Economics BSc (Hons)

• Overview

  Studying our BSc Economics course will enable you to develop excellent problem solving skills that will allow you to solve real world challenges. You will learn to employ different perspectives of the major economic thinkers of the last two centuries to discuss real world issues that are faced by individuals, companies and governments.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  Course

  Highlights

  • Optional work placement year.
  • Local and international study trips available.
  • First modern university in England to introduce CORE.
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.

  HP Laptop and software included with this course.*

  *Terms and Conditions apply

  Apply Now Open Days

  
• Course Details

  The University of Northampton is the first modern university in England to introduce CORE, a problem-motivated and interactive way to learn economics.

  Unlike traditional economics education that start with simple models and a tenuous link to reality, CORE starts with reality and uses suitable economic tools. CORE combines different perspectives by organising the whole curriculum on the key themes of market power, imperfect information and social interactions. CORE is regarded by many employers as the cutting-edge approach to economics higher education.

  This course provides a solid understanding of both economic theory and the quantitative methods economists use in empirical analysis. You will be introduced to real world issues currently faced by individuals, companies and governments and their possible solution from the different perspectives of the major economic thinkers of the last two centuries. The BSc (Econ) Economics is intended for those who are considering practicing as an Economist in the future, in careers such as economic research, econometrics, forecasting as well as management finance and accountancy. It also provides an excellent basis for pursuing the study of economics at postgraduate level.

  You will benefit from staff who are experts in their areas, which include:

  • Banking and Finance Economics
  • Behavioural Finance
  • Monetary Economics
  • Econometrics
  • International Economics
  • Development Economics
  • Health Economics
  • Economic History
  • The Informal Economy

  Economists are employed in a variety of fields including local and national government, banking, insurance, industry and education. The analytical skills and training provided in the economic units will enable graduates to immediately start working in business or management as a career or in more specialised functional areas such as accounting or marketing.

  Schedule

  This course can be studied full-time over three years or over four years with an optional work placement year or foundation year. We also offer a flexible part-time option.

  Assessments

  We use a range of assessment methods on our courses. On this course you will encounter examinations, individual and group written work and presentations, as well as extended project work.

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  Optional Work Placement Year

  You are encouraged to undertake a year-long placement in between Stages Two and Three of study. If you meet the entry criteria, and choose to take up a placement year you will find it an invaluable experience that helps you to apply your learning in your final year and prepares you for your career. We offer a lot of support in helping you to find a placement, which can be in the UK or overseas.

• Careers and Events
  • The Northampton Employment Promise.

    *We promise to secure paid experience for you, if you need it.

    We work with employers to understand what they’re looking for and we’re confident that if you follow one of our structured awards, as well as committing to your studies you’ll be in a competitive position when it comes to applying for graduate jobs.

    We’re so confident, that we promise to secure a paid 3-6 month internship for you, if you need it. Find out more about the Northampton Employment Promise, including how it works and who is eligible.

    
  • Open Days

    See for yourself

    Our Open Days offer you a fantastic opportunity to get a real taste of university life at Northampton and discover how studying here will be a life-changing experience.

    Each Open Day has a packed programme of subjects talks, advice sessions and activities designed to give you all the information you need about studying at The University of Northampton.

    To find out more about the day, please feel free to have a look at our Open Day Guide.

    
  • Careers

    Career Opportunities

    Our graduates work in a variety of fields including national and local Government, banking, insurance, industry and education. Our graduates are also able to immediately start working in business or management as a career or in more specialised functional areas such as accounting or marketing.

    Studying a degree in Economics can also lead to careers in fields such as the Civil Service, government (national and regional) and management consultancy. Graduates from this course can choose to progress onto a full-time, part-time or distance learning course. Postgraduate study will enable you to focus your studies in specialist areas such as the MSc Economics or can give you a general management qualification such as the MBA.

    
• Requirements

  In addition to meeting the University’s entry requirements, a typical offer would be BCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC. You are required to achieve GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or above or level 2 Key Skill in Application of Number or a similar quantitative module.

  For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you would like more information on how to apply as an International student, please visit our How to Apply page.

  Foundation Study Framework Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation course is normally DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC. You will be required to achieve GCSE Mathematics at grade D/3 or above or Level 2 Key Skills in Application of Number or a similar quantitative module. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Contacts

  Course enquiries
  study@northampton.ac.uk

  Application status enquiries
  admissions2020@northampton.ac.uk

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  Enquire online
  Online enquiry form

  Applying for 2020
  Facebook Applicant Group

  Office hours:
  Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm
  Fri: 9am – 4.30pm

  Phone Call

  0300 303 2772

  +44 (0)1604 892134

  +44 (0)1604 892546

• Course Content
  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2
  • Stage 3
  • Foundation

  At the beginning of the course you will be introduced to microeconomics, macroeconomics, understanding economic data, mathematics for economists, introduction to key economic thinkers and the developing world. All modules are compulsory at this stage of the course so that you gain the necessary grounding in economic theory and analytical skills that will help you to successfully progress to year two.

  • Introduction to Key Economic Thinkers (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN1014

    Core Module Y
  • The Economy (40 Credits)
    Module code: ECN1018

    Core Module Y
  • Data and Mathematics for Economists (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN1019

    Core Module Y
  • Ideas and Actors in International Development (20 Credits)
    Module code: DEV1003

    Core Module Y
  • Communication, Freedom and Democracy (20 Credits)
    Module code: IRD1009

    Core Module Y

  At Stage two of the course you will build upon your knowledge by undertaking modules in intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics as well as data analysis. You will also be introduced to the influential thinkers in economics, from the major economic thinkers of the 18th and 19th Century to the leading economists of today. You will also have the opportunity to examine the role of labour economics in the modern era or the impact of finance and banking on the economy.

  • The History of Economic Thought (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN2017

    Core Module Y
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN2018

    Core Module Y
  • Intermediate Microeconomics (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN2013

    Core Module Y
  • Research Methods for Economists (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN2019

    Core Module Y
  • Career in Economics (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN2020

    Core Module Y
  • Financial and Monetary Economics (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN2021

    Core Module N
  • Game Theory (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN2022

    Core Module N
  • Development Economics (20 Credits)
    Module code: DEV2002

    Core Module N
  • Learning Through Work (20 Credits)
    Module code: HRM2042

    Core Module N
  • (Optional) The Placement Year Experience: Organisations in Context (40 Credits)
    Module code: HRM2053

    Core Module Y

  You will be able to broaden your understanding of economics at Stage Three, through modules in advanced microeconomics and macroeconomics. The dissertation module will give you the chance to research a topic of particular interest to you, you will also have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as econometrics, international economics, public economics and public policy, international money and finance and the political economy of development.

  • Economics Dissertation (40 Credits)
    Module code: ECN4001

    Core Module Y
  • Econometrics (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN3013

    Core Module Y
  • Advanced Economic Theory (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN3016

    Core Module Y
  • Applied Economics (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN3017

    Core Module Y
  • International Economics (20 Credits)
    Module code: ECN3005

    Core Module N
  • The Political Economy of Development (20 Credits)
    Module code: DEV3002

    Core Module N
  • International Money and Finance (20 Credits)
    Module code: ACC3007

    Core Module N

  • Investigations into your Subject Area 1: Business, Education and Social Sciences (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN011

    Core Module Y
  • Investigations into your Subject Area 2: Business, Education and Social Sciences (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN014

    Core Module Y
  • Investigation into your Subject Area 3: Changemaking (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN016

    Core Module Y

  Facilities &

  Special Features

  The BSc Economics is a varied course that delivers modules on every aspect of economics, with the opportunity to concentrate on your future career path. We have a built-in optional placement year that allows you to benefit from work-based learning and gives you the chance to put your theory to practice. The course content provides you with a solid foundation for future careers in business, management, government and politics.

  We organise local and international study trips to give you first-hand experience of the topics covered in the course, allowing you to apply theory to real life situations and enhance your knowledge.

  Our staff are active researchers within Economics and are experts within their field. Our staff are on-hand to support you with your learning and development. We also have a graduate tutor who can give you extra support with your studies.

• Further Studies
  • Student Profile

    Tania Bhutta

    Tania Bhutta, Final Year, BSc Economics student talks about her experience at the university

    “Studying at the University of Northampton has allowed me to reach my full potential. The lecturers have diligently encouraged me to excel in my capabilities, whilst actively cultivating any flaws. I will truly leave the university a much enriched, confident and proficient individual.

    The Economics Department has provided a deeply stimulating, enriching and inspirational three years to my academic study. The lecturers were very supportive, they were always happy to help.”

    
  • Student Profile

    Gheorghia Costandachi

    Gheorghia Costandachi, Second Year, BSc Economics student talks about her experience at the university

    “The Economic’s degree is a very interesting course that enriched my knowledge and gave precious experiences. We learn how money are used and how it affects the whole society and each of us as individuals. Teachers’ are very responsive and offer the support whenever we need. We have the chance to travel that gives a different perspective to our opinion and helps to understand how theories work in real life. It is a unique experience and valuable chance!”

    
• Fees & Funding
  • UK & EU
  • International

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  Foundation Framework: £6,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate).

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2019. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module
  Foundation Study Framework: £6,600 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,900
  Foundation Framework: £12,900

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2019. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,500
  Foundation Study Framework: £9,800 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)

  Scholarships

  EU and International Scholarships

  We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.

  Sir Thomas White Scholarship

  The Sir Thomas White scholarship will support and acknowledge an academically gifted student, with the proviso that the selection panel is confident that there is…

  TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

  The Chancellor's Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply.  The…

  Wilson Endowment Scholarship

  The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…

• Foundation

  Course information

  The Foundation Study Framework offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for Economics we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Economics programme which includes a Foundation Study Framework Year. The Foundation Study Framework will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  Course Structure

  In your first year of study on the four year Economics you will study three 40 credit modules that form the Foundation Study Framework. These are:

  • Investigations into your subject 1 – Academic & Investigation skills. Introduces the concept of research and provides the tools of how to do it, with short assessment tasks involving identifying resources and describing how they would be used.
  • Investigations into your Subject 2 – Employability and Professional Context. Provides a framework and opportunity to start relating research to own practice and employability – making connections.
  • Investigations into your Subject 3: Changemaking, Introduction to Social Innovation. Focuses specifically on the generation and development of ideas around our social development aspirations.

  Upon successful completion of these modules, you will progress to Stage two Economics.

  Typical timetabled week of study

  Foundation Study Framework teaching will be a combination of lectures, seminars and/or workshop based sessions. Each module involves a teaching contact time of 12 hours per week and you are also expected to engage in approximately 12 hours of independent study, to support your learning experience.

  Foundation study will help you to build a solid understanding of the study skills and general theoretical and practical aspects that will underpin Economics. Throughout all stages of your programme you will also be supported by a Personal Academic Tutor, to guide you through the learning experience and help you make informed study choices.

  Foundation study will enable you to acquire the necessary study skills to succeed in higher education, as well as developing your understanding of key subject concepts delivered through taught sessions, tutorials and online support.

  Visit our Foundation Framework page to learn more.

  Read more

*Course data provided by Unistats