Economics BSc (Hons)

Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    BSc: L101
    BSc with Foundation: L102

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Duration

    Full Time: 3 Years
    Foundation: 4 Years
    Part Time: 4 -6 Years

  • Starting

    September

  • BCC at A Level
    DMM at BTEC

  • UK Fees 24/25

    Full Time: £9,250
    Part Time: £1,540 (per 20 credit module)
    Foundation: £9,250

  • International Fees 24/25

    Full Time: £15,200
    Foundation: £15,200

  • Location

Get in touch


For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

International Students enquiries

international@northampton.ac.uk
+44 (0)1604 893981

Overview


Studying the University of Northampton’s BSc Economics degree 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.

 

Updated 18/03/2024

Highlights


  • Access to Bloomberg Finance Lab Facilities for Economics BSc degree students.
  • Optional work placement year.
  • Local and international study trips available.
  • First modern university in England to introduce CORE.
  • Free membership to Society of Professional Economists.
  • HP laptop and software included with this course for eligible student. Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply.

Course Content


  • This BSc Economics degree course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG10 of Reduced Inequalities and SDG12 of Responsible Consumption and Production.

    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 Economics BSc degree 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 economics degree is intended for those who are considering practising 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.

    Enhancing Opportunities through Bloomberg

    Bloomberg is the industry standard for economic, financial and other data provision and analysis; it is what financial traders rely on. It will enable you to obtain the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate, signifying that you can be functioning finance and economic consultancy professionals. The software even allows economics degree students to test trading strategies with real-life data. By giving you access to this resource ensures that your employability will be fully developed. It is a natural integral part of our active, authentic teaching and learning strategy.

    Society of Professional Economists Membership

    The Society of Professional Economists is Europe’s largest network of economists. By joining the 1300-strong group of vibrant and influential individuals, you show that you are committed to your profession and give yourself access to other professionals.

    Membership for Economics degree students includes regular monthly seminars, masterclasses from leading researchers to ensure members are at the forefront of knowledge and reduced-rate access to the annual conference and very popular annual dinner. Members are drawn from all areas of the profession including finance and commerce, industry, government departments, private sector consultants, business schools and universities.

    List of modules

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

      • Module code: DEV1001
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to introduce students to key social and cultural issues related to international development. Students taking this module will develop their understanding of issues such as gender, migration, and religion. By the end of the module students will be able to confidently debate and discuss the challenges of international development from different theoretical perspectives within the field.
      • Module code: ECN1014
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to introduce students to a range of key economic thinkers from the history of economic thought, especially thinkers that have either played a leading role in shaping economics as we know it today, or whose theories are still discussed today in relation to specific economic phenomena, such as economic crises. It will also introduce a range of different schools of thought, and will assess how economics as a discipline has changed over time. The module is designed to give students a solid theoretical platform on which to develop a critical perspective in the level 5 module ECN2011.
      • Module code: ECN1019
        Status: Compulsory
        This module provides an introduction to the mathematical concepts which are of key importance in economics for single and joint degree programmes. It aims to enable students whose background in mathematics is less rigorous to develop the understanding of essential mathematical techniques used in economics. The module also aims to introduce students to the use of data, descriptive statistics, correlation and simple regression analysis. The objective is to provide sufficient background to allow students to understand more advanced techniques used in Part 2 and Part 3 modules.
      • Module code: ECN1021
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the threshold concepts in economics.
      • Module code: ECN1022
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economics that can be used to understand and engage with problem solving in a wide range of contexts.
      • Module code: ECN1024
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to equip students with skills needed to develop technical analysis of economics related data, and demonstrate how these are applied in real world examples. It aims to introduce students to the use of Microsoft Excel, R and other statistical software that are essential for data manipulation and analysis.
      • Module code: ECN2013
        Status: Compulsory
        This module is designed to enable students to use the principles of economics acquired on the first-year undergraduate programme to develop a more analytic and critical understanding of microeconomics. The emphasis will be on showing how such understanding can lead to improved application of economic ideas particularly in policy making.
      • Module code: ECN2018
        Status: Compulsory
        The module gives those students who have already studied Economics at an introductory level the opportunity to consider in some depth the (new to them) key intermediate macroeconomic models which have influenced macroeconomic theorizing and policy making over the last one hundred years. The emphasis will be on showing how an appreciation of such models can lead to improved application of economic ideas in the process of making economic policy.
      • Module code: ECN2019
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to develop students? understanding of the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. The focus of the module is to help students to develop a toolkit of econometric techniques so that they can model economic problems with increasing rigour. The module also provides students with a thorough grounding in research methods, focusing in particular on the application of research methods and skills which have direct bearing on the development of their independent learning at both levels 5 and 6.
      • Module code: ECN2022
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is to equip students with the game-theoretic tools to analyse real world strategic situations. They will be able to analyse situations in business and politics with strategic complementarity or strategic substitutability.
      • Module code: ECN2023
        Status: Compulsory
        This module examines competing schools of economic thought. Students criticallly assess the underlying assumptions and mathematical framework of mainstream economics, and the degree to which it aids understanding of economic phenomena. Students apply different schools of thought to current economic issues, and contrast the insights with those of mainstream economics.
      • Module code: ECN2024
        Status: Compulsory
        This module exposes students to economics-related career opportunities, as well as provides them the opportunity to critically reflect on these opportunities and requisite skills. In addition, students will gain valuable insight into the sources of, opportunities and requirements for employment in Economics-related jobs and the challenges and rewards that such a career presents.
      • Module code: ECN2025
        Status: Designate
        This module introduces students to more complex areas of theory in the economics of economic growth and international development, with a focus on income and wealth disparities within and between countries, as well as groups of countries and regions. The module will also apply these theories to specific sectors and/or development issues.
      • Module code: ECN2026
        Status: Compulsory
        In this module students explore incorporating psychological and experimental insights to gain a view of bigger social processes, for example altruism, cooperation, and trust. Students also consider the possibility of incorporating these aspects into policy design to impact on human behaviour.
      • Module code: HRM2042
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is to provide the learner with the opportunity to examine and analyse the specific characteristics or behaviours, employability and job-related skills and knowledge required to be a successful and effective employee in their particular business sector/type of organisation.
      • Module code: ACC3007
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is to appraise the increasingly important aspect of multinational financial management in dynamic international business. It critically analyses the attractions and limitations of doing business in a global market, identifying the additional inherent risks that global market exposure produces and strategies in managing the global firm.
      • Module code: ECN3013
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to provide students with statistical, interpretive and practical skills they need to move seamlessly into graduate workforce by using advanced econometrics techniques. Also, to equip students with skills to manipulate data, evaluate, estimate and model business problems, functions and phenomena.
      • Module code: ECN3020
        Status: Designate
        This module explores key questions and issues of the international economy, including bargaining over climate change, raw material prices, as well as human and labour rights. Furthermore, students examine patterns of international trade and globalisation including barriers to trade and strategic trade policy
      • Module code: ECN3021
        Status: Compulsory
        This module provides students with the opportunity to explore modern macroeconomic theory, policy and practice. The module will equip students with skills needed to analyse macroeconomic behaviour and policies. In addition, the module enables students to analyse topical debates in the theory of economic policy.
      • Module code: ECN3022
        Status: Compulsory
        The module will equip students with skills needed to develop technical, as well as critical analysis of modern microeconomic policy issues, including cost-benefit analysis. Throughout the module emphasis is given to the idea of economics as a political as well as theoretical field, so as to obtain the abilty to apply advanced models in microeconomics.
      • Module code: ECN4001
        Status: Compulsory
        This module is designed to provide students with the skills to be able critically analyse key debates/theories/views associated with the chosen topic. Students must choose to research, analyse and discuss a `contemporary issue in economics?. Students will be expected to look at the topic chosen from an economics perspective while possibly incorporating other areas (politics or business, for example) into the discussion. The dissertation represents a significant final element of study where students can develop their own academic and intellectual interests. The module also allows students to develop their skills in research and independent work. The dissertation allows students to draw together different aspects of their study. They will have been required to select the topic and do the initial proposal as part of the Level 5 Research Methods for Economists module. The dissertation, therefore, represents a continuation of that work.
  • A typical offer for Economics would be:

    • BCC at A Level or
    • DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or
    • Pass (C and above) at T Level.

    We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

    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.

    Integrated Foundation Year Entry Requirements

    A typical offer for the Integrated Foundation Year would be:

    • DEE at A level or
    • MPP at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or
    • Pass (D or E) at T Level.

    We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

    For more information on how to make an application please visit our How to Apply pages for Home and EU, and International students.

    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.

  • 2024/25 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK Full Time: £9,250
    • UK Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
    • International Full Time: £15,200
    • International Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply

    For information on the scholarships available for the Economics BSc degree, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

    Additional costs

    There are no additional costs for this economics course for students beginning their studies in September 2024. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

    2023/24 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK Full Time: £9,250
    • UK Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
    • International Full Time: £14,750
    • International Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  • At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

    If you join our full-time BSc Economics degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

    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 in economics 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.

    To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

    *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

  • The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) for this BSc economics degree 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 this Economics course, we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Economics programme which includes a Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

    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.

    Please see our Integrated Foundation Year page for more details.

  • Do I need an A-Level in Maths to study BSc Economics?

    No, you do not need an A- Level in Maths to study on the Economics degree at the University of Northampton. We start teaching from the beginning, so we will teach you all the fundamental skills you need to know.

    What is the schedule for the Economics degree course?

    This economics 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.

    How will I be assessed?

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

    Are there any specific teaching tools for Economics?

    We have the Bloomberg Suite, which is the number one technology that is being used in industry, for example by Analysts and Stock Brokers to get all the latest information. As a Student at the University of Northampton you can complete the Bloomberg qualification for free, which will really boost your CV!

    Who are the Student Support Team?

    The Student Experience Support Team are a team of previous graduates of the University of Northampton, they are here to support all Faculty of Business and Law students by offering a friendly listening ear and ensuring students are aware of the numerous support systems that the University has to offer. The team provide confidential 1-1 meetings in person and online where they will signpost the students to the relevant support teams to ensure they are aware of the support available for them throughout their studies. You can follow the Student Experience Support Team to see the services they offer.

Staff


Careers and Employability


Our BSc Economics 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 BSc Economics degree can also lead to careers in fields such as the Civil Service, government (national and regional) and management consultancy. Graduates from this economics 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, or can give you a general management qualification such as the MBA.

University Facilities


Discover the facilities that you will use if you study a BSc (Hons) Economics course with us. One of our bespoke facilities is the Bloomberg Finance Lab, where you have access to specialist analytical computer equipment.

Bloomberg Finance Lab Facilities


Bloomberg is the industry standard for economic, financial and other data provision and analysis.

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Learning Hub


The Learning Hub is at the heart of the campus and home to the student information desk.

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Senate Building


The main reception for the University and additional teaching spaces.

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