree I love reading, and I’d love to one day work in the publishing industry. I’d love to chat about the course, experiences, hobbies and uni social life😊

  • Gurtaran

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    Hi! I’m Taran, a Civil Engineering MEng student at the University of Surrey. I have completed a year in industry, having gained experience through a placement year and summer placements at large engineering consultancies. These opportunities have helped me understand what civil engineering looks like in practice, especially within the water and infrastructure sectors, and confirmed my interest in building a strong technical career after graduation. I’m particularly interested in how civil engineering projects shape communities and manage real-world challenges like flooding, sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. At university, I’ve enjoyed the balance between technical problem-solving and practical, software-based coursework, and I’ve learned a lot about managing workload, exams, and placements alongside personal goals. I know choosing a degree (and a university) can feel overwhelming, so I’m happy to chat about civil engineering, placements, the MEng route, student life at Surrey, or anything else you’re unsure about. Feel free to message me — I’m always happy to help!

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    Hello! I’m a second-year Business Management and French student at the University of Surrey. I have a strong interest in public relations and hope to pursue a career in crisis PR in the future. Alongside my studies, I currently work in marketing for a destination wedding company. If you’re thinking about studying business, languages, or any arts-related subject, feel free to ask me any questions. I’m also happy to chat about student life and studying at Surrey. Don’t hesitate to get in touch! <3

  • Freya

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Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - CCC

Overall: CCC We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking in our offers. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM

Overall: MMM

Access to HE Diploma - D: 21 credits M: 3 credits P: 21 credits

Overall: QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall including 21 at Distinction, 3 at Merit and and 21 at Pass. Additionally, A-level Mathematics grade B is required. GCSE or Equivalent: Inclusion of GCSE English and Mathematics equivalent within Access programme

Scottish Higher - BBBCC

Overall: BBBCC GCSE or Equivalent: English Language: Scottish National 5 - C. Maths : Scottish National 5 - B Applicants must have achieved these Scottish National grades at the time of making their application.

Scottish Advanced Higher - CCC

Overall: CCC GCSE or Equivalent: English Language: Scottish National 5 - C. Maths : Scottish National 5 - B Applicants must have achieved these Scottish National grades at the time of making their application.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 points

Overall: 29 GCSE or Equivalent: English A HL4/SL4 or English B HL5/SL6 and Mathematics (either course) HL4/SL4.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Overall: Pass overall with CCC from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels. Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted for either route. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element. GCSE or equivalent: Please check the A-level drop down for the required GCSE levels.

Extended Project - A

Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects. Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English Language at Grade C (4). Additionally, GCSE Mathematics at Grade B (5) (or equivalent). Applicants must have achieved the required GCSE grades at the time of making their application.

T Level - P

Overall: Pass overall, with minimum D in the Core Component. GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 5 (B). Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.

Applications are considered on an individual basis, taking into account qualifications achieved, predicted grades, personal statement and academic reference. Conditional offers are specified in terms of required grades; we do not make offers in terms of overall UCAS tariff.

We understand that predicted grades are an estimate and will consider applicants who have predicted grades that are a little lower than our published requirement. Any offers we make will align with the grades shown above unless a grade reduction can be offered under our Contextual Admissions policy or our In2Surrey scheme. Details can be found here: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/schools-colleges/contextual-admissions-policy

Applicants with a mixed qualification profile (e.g. those taking A-levels and BTEC qualifications) are encouraged to contact admissions@surrey.ac.uk for guidance on the grades accepted.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.56.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.

View the other English language qualifications that we accept: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/apply/international/english-language-requirements

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 5 other economics (foundation only) courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Surrey, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
CCC Most common
  1. BCC
  2. Highest grades
  3. CDD
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

82% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

65 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

90 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for up-to-date information on our fees for 2026/27:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/undergraduate-2026-entry

Sponsorship information

The University of Surrey offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support our students, please visit https://www.surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/scholarships-and-bursaries for more details.

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