BSc (Hons) Business Economics

If you haven’t applied to the University of Plymouth for September 2019 entry, prior to the UCAS deadline, there may still be vacancies on your chosen course.

It’s not too late to apply

Open doors to a wide range of career roles including industry economist, financial risk analyst, credit analyst and policy adviser. Our accomplished and analytically-adept graduates are snapped up for high-flying and varied careers with KPMG, HM Treasury, Ernst and Young, and other private and public sector organisations. Our postgraduate programmes draw many students back to continue their learning.

• We’re very proud of our National Student Survey (NSS) 2018 return showing that 100% of our students agreed that staff made the subject interesting*
• All of our named awards share a core syllabus, stressing the integration of theory and evidence in economic analysis and research.
• Engage with current and past students with our Economics Society, and hear talks from visiting academics and professionals. The Economics Society also awards a graduation prize for best academic paper in the final year.
  
• We are one of a small number of institutions with a modern computer suite containing dedicated Bloomberg terminals giving you access to financial data and information.
  
• Join the Devon Junior Chamber and receive training and professional mentoring.
  
• Apply your skills in a work environment by taking our optional placement year, working full-time for a public or private sector organisation.
  
• Think sustainably – in your final year you may choose to take Environmental and Resource Economics and analyse the issue of environmental and resource scarcity and the possible policy responses to market failure. 

• Year 1
• Explore the world of economics and learn how to interpret economic data. Build up a range of principles and theories and develop quantitative methods and study skills that provide a firm foundation for further studies.

  Core modules

  • ACF103 Business Accounting

    Business Accounting introduces accounting as the measurement, recording and communication of financial information for the purpose of business decision making in the context of risk, sustainability and liquidity. Business Accounting exposes the practical application of a range of relevant accounting techniques which enable effective decision making process. On successful completion of the module students should be able to prepare, report and analyse the key financial statements for decision making purposes.

  • ECN1005 Contemporary Economics

    This module provides an introduction to selected contemporary economic topics and the basic tools of economic reasoning.

  • ECN1008 Economics in Action

    This module explores the application of basic economic concepts to a range of contemporary issues.

  • ECN1011 Principles of Economics A

    This module provides an introduction to the theories and concepts of modern microeconomics and mathematical techniques, and applies them to a range of contemporary issues.

  • ECN1012 Principles of Economics B

    This module provides an introduction to the theories and concepts of modern macroeconomics and statistical techniques, and applies them to a range of contemporary issues.

  • ECN1014 Introduction to Business and Financial Economics

    The module provides an introduction to the subject of business and financial economics it combines an understanding of theory and frameworks with the practical skills necessary to apply acquired knowledge to a business, industrial or financial context.

• Year 2
• Develop your knowledge of theories and methods that are central to modern business economic analysis. Study micro- and macroeconomics in depth and improve your quantitative skills with econometrics to help enhance your career prospects. You have the opportunity to learn about contemporary business economics and have a choice of taking further economic or business options.

  Core modules

  • ECN2005 Econometrics

    This module provides an introduction to basic econometric techniques with an emphasis upon learning through practical investigation and experimentation.

  • ECN2006 Microeconomics

    This module develops concepts and theories of microeconomics analysis at an intermediate level and applies them to a range of contemporary issues.

  • ECN2008B Contemporary Business Economics

    This module develops and applies concepts of economics and industrial organization to the analysis of the behaviour of firms, industries and markets.

  • ECN2012 Macroeconomics

    This module develops concepts and theories of microeconomic analysis at an intermediate level and applies them to the analysis of real world issues of macroeconomic stability, growth and government policy.

  • EPIE200 Placement Preparation

    This module is aimed at students who will be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their degree. It is designed to build on skills learned in Stage 1 and helps students in their search for a placement, and in their preparation for the placement itself.

  Optional modules

  • ACF201 Financial Institutions and Markets

    This module deals with financial markets, instruments, and institutions. The coverage includes the bond market, the stock market and the foreign exchange market. The module also introduces investment banking and mutual funds.

  • ACF205 Management Accounting

    Students will study management accounting, including areas such as budgeting, costing and variance analysis.

  • ACF206 Financial Accounting and Reporting

    The module will explore the presentation and interpretation of an organisation's financial statements. This will include the study of corporate governance along with consideration of the UK financial reporting regulatory framework, assurance and current reporting issues.

  • ACF209 Taxation

    The taxation module introduces students to the UK tax system and provides them with the necessary technical skills and underpinning knowledge to be able to prepare tax computations for UK individuals. Whilst the module has a technical bias the students are encouraged to gain understanding of the principles and rationale behind the functions of the tax system and be able to discuss current issues in taxation.

  • ECN2009 Economic Perspectives

    This module provides an introduction to the philosophy of science and considers economics within that context. The course introduces the different schools of thought within economics and examines different methodological approaches used within the social sciences, with a core focus on those used by economists.

  • ECN2011 Financial Economics

    This module provides an introduction to financial economics. The course considers theory, empirical evidence and practical application.

  • ELC203 English for Academic Purposes

    This module develops students' level of English in order to operate effectively in an academic context at stage two.

  • FREX01 French 1

    This module is designed for beginners in the language, or those whose previous qualification/experience is not equivalent to GCSE grade B. It develops communicative competence at a basic level, enabling students to establish and maintain adequate social relations with speakers of a foreign language, negotiate everyday needs in a foreign country, and communicate using spoken and simple written language in a limited social or work setting.

  • FREX02 French 2

    This module is designed for students whose previous qualification/experience in the language is at least equivalent to GCSE grade B, or as a progression from Basic. It develops communicative competence at an intermediate level, improving students' ability to establish social and working relations with speakers of the language, to understand key aspects of the target culture, and to handle useful routine writing and reading tasks.

  • SPNX01 Spanish 1

    This module is designed for beginners in the language, or those whose previous qualification/experience is not equivalent to GCSE grade B. It develops communicative competence at a basic level, enabling students to establish and maintain adequate social relations with speakers of a foreign language, negotiate everyday needs in a foreign country, and communicate using spoken and simple written language in a limited social or work setting.

  • SPNX02 Spanish 2

    This module is designed for students whose previous qualification/experience in the language is at least equivalent to GCSE grade B, or as a progression from Basic. It develops communicative competence at an intermediate level, improving students' ability to establish social and working relations with speakers of the language, to understand key aspects of the target culture, and to handle useful routine writing and reading tasks.

  • STO205 An Introduction to International Business

    This module explores the changes in the world economy because of globalization and the strategic choices that a multinational corporation must make in such a globalized world. It examines the role of international trade and foreign direct investment in creating a more integrated world economy. Further it addresses the risks associated with foreign exchange transactions as also the advantages of regional economic integration such as European Union. Finally it deals with the firm level issues such as supply chain management, human resource management and financial management in the global context.

  • STO209 International Logistics and Supply Chain Operations

    This module deals with issues in the Global Supply Chain, this would typically involve, logistics, customer service, inventory management, transportation, materials handling, management of logistical information, inbound logistics and purchasing, the global logistics environment, supply chain strategy(ies), performance measurement.

• Optional placement year
• Get paid for hands-on work experience and develop your economic flair during our optional industrial placement. We support you to find the most suitable private or public sector placement, where you develop your range of skills to benefit your future career.

  Core modules

  • EPIE300 Placement Year

    The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation.

  • EPIE301 The Placement Project

    This module requires students to produce a project relating to their placement experience.

• Final year
• In your final year, you’ll learn more about the global economy and specialise in business topics of your choice, including economic modelling and game theory.

  Core modules

  • ECN3017 International Economics

    This module explores the economic implications of globalisation by investigating current trends in international trade and capital markets.

  • ECN3019 Games and Strategy

    This module develops and explores ideas in game theory, and applies them to the analysis of a range of contemporary economic, business, political and social problems.

  • ECN3020 Economics Project

    This module allows students to undertake supervised economic research in an area of interest to them using quantitative or qualitative research methods.

  • ECN3024 Professional Practice for Economists

    This module develops professional practice skills by developing capabilities to critically apply economic methodology (i.e. concepts, theories and techniques) in ways typically used by professional economists. The module demonstrates the importance of economics to the study of business and society.

  Optional modules

  • ACF309 Auditing

    The auditing module is a balanced mix of theory and practice in auditing. Students will consider and discuss the need for audit in society as well as the views of those critical of today's audit function. An opportunity to study auditing scandals will help students to understand and appreciate not only the challenges faced by the auditing profession but also how current auditing standards and regulation has been developed. Students will also learn how to audit through studying the theory behind the audit process and then how to apply the theory through the use of practical examples and a computerised case study.

  • ACF311 Credit Management: Theory and Practice

    This module provides in-depth knowledge of how to manage trade, consumer and export credit. It explores the economic importance of credit and the contribution it can make as a competitive device to add value to organisations.

  • ECN3016 Environmental and Resource Economics

    Modern economies heavily depend on natural resources and substantially affect the natural environment. This module develops and applies eco­nomic theories and concepts relevant to the analysis of environmental and resource issues. It explores environmental and resource policies at the national and international stage.

  • ECN3018 Economic Growth and Development

    This module covers issues in economic growth and development. The focus is on studying the proximate (i.e. factors accumulation and productivity) and the fundamental (i.e. institutions, culture, geography and climate) determinants of economic growth.

  • FREX01 French 1

    This module is designed for beginners in the language, or those whose previous qualification/experience is not equivalent to GCSE grade B. It develops communicative competence at a basic level, enabling students to establish and maintain adequate social relations with speakers of a foreign language, negotiate everyday needs in a foreign country, and communicate using spoken and simple written language in a limited social or work setting.

  • FREX02 French 2

    This module is designed for students whose previous qualification/experience in the language is at least equivalent to GCSE grade B, or as a progression from Basic. It develops communicative competence at an intermediate level, improving students' ability to establish social and working relations with speakers of the language, to understand key aspects of the target culture, and to handle useful routine writing and reading tasks.

  • SPNX01 Spanish 1

    This module is designed for beginners in the language, or those whose previous qualification/experience is not equivalent to GCSE grade B. It develops communicative competence at a basic level, enabling students to establish and maintain adequate social relations with speakers of a foreign language, negotiate everyday needs in a foreign country, and communicate using spoken and simple written language in a limited social or work setting.

  • SPNX02 Spanish 2

    This module is designed for students whose previous qualification/experience in the language is at least equivalent to GCSE grade B, or as a progression from Basic. It develops communicative competence at an intermediate level, improving students' ability to establish social and working relations with speakers of the language, to understand key aspects of the target culture, and to handle useful routine writing and reading tasks.

  • STO301 Operations Management for Competitive Advantage

    This module brings a strategic and problem-focused view to operations management, concentrating on spheres key to operations based competitive advantage, both in goods and service based industries. Particular consideration is given to operations strategy, supply chain management, lean thinking, performance measurement, quality management, project management and topical developments.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc Economics programme specification 0989

UCAS tariff

88 -104

A levels
88-104 points including a minimum of 2 A-Levels. This course considers general studies.

BTEC
18 Unit BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM–DMM in any subject.

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.  

GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and english at grade C or above.

International Baccalaureate
26 - 28 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5.

Other

14-19 Diplomas are accepted – please enquire. 

Other combinations and non-A level qualifications also considered.

Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a foundation year to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.

English language requirements.

For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary