Plymouth Business School

BSc (Hons) Economics

UCAS tariff 112 - 128
UCAS course code L101
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time

Location Plymouth

Financial analyst, consultant, policymaker, entrepreneur, market researcher, academic – every organisation needs an economist. Our modern and skills-focused economics course will prepare you for success. The core syllabus stresses the integration of theory and evidence in economic analysis and research. This course also emphasises the continuous acquisition of key analytical, numerical and independent research skills. An optional financial pathway is available.

Economics

Careers with this subject

Competition for graduate jobs is fierce. The combination of academic excellence and practical knowledge we encourage on this course will help you stand out when it comes to entering the world of work.
Our students graduate ready to take on all sorts of finance and economics roles – from industry economist to financial risk analyst.

Real experience every step of the way

As well as expert-led teaching, all undergraduate modules within Plymouth Business School have integrated CV building activity, for example, through micro-credentialing, problem-based learning, or embedded direct employer activity. 
We have ensured every module contains a real world problem-based exercise. We have reached out to employers directly to involve real business in our assessments. You will experience real world employee engagement every month. 
We know this is key to student academic and graduate success.

Careers service

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, networks - working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features

  • We emphasise a real-world application based approach in many modules which integrates theoretical and evidence based analysis in order to best support your development as a professional economist. 
  • We recognise that our students are diverse with different backgrounds and interests. Our course offers contemporary electives enabling you to tailor your degree to your personal interests. In addition to our flexible economics pathway we offer a financial economics pathway that allows you to specialise in international trade and finance. 
  • Enhance your employability by completing a placement year between your second and final year. You will be supported by the University's excellent careers service and dedicated placement preparation sessions.
  • A programme not only designed to develop your skills and capabilities as an economist but also to offer numerous opportunities to build your CV in other ways for example through opportunities for micro-credentialing, engaging in real world problem based learning and active researching. We do this because we know it is key to student academic and graduate success.
  • The Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite allows students to research fields such as corporate finance, derivative markets, portfolio and risk analytics, real-time data and investment simulations.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Lay the foundations for future study by building a comprehensive overview of core economic theory and its use. 

    Core modules

    • Principles of Economics and Finance (ECN4001)

      This module provides an introduction to core principles of both economics and finance. It explores some basic concepts and techniques involved in economic and financial analysis at an introductory level and considers the relevance of economics and finance to broad areas such as business decision-making and risk management.

    • Economics in Society (ECN4002)

      In this module you will consider a range of contemporary issues within society and explores how the basic tools of economic analysis can be used to gain insight and understanding of those issues.

    • Microeconomics and Macroeconomics (ECN4004)

      This module will provide you with an introduction to the theories and concepts of modern microeconomics and macroeconomics techniques, applying them to a range of contemporary issues.

    • Business Data, Decisions and Behaviour (ECN4005)

      The module introduces the area of data analytics and the role of data in business decision making. You will explore the use of accounting, economic and financial data and common decision making/analytical frameworks in informing business decisions. You will go on to examine major themes of management decision making (i.e. processes, models and analytical methods) and basic statistical analysis in the context of supporting and informing a number of key business decisions (e.g. pricing, investment).

  • Year 2

  • Study micro- and macroeconomics in depth and improve your quantitative and analytical skills with the study of econometrics and research methods. You can add to this, an elective module or choose to specialise in financial economics by selecting it as a pathway. 

    Core modules

    • Intermediate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics (ECN5001)

      You will explore the concepts and theories of microeconomics and macroeconomics at an intermediate level and apply them to the analysis of real world issues such as education choice, industrial strategy, insurance, central banking, macroeconomic stability and crises, drivers of prosperity and the motivations behind policy interventions.

    • Applied Econometrics and Research Methods for Economists (ECN5007)

      This module introduces you to both theoretical and empirical aspects of economic methodology. It considers economics within the general framework of scientific philosophy, introducing different schools of thought and different methodological approaches within economics. Practical aspects of economic methodology are illustrated in the application of econometric methods.

    • Careers and Professional Development (PBS500CPD)

      This module is aimed at enhancing students employability skills and knowledge especially those 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

    • Environmental and Resource Economics (ECN5003)

      Modern economies heavily depend on natural resources and substantially affect the natural environment. This module develops and applies eco¬nomic theories and concepts relevant to the analysis of environmental and resource issues, exploring environmental and resource policies at the national and international stage.

    • Financial Markets and Decision Making (ECN5004)

      The objective of this module is to give you an understanding of the structural organisation of financial markets, and the role they play in the economy and to introduce the basic concepts in modern finance. You will undertake a detailed study of financial markets, e.g. the stock market, the bond market, the derivative markets and analyses financial decision-making through different models of stock and bond valuation and uses of financial derivatives. You will examine different ways of assessing risk, different ways of putting risk and return together, and portfolio building. The course considers theory, empirical evidence and practical application.

    • International Economics: Trade and Finance (ECN5005)

      In this module you will explore the economic implications of globalisation by investigating current trends in international trade and international finance.

    • The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business (PBS5001C)

      Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.

    • The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade (PBS5002C)

      In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.

    • The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action (PBS5003C)

      Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.

  • Optional placement year

  • Get paid for hands-on work experience and develop your economic flair. We support you to find the most suitable private or public sector placement. Apply and deepen your knowledge to develop a range of skills that will be invaluable to your future career. 

    Core modules

    • Placement Year (PBS600PLC)

      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. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.

  • Final year

  • Learn more about the global economy and specialise in business, finance, environmental or economics topics of your choice, including economic modelling and game theory. 

    Core modules

    • Advanced Economic Theory and Policy (ECN6001)

      This module explores the application of advanced economics to a range of contemporary theoretical and applied policy related issues in economics.

    • Game Theory and Strategic Behaviour (ECN6007)

      In this module you will explore ideas in game theory, applying them to the analysis of strategic behaviour and decision making in contemporary economic, business, political and social life. You will also investigate the challenges that arise from strategic interactions and potential solutions.

    • Professional Practice for Economists (ECN6008)

      This module will advance your capacity to apply and critically evaluate a range of economic methodologies commonly used by professional economists. You will also develop further your skills in reporting economic analysis in a professional manner.

    • Continued Careers and Professional Development (PBS600CPD)

      The Continued Career and Professional Development module is a development scheme designed to enhance students’ employability and builds on the stage 2 module. The stage 3 module focuses on providing students with information on graduate options and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for articulating and recording achievement and applying for graduate positions. The module also includes a number of workshops and events designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge, with the purpose of filling gaps in their CV’s and enhancing their employability.

    • Final Year Dissertation (PBS6001)

      The module builds upon research and study skills developed in earlier modules. Students are required to undertake supervised independent research into a marketing or economics field of their choice. Use should be made of appropriate research qualitative and / or quantitative methodologies.

    Optional modules

    • Environmental and Resource Economics (ECN6003)

      Modern economies heavily depend on natural resources and substantially affect the natural environment. This module develops and applies eco¬nomic theories and concepts relevant to the analysis of environmental and resource issues, exploring environmental and resource policies at the national and international stage.

    • Financial Markets and Decision Making (ECN6004)

      The objective of this module is to give you an understanding of the structural organisation of financial markets, and the role they play in the economy and to introduce the basic concepts in modern finance. You will undertake a detailed study of financial markets, e.g. the stock market, the bond market, the derivative markets and analyses financial decision-making through different models of stock and bond valuation and uses of financial derivatives. You will examine different ways of assessing risk, different ways of putting risk and return together, and portfolio building. The course considers theory, empirical evidence and practical application.

    • International Economics: Trade and Finance (ECN6005)

      In this module you will explore the economic implications of globalisation by investigating current trends in international trade and international finance.

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 Prog Spec 7060

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

112 - 128

A level: 112 - 128 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. This course considers general studies.
BTEC:18 Unit BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM 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. 
T levels: Merit in any subject.
IB: 28 - 32 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level.
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.
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.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding

Student 2023-2024 2024-2025
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £16,300 £17,100
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs.

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2023/2024 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2023/2024 is £1,385.
Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

Tailor your degree to suit your career goals: choose your pathway

Our standard pathway

This pathway offers you a core curriculum combined with the widest choice of elective modules and free choice over your final year dissertation / project module. This could include areas such as environmental economics and international economics. The choice is yours.
Economics

Financial focus pathway

Aimed at students who know that they want to specialise and pursue career opportunities or postgraduate study in the broad areas of finance, banking and investment. You'll take modules in the area of financial economics and write a dissertation / project supervised by an expert in financial economics. 
Business Economics

Meet our experts

  • Lecturer in Economics
    Programme Manager. Specialist in macroeconomics and central Banking.
  • Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) in Economics
    Expert in regional economics, economics of sport, betting and foreign investment
  • Associate Professor (Reader) in Economics
    Expert in public and environmental economics
  • Associate Head of School (Undergraduate)
    Expert in regional economic development and entrepreneurship
  • Lecturer in Finance and Economics
    Expert in dynamic macroeconomics and international finance
  • Lecturer in Finance
    Qualified Chartered Manager and Fellow Member of the Higher Education Academy
  • Lecturer in Economics
    Experienced in international micro- and macroeconomics and trade applications
  • Emeritus Professor
    Specialist in credit management, management accounting and corporate finance
  • Professor of Finance
    Expert in international and financial economics and trade
Student blogs Shahana
Shahana, BSc (Hons) Economics Student
"I have always had a real passion for numbers and having an answer for everything – mathematics is the subject I have found the most fulfilling.

I identified early that economics would build upon my love of mathematics and that it was important for me to find a course that would enable me to channel my interest in the humanities, having studied history and geography at A level.

After considering multiple options, Plymouth remained the best choice for me due to the quality of the BSc (Hons) Economics course content as well as the course’s flexible structure of optional modules, which will allow me to carve a personal pathway that will guide me towards graduation and beyond"

Plymouth Business School

Fitzroy Building

The University of Plymouth is creating an exciting new space for the Plymouth Business School in which current and future students can foster the knowledge and enthusiasm that they will need to achieve their ambitions. Work is underway at the heart of our city centre campus. 
Watch our video visualising what the new building will look like.