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Plymouth Business School

BSc (Hons) Economics with Foundation Year

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UCAS tariff 32+ Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code L105
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

Whether you want to be a financial forecaster, a researcher or even a future leader of industry, our lively and involving economics courses prepare you for success. Develop the ability to analyse economic information through theoretical and practical research-based modules, and gain essential analytical and numerical skills.

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

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • In this year, you’ll experience a supportive environment to assist in the transition to successful study in higher education. You will learn about academic writing, critical thinking skills and begin to develop your research skills, as well as develop your knowledge and understanding through an introduction to key aspects of business, accounting and economics. You’ll also have the opportunity to do independent research into an area of your studies that interests you, with a supervisor to guide and support you through the process.

    Core modules

    ECN3100
    The World of Economics and Finance 30 credits

    This module will introduce you to a range of contemporary ideas within economics and finance. The module will use a range of contemporary real-world issues to demonstrate the relevance of foundation level economic and financial concepts for decision making.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    STO3001
    Global Business 30 credits

    The module will introduce the components, functions and context of a business. You will explore the impact of different models on business purpose, values, stakeholders and reporting. Aspects such as globalisation, sustainability, ethics and entrepreneurship will also be examined.

    100% Coursework

    STO3003
    Business Research Project 30 credits

    This module allows you to integrate subject specific knowledge and skills to investigate a specific topic relevant to your programme of study through a small-scale research project.

    100% Coursework

    STO3004
    Introduction to Business Research

    The module will enable you to develop business research at an introductory level and to develop a range of academic and professional capabilities. You will investigate research topics that will develop your understanding the importance of effective cross-disciplinary understanding and collaboration.

  • Year 1

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

    Core modules

    ECN4001
    Principles of Economics and Finance 40 credits

    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.

    50% Tests

    30% Coursework

    20% Practicals

    ECN4002
    Economics in Society 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    ECN4004
    Microeconomics and Macroeconomics 20 credits

    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.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    ECN4005
    Business Data, Decisions and Behaviour 40 credits

    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).

    80% Coursework

    20% Practicals

  • 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

    ECN5011
    Intermediate Microeconomics

    You will explore the concepts and theories of microeconomics at an intermediate level and apply them to the analysis of real world issues such as education choice, imperfect competition and industrial strategy, and risk and insurance. In this context, you will analyse the effects of policy interventions.

    ECN5012
    Intermediate Macroeconomics

    You will explore the concepts and theories of macroeconomics at an intermediate level and apply them to the analysis of real-world issues including monetary policy, fiscal policy, central banking, macroeconomic stability and financial crises.

    ECN5013
    Research Methods and Artificial Intelligence in Economics

    This module covers the philosophical foundations of social science research, contextualising to different schools of economic thought. It critically examines the research methods of both orthodox and heterodox economists, with a particular emphasis on how AI is transforming research tools, highlighting benefits, ethical concerns, and limitations. Practical uses of AI in economics research are considered.

    ECN5014
    Econometrics and Data Analytics

    This module introduces students to the field of econometrics and data analytics. The emphasis is on learning through the application of econometric and data analytic techniques to real world problems and data. The module considers how AI can facilitate and extend the application of traditional econometric approaches.

    PBS500CPD
    Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

    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

    ECN5003
    Environmental and Resource Economics 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    ECN5004
    Financial Markets and Decision Making 20 credits

    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.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    ECN5005
    International Economics: Trade and Finance 20 credits

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

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    PBS5001C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5002C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5003C
    The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

  • 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

    PBS600PLC
    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. 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

    ECN6001
    Advanced Economic Theory and Policy 20 credits

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

    65% Coursework

    35% Examinations

    ECN6007
    Game Theory and Strategic Behaviour 20 credits

    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.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    ECN6008
    Professional Practice for Economists 20 credits

    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.

    80% Coursework

    20% Practicals

    PBS6001
    Final Year Dissertation 40 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    PBS600CPD
    Continued Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

    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.

    Optional modules

    ECN6003
    Environmental and Resource Economics 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    ECN6004
    Financial Markets and Decision Making 20 credits

    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.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    ECN6005
    International Economics: Trade and Finance 20 credits

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

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

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

32+

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
PPP-MMP 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.
International Baccalaureate
24-25 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.
IELTS
If overseas and not studying English within IB – Must have IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.
Access courses
Pass access course (any subject) plus GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.
T level: Pass in any subject.
Irish Highers: 32+ points.
City and Guilds Level 3: We will accept with a minimum of Merit overall alongside a good GCSE profile, including English and Maths grade C / 4.
Cyprus Apolytirion:15/20 to 16/20 overall to include a pass in Maths and IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.
GCSE
GCSE’s or equivalent: Maths and English at Grade C/4 or City and Guilds; Key Skills Level 2 will be considered on an individual basis.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £5,760
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £480
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.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Classroom-based Foundation years
On 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to cap the home student fee for the Foundation year of this programme at £5,760, this will be applied from 1 August 2025. Subsequent years of this degree programme will be charged at the new standard rate for home undergraduate tuition fees of £9,535 per annum. Implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure.

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 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 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.

Meet our experts

  • 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
 

A new home to cultivate business leaders

Our Fitzroy Building has been transformed, becoming the new home of the Plymouth Business School, providing students with specialist facilities and social learning spaces.
Among these spaces for business, management, accounting, finance and marketing students, you'll find the Bloomberg Interactive Suite for tracking stock markets and The Cube - support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Watch our video visualising what the new building looks like.
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

  • ?Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

  • ?Committed to social, economic and environmental responsibility

  • ?Supporting the internationally recognised focus on sustainability and social purpose of the University

  • ?Leading business ready graduates onto a successful career and happy life

  • ?Supporting graduates to make informed choices based on current economic and market trends

  • ?Building students resilience and confidence

  • ?Promoting practical skills development