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Economics (BA)

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 14 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

On our BA Economics degree, you'll be applying economics to important social issues such as climate change, poverty and inequality. You'll learn how policy makers can use economics to design solutions and evaluate their effectiveness.

To study this degree you do not need to have an A-level in mathematics, and you do not need to have studied economics before.

Our BA Economics degree is focused on policy development, the creative application of economic concepts, and communicating complex information simply. It covers similar topics in microeconomics and macroeconomics as the BSc, but the approach is more applied, looking at how each topic relates to the world around us.

Key Features of this course

  • A range of optional modules, allowing you to shape your degree.

  • You’ll focus on applying economics to real-world problems and building qualitative skills which are highly sought after by employers.

  • A tailored, policy-orientated dissertation module, which can prepare you for a career in government, industry or international organisations.

Student Support
You’ll be allocated a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who will be with you throughout your time at the University of Southampton, who can offer tailored careers advice.

Further information
The department of Economics is based at Highfield Campus, our oldest and largest campus, located close to Southampton Common. It's the academic heart of our University and home to social events, sports facilities and our Students' Union.

Modules

Please see the course page online for a list of core and optional modules.

Assessment method

We'll assess you using: coursework, lab reports and essays; dissertation; group essays; individual and group projects; self-assessment; teamwork; written exams

This course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 24th September 2026.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 14 September 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:
L102
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton 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:
L102
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
AAB

Typical offer: AAB and grade 6 in GCSE Maths

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: ABB plus grade A in the EPQ.

Offers typically exclude General Studies, Use of Mathematics and Critical Thinking.

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

DDD in the BTEC National Extended Diploma

Access to HE Diploma
D: 39 credits M: 6 credits P: 0 credits

Typical offer: 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit.

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).

Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from two A levels

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
DDD

DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DD

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus one A level

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact the Faculty of Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences Admissions Office at ugapply.fshms@southampton.ac.uk for more information.
Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34 points

Typical offer: Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level.

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP):

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.

Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A

AAB from three A levels or AB from two A levels and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

Extended Project
A

The University of Southampton values the Extended Project Qualification. Applicants taking the EPQ in addition to three A levels, will also be made an alternative offer one grade below the standard offer, conditional on an A grade in the EPQ. For more information on the University of Southampton’s EPQ Admissions Policy, please see our EPQ Admissions Policy webpage.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2

Typical offer: H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3, D3, M2

Typical offer: D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and GCSE Maths (minimum grade 6/B)

We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to the A level applicant.

For more details on the suitability of your qualifications please contact the Admissions Team at AdmissionsUG.SS@soton.ac.uk

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course.

We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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 further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

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