BSc (Hons) Economics

Explore how economies work and shape the world. Choose to study pure economics or combine it with finance to gain powerful analytical skills that unlock careers in business, policy, and beyond. Ranked 8th in the UK, your future starts here.

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Typical offer: 120
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,790 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: L101
Course length: Various
Find out more
Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
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Study abroad option
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1^st in the UK for student satisfaction for economics (Complete University Guide, 2026)

1st in the UK for overall positivity for economics (National Student Survey, 2025)¹

Ranked 8th in the UK for economics (The Guardian University Guide, 2024)

Economics at Herts

Course overview

This degree is designed for future economists, analysts, and finance professionals who want to understand how economies function and how to make informed decisions in business, policy, and financial contexts. Whether you choose to study economics or economics and finance, this course equips you with a deep understanding of economic theory, applied skills, and the analytical tools needed to solve real-world problems.

You’ll explore topics such as micro and macroeconomics, data analysis, financial markets, public policy, and econometrics. From global economic systems to local business decisions, you’ll learn to: interpret data, evaluate options, and shape strategy using rigorous economic thinking.

What sets this course apart is its strong emphasis on practical, industry-informed learning. Modules such as: Economics in Professional Contexts and the final-year challenge project connect theory to real-world application, through consultancy-style projects, data-led research, and problem-solving tasks.

Upon course completion, graduates go on to careers in economic consultancy, financial services, data analytics, the public sector, and beyond. Roles include economic analyst, policy advisor, investment consultant, and business strategist.

With the option to complete a placement year or study abroad, and a curriculum shaped by current industry needs, you’ll graduate with the confidence, experience, and credibility to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Why choose this course?

Ranked 8th in the UK for economics (Guardian University Guide, 2024): This course offers a highly respected qualification with strong student satisfaction and teaching quality at its core.

Connect theory to practice: Modules like Economics in Professional Contexts and the final-year challenge project will develop your skills in data-led research, applied problem-solving, and live case studies based on real-world economic and financial issues.

Choose to specialise in economics or economics and finance: with the option to add a placement year, study abroad, or employment experience to boost your graduate prospects.

Learn from experts: Our academics are active researchers and former practitioners in government, finance, and consultancy. Their expertise means you’ll study economic theory that’s backed by real-world insight and cutting-edge research.

Graduate with clear evidence of your capabilities: Throughout your degree, you'll develop essential skills: data analysis, policy evaluation, and critical thinking, through the Skills for Practice module and co-curricular experience which will feed into your graduate success portfolio.

Develop key transferable skills: The variety of modules will develop your critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, communication, and digital literacy, that are valued across every sector.

Based just 25 minutes from central London: You’ll be ideally placed to access internships, networking events, and employment opportunities in the UK’s economic and financial hub.

Strong employment prospects: Over 90% of undergraduates are in work/study (Graduate Outcomes, 2025)².

Your future career

Economist skills are prized in the modern workplace, and choosing our modern course will open doors into different fields besides traditional economics. Explore how you can develop your skills to follow individual passions such as sustainability, technology or conservation. Over 90% of undergraduates are in work/study (Graduate Outcomes, 2025)².

Possible roles of employment for economics graduates include:

economic analyst
financial consultant
policy advisor
investment analyst
data and insights officer
business strategy associate.

Employability is built into every stage of the course, from applied projects and industry-relevant modules to professional skills development, ensuring you graduate with the experience, confidence, and qualifications to succeed in a wide range of economic, financial, and strategic roles.

What you'll study

The BSc (Hons) Economics course is structured over three years full-time, with flexible options to include a placement year or study abroad. You can choose between two tailored pathways, Economics or Economics and Finance, depending on your career interests and strengths.

You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on tutorials. Expect around 10–12 hours of contact time per week, supported by guided independent study, digital learning resources, and co-curricular skills development. All modules are assessed through coursework, in-class tests, presentations, and reports, mirroring the skills and outputs expected in the professional world.

In your first year, you'll focus on developing a strong foundation in economic principles, decision-making, and data literacy. You’ll also begin building your personal and professional skills through the Personal and Professional Development module.

In your second year, you'll build analytical and applied capability, introducing more complex economic and financial techniques. Modules are designed to bridge theory and real-world application, preparing you for optional placement or study abroad opportunities.

Your third year of study is designed for depth and professional readiness. You’ll explore policy-making, contemporary issues, and entrepreneurship, and complete a final-year challenge project, a substantial, independent piece of research or consultancy work.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop a Graduate Success Portfolio, capturing your skills, achievements, and experiences to support your transition into graduate employment or further study.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Economic Decision Making in Business	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module enables students to understand some of the dynamics of a modern business environment. They will appreciate how to appropriately frame business problems and effectively solve them, drawing upon the relevant economic and finance tools and techniques that are developed. Students will understand how to operate in groups, navigating the inevitable challenges and adopting a professional and reflective approach, which will be evidenced in their own personal development portfolio.
Principles and Issues in Economics	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module aims to introduce students to the key contemporary economic issues alongside the concepts and skills that enable them to meaningfully engage and tackle these successfully. The module will foster the students' appreciation of the key issues and concepts involved in the study of economics and finance in the modern economy, while enabling their transition to higher education.
Supporting Personal and Economics Professional Practice (SPP)	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module will support students as they transition onto their undergraduate degree. It will encourage students to articulate their individual learning requirements, so we can signpost opportunities for personal, professional and peer support. This module will nurture their personal skills in resilience, self-care, and time management to secure their wellbeing. It will introduce students to a wide range of academic skills to enable them to succeed, in Economics and Finance, ensuring they are aware of the regulations and relevant policies and procedures in support of their learning and success.
Applied Economics and Finance	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module covers the nature of markets including the determinants of demand and supply and the competitive environment within industries, including the role of the government in intervening in markets. The students are also exposed to the principles and concepts of macroeconomic analysis, including consideration of: unemployment; inflation; money; banking; government policies and international trade. The module also explores the need for capital by organisations and examines the different sources of available finance, along with the requirement for financial reporting.
Economics and Finance Skills	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module is an introduction to important mathematical and statistical techniques that are used in economics. The module covers, among others: basics of algebra, linear relationships in economic analysis, basic graphical analysis, simultaneous equations, differential calculus, optimisation, basics of probability theory, descriptive statistics, simple regression.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Career Development for Economics and Finance	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module enables students to acquire knowledge and personal skills to enhance their employment prospects whilst maintaining and enhancing their academic skills through labour market anlaysis. It will also help them acquire and reflect on work experience and evaluate these experiences in terms of their personal and professional development.
Developing personal and professional practice in Economics and Finance	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module will support students as they transition onto level 5 undergraduate degree. It will encourage students to review their individual learning progress and gaps, so that we can signpost opportunities for further personal, professional and peer support. This module will nurture their personal skills in resilience, self-care, and time management to secure their wellbeing. It will provide opportunity to practice some of the skills being developed within their overall Economics or Economics & Finance programme. It will ensure students are of the aware the regulations and relevant policies and procedures in support of their learning and success at level 5.
Economics for Management	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module examines how economic and finance concepts, tools and techniques, can be usefully applied to the analysis of business problems and issues, thus enabling effective business decision-making. The following are explored: the scope and method of business economics; competition in industry; tools and techniques of the business economist; demand estimation; investment appraisal and other key financial aspects; cost-benefit analysis; the role of finance within the effective organisation; the external economic environment and the macroeconomy, the main macro issues, their measurement and analysis.
Economics in Professional Contexts	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the foundations provided by the first-year module "Applied Economics and Finance" and the principles of "Economics for Management" to further examine microeconomic and macroeconomic issues on a more rigorous basis. It also provides insight into some of the principal models that have been devised to explain real-life events (at a micro or a macro / international level) and to consider the consequences of certain actions by economic agents and firms.
Modern Economics and Finance Techniques	30 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students will explore and interrogate real economic and financial data using Eviews, to draw valid conclusions by employing statistical and econometric understanding and techniques. The following will be covered: economic and financial statistics and their limitations; statistical methods – samples ,distributions and inferences; simple and multiple linear regression, the OLS approach and assumptions, model evaluation and addressing standard regression issues. They will recognise and develop these and wider employability skills though group project work, and their own work and volunteering experiences.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Contemporary Issues in Economics	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to further develop students critical understanding of the relevance and limitations in the analysis of economic and business performance and policy conduct in the contemporary context. Current real issues are examined in depth through identifying and applying appropriate economic approaches to evaluate policy responses and economic decision-making, including the importance of worthwhile, empirical measurement. The module also aims to enable students to interact with the wider UHBS research community through exploring current, live research projects therein.
Economics and Finance Policy	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to further develop students critical understanding of the relevance and limitations in the analysis of economic performance and policy conduct in the contemporary context. Insofar as theoretical developments are concerned, particular emphasis will be placed on the neoclassical, New Keynesian and selected heterodox economics thinking on the attainment of societal goals of economic efficiency and social equity.
Evaluating personal and professional practice in Economics and Finance	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module will support students as they transition onto their final year of their undergraduate degree. It will encourage students to evaluate their individual learning progress, to help them to recognise and establish future personal and professional career opportunities. This module will synthesise their personal skills in resilience, self-care, time management and wellbeing. It will introduce students to a wide range of academic skills to enable them to succeed at level 6, in Economics or Economics and Finance, ensuring they are aware of the regulations and relevant policies and procedures in support of their learning and success.
Economics Challenge Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
The dissertation or project offers the opportunity to undertake an individual piece of work that is designed to develop professional research skills relevant to a specific area of study or business challenge. Students will be allocated an academic supervisor/mentor who will meet with students to provide advice, guidance and feedback on a regular basis.
Enterprising Skills in Economics and Finance	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module delves into the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship, its importance to society and the individual personal opportunities that developing enterprise skills provides. Students will also work in a team to identify a new business opportunity and take this idea through the full business planning cycle.

What if I need support?

At Herts, you’ll be supported every step of the way. From day one, you’ll be matched with a dedicated Personal Tutor, your advisor, coach, and mentor, who will guide you through your academic journey, help you set goals, track progress, and support your personal and professional development.

In your economics modules, you’ll benefit from tailored support from your Programme Leader, subject-specialist module leaders, and experienced Teaching Assistants. They’re here to help you master complex theories, apply quantitative methods with confidence, and succeed in assessments.

You’ll also have access to the Future Success team, offering one-to-one career coaching, CV and LinkedIn advice, mock interviews, and exclusive access to internships, placements, and graduate roles. Whether you're aiming for a role in government, consultancy, finance, or policy, they’ll help you get there.

For academic development, the Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) provides personalised guidance on writing, numeracy, referencing, and study skills, supporting you to thrive in everything from econometrics assignments to your Challenge Project.

You’ll also be part of our vibrant business school student voice community, where student representatives work closely with staff to ensure your course remains inclusive, innovative, and relevant.

Wherever your path leads, economist, analyst, policymaker, or entrepreneur, we'll help you build the knowledge, confidence, and connections to get there.

Optional placement year

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge boost to your CV.

Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.

We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Disney, IBM, Porsche, Toyota, Body Shop, and Hugo Boss are just a few of the many organisations that have benefited from advertising and marketing placement students.

Find out more about work placements

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

Find out more about study abroad options

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge boost to your CV.

Disney, IBM, Porsche, Toyota, Body Shop, and Hugo Boss are just a few of the many organisations that have benefited from advertising and marketing placement students.

Find out more about work placements

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

Find out more about study abroad options

Where you'll study

You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. You also get online self-study materials to further support you.

There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.

Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in an inspiring space.

The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20 minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.

A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.

Who you'll learn from

Our teaching team brings together a rich mix of academic expertise and real-world experience. Many of our lecturers are active researchers in fields such as labour economics, international trade, behavioural finance, and public policy, ensuring your learning is informed by the latest developments and global economic trends.

Staff have worked in and with various organisations, and financial consultancies, bringing first-hand insight into how economic theory is applied in practice. Their experience spans both the public and private sectors, from regulatory bodies to multinational firms, giving you access to a wide-ranging, real-world perspective.

Several team members are involved in ongoing consultancy and policy advisory work, and often bring current case studies and live economic debates into the classroom. Their applied research and industry links enhance modules like Contemporary Issues in Economics and Economics and Finance Policy, giving students a nuanced understanding of current challenges facing the global economy.

You’ll also benefit from technical specialists who support your development in quantitative methods, data analytics, and econometrics, ensuring you graduate with the confidence and capability to work with data at a professional level.

This combination of academic excellence and applied knowledge ensures a learning experience that’s both intellectually rigorous and directly relevant to your future career.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	120
Typical A Level offer	BBB
Typical IB offer	120–128
Typical BTEC offer	DDM
Typical T Level offer	Accounting; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Animal Care Management; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Craft and Design; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design Production, Design and Development; Design Survey & Planning for Construction; Digital Business Services; Digital Support Services; Education and Early Years; Engineering. Manufacturing Processing and Control; Finance; Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics; Health; Healthcare Science; Legal Services; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Marketing; Media, Broadcast and Production; Onsite Construction; Science.
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses	120
Additional information	Find out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	120
Typical A Level offer	BBB
Typical IB offer	120
Typical BTEC offer	DDM
Typical T Level offer	Accounting; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Animal Care Management; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Craft and Design; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design Production, Design and Development; Design Survey & Planning for Construction; Digital Business Services; Digital Support Services; Education and Early Years; Engineering. Manufacturing Processing and Control; Finance; Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics; Health; Healthcare Science; Legal Services; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Marketing; Media, Broadcast and Production; Onsite Construction; Science.
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses	120
Additional information	Find out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
September 2026	Full time	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS
	Part time	Apply with Herts
September 2027	Full time	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS
	Part time	Apply with Herts

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Apply through Clearing

Make sure you've got your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

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Find out more before you apply

Our Clearing hotline is open for support, Monday - Thursday 9.00-16.45 and Friday 9.00-15.45. You can apply online at any time.

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,790 for the 2026/2027 academic year
UK students	Part time	£1,190 per 15 credits for the 2026/2027 academic year
EU students	Full time	£17,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year
International students	Full time	£17,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the Programme Specification.

More about the course

Programme specifications
Economics (Year Abroad) (Full time, Semester A Intake)	Download PDF
Economics (Full time, Semester A Intake)	Download PDF
Economics with Placement Year (Full time, Semester A Intake)	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years

BSc (Hons) Economics

Explore how economies work and shape the world. Choose to study pure economics or combine it with finance to gain powerful analytical skills that unlock careers in business, policy, and beyond. Ranked 8th in the UK, your future starts here.

What type of applicant are you?

Sign up for Clearing VIP Access

Get info and updates

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Typical offer: 120

Fees: £9,790 per year (UK)

UCAS code: L101

Course length: Various

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Study abroad option

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Your future career

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Optional placement year

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Where you'll study

Who you'll learn from

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

Undergraduate courses and degrees

Experience

Chat with students and staff

Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield