Economics BSc (Hons) • City, University of London

This course is for 2021/22 entry. 2022/23 entry is also available.

Key information

This flexible degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in economics, business and finance. You will study economic theory and learn to apply it to a range of real-world political and social issues. Building on your current ability, you'll develop highly desirable mathematical, statistical and analytical skills.

Start date

September 2021

UCAS code

L100

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years with placement year

Institution

City, University of London

Location

Northampton Square

Entry requirements

Below is a list of countries with information on each about which qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:

IELTS:

6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

PTE Academic: 59 overall with a minimum of 59 in each component.

English language programmes

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner, INTO City, University of London offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Apply now

Open day

Course overview

Economic theory is highly relevant and applicable in today’s rapidly changing world. From the impact of immigration, to the organisation of healthcare systems, economics touches on all areas of modern life.

This three-year degree provides a thorough understanding of economic theory, with a focus on the practical link between theory and real-world application. You’ll learn the mathematics and statistics that underpin economics, and develop quantitative and analytical skills to evaluate wider social and political issues.

Develop desirable transferable skills for a broad range of careers in economics, business, finance and beyond
Acquire analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills, alongside a deep understanding of economic theory and ideas
Stand out from the crowd with a professional placement year – past students have undertaken placements with organisations like the Department for Work and Pensions, GlaxoSmithKline, RBS and HM Treasury
Study abroad with an optional exchange in Europe, America or further afield
Enjoy professional and social opportunities through the student-led Economics Society
Follow in the footsteps of recent graduates who now work for major global corporations.

Accreditation

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is the world's largest professional body of management accountants offering the most relevant accounting qualification for a career in business.

If you are considering a career in finance and business, the CIMA qualification will open doors with employers all over the world. On completing this course, you will be able to apply for 4 exemptions - all Certificate in Business Accounting modules (BA1, BA2, BA3, BA4).

Structure

Course content

This degree develops your understanding of applied economic theory and analysis, before building up to more complex and specialist study.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Placements

Year 1

Lay firm foundations for future study, exploring economic theory and the real-world application of economics. Build on your current mathematics knowledge.

Topics in Applied Microeconomics (15 Credits)

Provides an examination of the application of microeconomic theory to a range of topics in health, economic regulation, behavioural economics, game theory, development economics, financial economics, etc.
Topics in Applied Macroeconomics (15 Credits)

Provides an examination of the application of the macroeconomic theory reviewed in EC1009 ‘Introduction to Macroeconomics’ to a range of topics in public and business policy.
Introduction to Microeconomics (15 Credits)

This module provides a basic introduction to microeconomic principles, theories and methods of analysis, and a framework for applying these to real-world economic problems.
Introduction to Macroeconomics (15 Credits)

This module provides a basic introduction to macroeconomic principles, theories and methods of analysis, and a framework for applying these to real-world economic problems.
Data Analysis 1 (15 Credits)

In Data Analysis 1, you will understand how an economist thinks and works. You will be introduced to the collection, manipulation, representation, interpretation, analysis, evaluation and presentation of statistical data.
Data Analysis 2 (15 Credits)

Building on the knowledge and skills acquired in Data Analysis 1, the purpose of this module is to expand and deepen your understanding of statistical data analysis and inferential statistics.
Mathematics for Economists Post GCSE 1 (15 Credits)

This module, together with Mathematics for Economists Post GCSE 2 and 3, will provide you with sufficient mathematical training to deal with the most relevant basic theoretical concepts contained in the rest of the economics course.
Mathematics for Economists Post GCSE 2 (15 Credits)

Having taken Mathematics for Economists Post GCSE 1, this module will introduce you to further manipulative techniques in mathematics at a post GCSE level.
Mathematics for Economists Post A Level 1 (15 Credits)

This module increases your knowledge base and provides insight into the role of mathematics in economics.
Mathematics for Economists Post A Level 2 (15 Credits)

Having taken Mathematics for Economists Post-A Level 1 this module increases your knowledge base and provides more insight into the role of mathematics in economics.

Year 2

Develop your knowledge of micro- and macro-economics. Discover how economics is applied to your areas of interest by choosing two elective modules.

Intermediate Microeconomics 1 (15 Credits)

This module is devoted to the theory of the behaviour of individual agents in the economy. In particular, we will study the behaviour of consumers and firms, and how they interact in competitive markets.
Intermediate Microeconomics 2 (15 Credits)

This module is an extension of Intermediate Microeconomics, Part 1. Topics will include the analysis of the different market structures, monopoly and monopsony and oligopoly. To understand the latter, a brief introduction to game theory will be offered.
Intermediate Macroeconomics 1 (15 Credits)

This module builds upon Introduction to Macroeconomics (EC1009) by covering each of the main theoretical models of macroeconomics in the context of both closed and open economies.
Intermediate Macroeconomics 2 (15 Credits)

This module builds upon Intermediate Macroeconomics 1 (EC2015) by applying the main theoretical models of macroeconomics to important applied areas such as the macroeconomics of economic growth and the microfoundations of macroeconomics.
Introductory Econometrics (15 Credits)

The purpose of this module is to equip you with the basic econometric knowledge and skills expected of an Economics graduate at this level, and to lay foundations for your further study.
Intermediate Econometrics (15 Credits)

The module builds on the classical linear regression model to study estimation and inference problems arising in empirical economics. The theory is presented at an intermediate technical level, and you are trained on how to use and understand modern computer software.
Mathematics for Economists Post GCSE 3 (15 Credits)

This module will introduce you to mathematical techniques for analysing functions of more than one variable, and relate these through examples to some of the basic topics found in your economics courses.
International Trade (15 Credits)

This module is designed to expose you to the major theories of international trade in order that you gain a balanced perspective both on the advantages and disadvantages of free trade.
Intermediate Mathematical Methods (15 Credits)

This module aims to teach you the basic mathematical tools that economists use to perform rigorous analyses of economic problems.
Global Financial Markets (15 Credits)

This module develops a theoretical understanding of the nature and functions of financial markets, financial intermediaries and financial instruments in an international context.
Public Economics (15 Credits)

This module studies welfare states, and will provide you with efficiency and equity arguments for understanding the shape of welfare states (in particular in the UK) and assessing the desirability of this type of state intervention.
History of Economic Thought (15 Credits)

The module will provide an introduction to the History of Economic Thought and will consider economic thought from a variety of perspectives.

Year 3

Deepen your expertise with applied econometrics and financial economics. Tailor your studies to your professional interests with elective modules from a wide selection in economics, finance, law and more.

Applied Econometrics (15 credits)

Building on the material covered in Introductory Econometrics, the module covers a variety of econometric theories and techniques in practice.
Financial Economics (15 credits)

This module offers you a chance to study the main principles of finance, its importance to the economy as a whole and the use of economic methods in developing new theories.
Economics Project (30 credits)

This model aims to develop and assess your ability to find, interpret and present material making use of the various elements of the taught modules.
Corporate Finance (15 credits)

In this module, you will learn the key concepts that underpin modern corporate finance and their relevance to business capital structure and corporate governance.
Introduction to Financial Derivatives (15 credits)

This module presents an overview of the main characteristics of financial instruments and trading practice, with an emphasis on quantitative aspects of options, futures, and other derivatives.
International Finance (15 credits)

This module gives you an introduction to the body of literature in international finance. On successful completion of this module, you will be able to display knowledge and understanding of the international linkages between national economies in the goods and financial markets.
Monetary Economics (15 credits)

This module aims to provide a stylised history of the field, an evaluation of the major debates concerning the macroeconomic role of money and an explanation of how these debates have influenced the design and conduct of contemporary monetary policy.
Development Economics (15 credits)

The purpose of this module is to introduce you to some of the topics of new development economics, which is based on the union of a progressive social awareness with rigorous economic analysis.
Industrial Organisation (15 credits)

This module is designed to meet the demand by firms and economic consultancies at home and abroad for professionals having an integral knowledge of all aspects of structural and strategic firm decision making.
Company Law (15 credits)

This module provides a general introduction to company law & business organisations.
Advanced Quantitative Economics (15 credits)

The microeconomic theory component of the course will cover fundamental concepts and issues in general equilibrium theory. The time-series econometrics component of the course will provide you with an introduction to the theory and methods used in modern time-series econometrics.
Money and Banking (15 credits)

This module will develop a theoretical understanding of the nature and functions of the banking system, its relationship with central banks and regulators, and the historical development and role of central banks.
Nations and Firms in the Global Economy (15 credits)

This module studies the main characteristics of the Economic integration process in the light of the Microeconomic and Macroeconomic tools of economic theory.
Experimental Economics (15 credits)

A module in microeconomics, builds upon Intermediate Microeconomics 1 (EC2014) by applying and testing microeconomic theory in the lab and field.
Computational Economics (15 credits)

The first part of the course will cover some basic concepts in coding and some popular Python packages. The second part will teach you on how to use computing techniques to solve specific economic problems.
Topics in Behavioural Economics (15 credits)

This module is designed to provide you with an overview of the insights gained from incorporating psychology into economic models, an area of research referred to as Behavioural Economics.
Global Political Economy of Development (15 credits)

In its approach to development, this module bridges international politics and political economy to demonstrate the role of international organizations, institutions, and actors in promoting (1) domestic political institutions and (2) social welfare policies needed for promoting development.

Placements

You will have the option to complete a one-year work placement between years two and three of your degree, putting your skills into practice in a real-world setting. If you choose this option you will graduate with a BSc in Economics with Integrated Professional Training.

Download course specification:

BSc Economics

Teaching and assessment

The Economics BSc (Hons) at City is a versatile, wide-ranging degree, designed to give you a solid understanding of the economics discipline and its far-reaching relevance and application.

You will learn with dynamic academic staff in a highly energetic and supportive department. Our economics staff covers a broad range of disciplines within economics. Thanks to the sheer diversity of the expertise that makes this course stand out, you will benefit from a range of economic perspectives.

You will learn the basic theoretical or technical points relevant to each module through a fascinating series of inspiring lectures. Seminars will then enable you to actively explore and develop your understanding of the topics through thought-provoking discussion, problem-solving, computer exercises and presentations.

Assessment methods

Assessment is based mainly on coursework and unseen examination. Your coursework may consist of:

Standard essays
Individual and group presentations
Group reports
Classwork
Unseen tests
Problem sets.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The balance of assessment by examination, practical examination and assessment by coursework will to some extent depend on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2018/19 entry is as follows:

Assessment

Year 1

Written examination: 62%

Coursework: 38%

Year 2

Written examination: 86%

Coursework: 14%

Year 3

Written examination: 69%

Coursework: 31%

Overall workload

Each module has a credit value of 15 or 30 credit points. Each credit point represents approximately 10 hours of student learning and assessment.

A 15 credit module would typically consist of 2 weekly lectures and one weekly class for ten weeks, giving a total of 30 taught hours, plus 120 hours of independent study, giving a total learning time of 150 hours.

The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2018/19 entry is as follows:

Workload

Year 1

Scheduled learning: 20%

Independent learning: 80%

Year 2

Scheduled learning: 20%

Independent learning: 80%

Year 3

Scheduled learning: 20%

Independent learning: 80%

Fees and funding

Fees for year 2021/22

£9,250

Overseas/EU

£16,780

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2021/ 22 academic year only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase, which is normally 2%.

Funding options

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

Fee waivers are available for this course.
Means tested support is available for 2021/22 entry.

Future finance loans

Future Finance offers students loans of between £2,500 and £40,000 to help cover tuition fees and living expenses. All students and courses are considered. All loans are subject to credit checks and approval for further details please visit our finance pages.

Career

With a focus on real-world application, this flexible degree will prepare you for a range of career and postgraduate study opportunities.

You will develop transferable skills that are in high demand with employers, such as problem solving, a deep understanding of economic ideas and theory, and their real-world application.

Our graduates are in high demand, with alumni from our programmes currently working at organisations such as:

KPMG
Bloomberg
PwC
Deloitte
HM Treasury
Ernst & Young
the Department for Transport
Goldman Sachs.

Placement support

Our expert Careers Service and academic staff will work with you to find a placement that meets your area of interest and career ambitions. You will stay in close contact with your personal tutor throughout your placement year, including a visit to your place of work.

Our recent economics undergraduate students have undertaken placements at a number of high-profile organisations, including:

Department for Work and Pensions
Financial Ombudsman Service
GlaxoSmithKline
Goldman Sachs
HM Treasury
Ministry of Defence
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
RBS Group.

How to apply

Applications for degree courses must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Apply now

You can apply through your school or college using the Apply system, which enables you to submit your application directly to the UCAS website.

www.ucas.com

You can apply to up to five universities or institutions on the form. The UCAS code for City, University of London is C60.

Please take care to enter the correct course code when applying, particularly for subjects with a Foundation year or with BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) options.

UCAS has implemented an 'invisibility of choices' policy so that, on the initial application and while you are receiving decisions, each institution can see only their entry and not those of other institutions you have chosen. This ensures that your application for a course at City is considered solely on your academic and personal qualities.

You should submit your completed application form to UCAS with a £23 application fee. If you want to apply to City, University of London only, you can make a single choice application at a reduced rate of £12.

For general enquiries about the admissions process at City, please contact our Admissions Office:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7040 8716.

Telephone lines are currently open between 10am - 3pm.

If your enquiry is about admission to a particular course, please use the contact details provided on the course page.

When to apply

Your application for entry in September 2021 should arrive at UCAS between September 2020 and 29^th January 2021. Applications that arrive after 29^th January 2021 will be considered only at City's discretion.

Contacting UCAS

Website: www.ucas.com

Address: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3LZ

Telephone:

from inside the UK 0871 468 0468
from outside the UK +44 (0)871 468 0468

For callers with hearing difficulties:

from inside the UK use the Text Relay service on 18001 0871 468 0468
from outside the UK dial +44 151 494 1260 (text phone) and then ask the operator to dial 0871 468 0468.

Our students

BSc (Hons) Economics graduate Hamza shares his experience on the course, the pathways and modules available and his advice for future students. 6 minutes

Academics

Dr Alev Atak-Atalik

Lecturer in Economics (Res & Educ)

Department of Economics

Professor Klaus Zauner

Professor of Economics

Department of Economics

Sergiu Ungureanu

Lecturer in Behavioural Economics

Department of Economics

Key information

Entry requirements

UK

Other suitable qualifications

Access to Higher Education

INTO City, University of London

Kaplan International College (KIC) London

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