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BA (Hons) Business Economics

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Key information

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Entry requirements
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UCAS code: L112
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
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Entry requirements

UCAS points A Level BTEC
120-128 BBB-ABB DDM

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
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.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International 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.
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UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
120-128	BBB-ABB	DDM

Why choose this course?

1st for teaching, learning opportunities and resources, academic support, and more (NSS*, 2022)
Overall student satisfaction of 96% (NSS, 2022)
8th in the UK for Economics (The Guardian University Guide, 2023)

*National Student Survey (NSS)

They say money makes the world go around, but it’s economic decisions that keep it turning, touching everything in our lives. Every decision counts, from the big political challenges of the day, how markets and businesses choose to operate, even our own personal lifestyle choices.

This is why governments, banks and businesses all turn to and rely on economists for vital help with analysis and advice. This could be your future role if you choose to study our highly acclaimed BA (Hons) Business Economics degree.

We will take you beyond theory, challenging you with stimulating discussions on traditional and non-conventional economic approaches, and the impact they have in the real world. Our course will boost your problem solving skills and develop you to think like an economist, adopting a logical and focused approach where you’re capable of evaluating hard facts and data.

These economist skills are so prized in the modern workplace, that choosing our course will open doors into different fields besides traditional economics. In a fast-paced technological age, fuelled by big data and AI, trained economists with the ability to analyse challenges, problem solve and create solutions, are already defining the future.

You will meet and learn from our alumni who work in key public and private sector organisations including roles in HM Treasury, Western Union, Content Guru, NIESR and Anglian Water. Plus, you can see that whilst many are in specialised economics roles, others use their skills to follow individual passions such as sustainability, technology, or conservation.

Your learning will also be inspired by leading experts who have successful careers in governments and other key institutions such as the Bank of England as well as forward-thinking academic economist researchers for the latest thinking and ideas.

This course sits within the Hertfordshire Business School, which is part of a wide-reaching Enterprise Hub with many business connections. We host our own Business Academy, where you can meet entrepreneurs–in–residence, business ambassadors, and industry leaders at networking events or in guest lectures. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you will be encouraged to enter the Flare annual competition for students and alumni looking to start their own businesses. Winners get support, training, and funding to help make their ideas a reality.

Our staff

With the majority of our teachers being active researchers (including several book authors), you will develop an understanding of how your learning is directly impacting the concerns and challenges we are tackling right now. Your course is led by a diverse, enthusiastic teaching team with a broad range of interest areas, providing you with a broad base of expertise. Industry backgrounds include global government employees, alongside those with a strong research pedigree.

Your teaching team is complemented by a dedicated academic support team, wellbeing team and personal tutor to help you adjust to the demands of university learning and living.

What's the course about?

You’ll learn how economists think, how they analyse, and how they problem solve. You’ll also study traditional theories including macroeconomics, microeconomics, and quantitative economics, alongside heterodox methods.

As you progress through the course, you'll be exposed to a wide range of real world problems encountered by individuals, businesses, and governments today. Critically, you’ll explore potential approaches to addressing them. You’ll study a variety of perspectives, and are encouraged to think independently, challenging theory where necessary and with good reason.

“In the second and third years of my Herts Economics course is where I really began to love the subject - and there were some great lecturers who covered fascinating topics. I thoroughly enjoyed expanding my knowledge into microeconomics, as well as delving into relatively new concepts such as game theory and econometrics. For me, these werethe subjects that stood out on the course and were delivered to a very high level. These subjects teach you a lot about the theory of economics but also a lot about how it can be applied to real world examples. Both have been immensely useful in my chosen career path and provided a level of analytical thinking I know that other graduates do not have. ”

Our assessments include written essays, work-based business reports and group presentations, which gives you a head start on developing the practical skills needed for your career.

As a caring and friendly university, we pride ourselves on our pastoral support, alongside high-quality teaching. You’ll benefit from a personal experience, including frequent contact to check your progress and wellbeing. Your personal tutor will help you stay accountable and on track.

Feedback from one student really sums it up: “Overall, without the support from lecturers and the programme leader I would not have had such a positive university experience nor gone on to study a master's course. The staff made me realise my potential which I then unlocked.“

Where you'll study

Your teaching is on our modern campus, with self-study materials to support you from our virtual learning platform, StudyNet.

You’ll study at the Hertfordshire Business School which is located on our large de Havilland Campus. You’ll be sharing this campus with others studying business, law, sports, education, and the humanities, as well as the Enterprise Hub and the Sports Village, which features a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop, and climbing wall and our Enterprise Hub.

There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. The Enterprise Hub is a vibrant destination where local firms and students can work and learn in comfort. In addition to open study spaces, our Learning Resources Centre also features private study rooms, and is open 24/7 allowing you to study around your schedule.

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

What will I study?

“I really valued the wide range of optional modules to choose from on the course, which allowed me to explore different avenues in the first two years, and then cater the course to my specific interests and competencies in my final year.”

You will cover four modules each semester, each with a minimum of two hours of in-person teaching per week. You will also need to do independent learning and will have access to online content as well as recommended books, videos, and podcasts to help you.

This course offers a blend of modern heterodox and more traditional methods in economics. It will enable you to apply a variety of economic principles to a wide range of problems.

In the first year, you’ll study introductory modules on microeconomics and macroeconomics, and be equipped with fundamental quantitative skills.

In the second year, you will progress to intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics while also enhancing your appreciation of economics in relation to business.

In the final year, you’ll get to study managerial economics and strategic thinking in business. This year, you can choose from a variety of optional modules.

There are also opportunities to further enrich your personal development through our Go Herts certification program, placements, internships, study-abroad and Future Success networking events.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Introduction to Microeconomics	15 Credits	Compulsory
Microeconomics is concerned with the behaviour of individual firms, markets and consumers in their economic activity. Microeconomics considers choice-making within the context of a market mechanism. The module covers the nature of markets including the determinants of demand and supply and the competitive environment within industries. The role of the government in intervening in markets is also considered.
Introduction to Macroeconomics	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module aims to provide students with an introductory grounding in the principles and concepts of macroeconomic analysis, including consideration of: unemployment; inflation; money; banking; government policies in terms of taxes and interest rates, for example; and international trade. Indicative content: - Basic macroeconomic models - income - expenditure approach - Theories of consumption and savings - Aggregate demand and aggregate supply - Unemployment - Inflation - Money and banking - Fiscal and monetary policies - Introduction to open-economy macroeconomics
Economy and Society	15 Credits	Compulsory
This engaging contextual module showcases the scope and power of economics in understanding many of the key issues which face society. It explores globalisation, economic development and the onward march of the market in societies such as the UK and elsewhere. The module also considers the limits of the market and economic analysis itself, in considering some ethical and moral issues in contemporary business and the economy. The module will appeal to economics and non-economics students in considering the value of economics in tackling some of the big issues facing modern economies and societies, thus providing valuable context for the theory they will learn elsewhere. Topics will include: A brief economic history of the world economy Globalisation Important economic institutions – e.g. government, the legal system, WTO The market in modern society The limits of the market Financial crisis Can economics explain everything? Ethical considerations – environment, social responsibility
Accounting Aspects of Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to accounting from the manager's viewpoint, providing an insight into the role of accounting as a decision-making tool for business and managerial decision-making.
Foundations of Economic Analysis	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module presents some of the founding principles of economics and provides students with a series of academic skills and study strategies which will underpin their subsequent studies. The module is composed of several themes which will include communication, analytical thinking, critical evaluation, research methods, IT-literacy and numeracy. These will allow students to effectively match problem-solving techniques to different scenarios. The module selects a series of issues that are pertinent to the economist, the economics profession and economics practice.
Quantitative Methods in Economics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is an introduction to important statistical techniques that are used in economics. The module typically covers statistical sampling, measures of location and dispersion, presentation of statistical data, basics of probability theory, probability distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing.
Introduction to Business Operations	15 Credits	Optional
The module objective is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the key operations of the business. Real world examples will be used to develop the underlying business concepts. By the end of the module, the student should be able to describe and discuss the role of operations within a business across a range of industry sectors.
Introduction to Finance	15 Credits	Optional
The module provides a basic underpinning and introduction to financial markets and financial management. The need for capital by organisations is explored and the different sources of available finance are examined along with the requirement for financial reporting. Structures of financial statements are explained in order for students to be able to analyse the financial health of the business. Commonly used analytical techniques in finance are introduced to enable students to make recommendations regarding a business decision. Topics may include: The growth and nature of financial markets and institutions The nature of financial instruments and markets Structure and interpretation of financial statements The difference between profit and cash Budgeting and planning Sources of finance Investment appraisal techniques Working capital management Business objectives, value and agency issues.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
International Trade and the Open Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the foundation provided by the Level 5 macroeconomics module, which develops macroeconomic tools of analysis in the context of a closed economy. It introduces and develops the analytical apparatuses, such as the IS-LM-BP model and the AS-AD framework, that are employed to explain international economy and growth. It also provides an insight into some of the principal models that have been devised to explain macroeconomic events in an open economy and to predict the consequences of certain actions by economic agents. Finally, the module evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the various models constructed to explain international trade and the development of an open economy.
Consumers, Firms and Markets	15 Credits	Compulsory
The modern capitalist economy can be viewed as an enormous collection of consumers and firms who engage in markets. How effective these markets are and what it means for society will, in large part, depend upon how consumers and firms actually behave. This module explores this behaviour, employing both standard economic analysis, ie how rational agents make decisions, as well as alternative approaches which acknowledge limits on rationality while also proposing a more realistic psychology. The impact upon decision-making is further considered. The success of the economy is reliant upon the efficiency of the markets within it. This crucial economic aspect will be explored for the different types of market structure. Further, the causes and consequences of market failures will also be addressed.
Skills for Economists	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to develop and enhance the student skill set with appropriate focus on academic, employability and research skills which will equip students both for continuing study and for future employment in a range of posts. It will harness and develop these skills in the context of key economic issues thus offering tangible application. It will build on skills introduced and developed in L4, particularly the Economics Professional. The following will be covered: The scope and method of the economist. The key academic skills. Employability skills and the graduate labour market. Developing and articulating the skills set and planning your personal development. Research skills for economists.
History of Economic Thought	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to chart out key figures and ideas from the history of economic thought from before Adam Smith to the current time. The variety of economic ideas and opinion is evident in much current debate, which itself is often revisiting events of the past where famous economists like Smith and Ricardo in the 18th and 19th centuries and Keynes and Friedman in the 20th centuries attempted to grapple with the key issues facing them and their economic environment. For example, how to deal with financial crises and depressions are problems which have stimulated much debate in the past as well as in the current day. Economic thought has a rich history to explore and much insight to offer. The dominant thinking before Adam Smith is considered, along with Malthus, Marx and Mill. Early economists who made their mark in the early twentieth century like Marshall, Veblen and Schumpeter are also discussed. The different schools of thought that have emerged in economics and their methodological character are explored.
Macroeconomics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the foundation provided by the first year module Introduction to Macroeconomics to examine macroeconomic issues on a more rigorous basis. It introduces and develops the analytical apparatuses such as the IS-LM model and the AS-AD framework that are employed in macro analysis. It also provides an insight into some of the principal models that have been devised to explain macroeconomic events and to predict the consequences of certain actions by economic agents. Finally, the module evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the various models in relation to macroeconomic developments that are necessary to understand the financial world.
Business Economics Techniques	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module examines how economic concepts, tools and techniques can be usefully applied to the analysis of business problems and issues, thus enabling effective business decision-making. Organisations ultimately survive according to the demand for their product or service, so estimating this is an essential prerequisite for other decisions such as those concerning investment. This module will explore what techniques and concepts the economist can apply in these and other important business scenarios. The following issues, inter alia, may be covered: The scope and method of business economics; Competition in industry; Tools and techniques of the business economist; Demand estimation; Investment appraisal; Cost-benefit analysis;
Techniques of Economic Analysis	15 Credits	Optional
Economic analysis in practice inevitably entails the identification, collection, interpretation and processing of empirical evidence in various forms. This module will, first of all, introduce students to a range of essential quantitative techniques for economic analysis, such as solving simultaneous equation systems, differentiation, optimisation, and solving growth, discounting and data envelopment analysis problems. The quantitative pre-requisites are limited to simple algebra and basic statistics. The module will then enable students to apply relevant techniques to the study of a range of economic issues concerning firms, markets and the macroeconomy using real world datasets.
Management Accounting for Business Decisions	15 Credits	Optional
The module is aimed at prospective managers to enable them to understand the benefits and potential pitfalls of using management accounting information when making managerial decisions.
Labour Economics	15 Credits	Optional
This course will analyse topics of behaviour and outcomes in labour markets and other related markets. We will discuss the way in which labour markets are organised and what implications this has for individual outcomes. We begin by considering the behaviour of firms (labour demand) and workers (supply) and evaluate the concept of labour market equilibrium. We continue with a variety of topics including, inter alia, education and skills, labour mobility and segmentation, information approaches to recruitment and selection, incentive design, gender and racial discrimination, and unemployment (search and matching). The main analytical tools will be theoretical but we will also make use of real-world policy examples and applied techniques. This module will complement L5 microeconomics; basic competence in algebra and introductory econometrics will be developed, as required, within the module.
Consumer Behaviour	15 Credits	Optional
The cognitive versus behavioural approach to consumer analysis is compared and evaluated. The understanding of consumers and their behaviour will enable students to have a greater understanding of target customer segmentation and product/brand positioning for the development of product, pricing, distribution and marketing communication strategies. Perception of the self and brands is considered along with the social issues of behaviour, beliefs and personality and its longer-term impact on consumer learning. The module offers an introduction to the psychology of the consumer, and the impact that this has for the Marketer in creating, developing and delivering customer-valued products and services.
Business Finance	15 Credits	Optional
The module introduces students to the main theory and practice of the financing of companies, the allocation and management of financial resources within a company and the rewarding of the providers of a company's financing. Specific topics covered include: the financial environment; sources of business finance; capital budgeting; cost of capital and capital structure; dividend policy; investment risk, portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model; valuation of assets, shares and companies; mergers and acquisitions.
Business Analytics	15 Credits	Optional
The explosion of high quality data has provided organisations with opportunities to make data driven decisions. This has increased the interest in the use of analytics and businesses are now looking for those with analytical skills to understand, analyse and draw insights from the data. The aim of this module is to equip students with analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to assist business decision making.
Business Operations	15 Credits	Optional
The module is designed to provide a solid understanding of business operations methods. Students will gain experience together with knowledge of techniques and tools to support decisions made within the context of business operations in a contemporary environment.
Innovation and Business Model Design	15 Credits	Optional
Students will develop an understanding of innovation, entrepreneurship and value creation through effective business model design. It allows students to foster their creativity and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset by considering a variety of problems and or opportunities across different business contexts. Students generate and validate a viable commercial or social proposal/project by developing evidenced arguments, drawing on research (including numeracy and data analysis skills), and industry insights. Elements of financial analysis will be utilised to support the business model design as part of the proposal, in order to demonstrate feasibility and economic sustainability. The module provides students with opportunities to expand their professional network through participation in real world initiatives (e.g. Business Incubators, local community and extra-curricular University activities).

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Economics of Strategy	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to explore the contribution of economics to organisational strategy and decision-making. A rich and wide-ranging economics literature will be explored, including organisation theory, the economics of information, agency, and the economics of the firm (including Coasian, transaction cost, behavioural and managerial approaches). Students will evaluate a range of economic approaches to the governance and operation of firms and markets.
Industrial Organisation	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module has a special emphasis on imperfectly competitive markets and it will be covering in particular various aspects of monopolistic competition and oligopolistic industries, including price and quantity competition, collusion and cartel stability, entry deterrence and predation, product differentiation, and vertical relationships. Recent developments in industrial organisation and competition policy are incorporated into the material, including current cases.
HBS Placement	0 Credits	Compulsory
This activity is self-directed by the student and carries no credits. Students will be supported by the Professional Experience Module Leader, Professional Experience Visit Co-ordinator, an Academic Mentor and the Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE). Successful completion of the Professional Experience Module leads to the appropriate suffix on students' degree title stated on the programme specifications.
Anatomy of Financial Crises	15 Credits	Optional
This module provides an opportunity to explore the major financial crises that took place across the globe since the early 20th century. It aims to reconstruct some of the financial theories on the basis of the empirical evidence as opposed to 'the theory first application later' approach.
Dissertation - Economics	30 Credits	Optional
The dissertation offers the opportunity to undertake an individual piece of work that is designed to develop research skills relevant to a specific area of study. Students will be allocated an academic supervisor who will meet with students on a regular basis. On completion of the research, students will be required to produce a dissertation of between 7,000 to 10,000 words. The dissertation will be assessed using the Business School dissertation criteria that cover the management of the dissertation, the methodology used, the intellectual quality and originality, and the structure and coherence of the report.
International Production and Governance	15 Credits	Optional
This module explores key changes in the global economy by examining recent trends in international trade, production, investment and labour. Theories of international production are examined alongside the competitive strategies of large transnational firms. There is focus on the changing patterns of governance with regards to different varieties of capitalism and the relationship between different levels of governance; the global, the national and the local. The module emphasises the way in which both academic and business literature offer competing interpretations on the nature of these changing trends, their outcomes and their implications for policy. The module explores a wide range of current issues, moving beyond some of the standard economic concerns, to consider the sustainability and ethics of some economic approaches. Wider societal impacts are also considered by highlighting socioeconomic imbalances, the impact of migration and exploring health outcomes under different political economy models. The informal economy is addressed, particularly within an economic treatment of sex working and the sex industry.
Employment Relations	15 Credits	Optional
The module encourages students to critically evaluate different theories and perspectives on employment relations. It also equips students to be able to practically undertake important aspects of the employment relationship such as bargaining and conflict resolution. The module considers the roles of the key actors in employment relations: management, trade unions and the State. The module evaluates different employment relations approaches and evaluates the design and application of processes, policies and procedures in areas such as: discipline and grievance, dismissal, collective bargaining, individual and collective negotiation, employee engagement, conflict and industrial sanctions, conciliation, mediation and arbitration and diversity management. The module also focuses on the impact of legislation, both European and domestic, on employment relations.
International Human Resource Management	15 Credits	Optional
The module provides contemporary, applied and critical insights into the management of people across borders and in multinational corporations (MNCs). The HR implications of managing international assignments are investigated, and in-depth exposition provided of HR contexts and features in major global regions. The module appears to students specialising in HRM and international business, and is also relevant to those working/planning to work in an international environment. The content includes an analysis of differences between national and international HRM, examines structures and strategies of MNC's and the ethical issues impinging upon international business in the field of employment. The module also considers the management of the expatriation cycle-recruitment, training, pay, performance management and repatriation. An analysis of industrial relations structures/systems for employee participation in north America, Europe and Australasia and an exploration of political/economic environments and major features of HR/employment practice in these continents and developing countries.
Global Marketing Ethics and Culture	15 Credits	Optional
Global marketing success is a function of perspective, opportunity, motivation, organisation, knowledge and skills. The challenge for today's global marketers is to identify those opportunities appropriate to the firm, to develop appropriate marketing strategies and build and sustain competitive advantages in co-operation with other members of the firm as well as external partners. To this end, the module will provide learning opportunities to appreciate current writings and perspectives on the global marketing environment. Opportunities will be given to analyse different global marketing organisations and their environments, suggest and implement realistic strategies and plans and control mechanisms. The module addresses global issues such as the macro environment, market entry strategies, communication, price, planning and control.
Forecasting Methods for Managers	15 Credits	Optional
The process of making decisions in organisations is based, in most cases, on future values of many variables. Therefore, it is vital that these future values are predicted in the most accurate possible ways. This module introduces students to a variety of forecasting techniques used to predict future values. Much of the module will be devoted to the use of software, especially spreadsheets, to calculate forecasts and their associated errors. A particular emphasis will be on the pitfalls associated with the application of different forecasting techniques. The module includes the following: the purpose of business forecasting; data collection and review; measuring the accuracy of forecasts; a range of methods presented for dealing with stationary time series, trend, seasonality and multi-variate models; demographics; communication of results to a business audience. Students use a calculator and computer to calculate forecasts and related error measures and statistics.
Creative Problem Solving for Managers	15 Credits	Optional
This module is very practically orientated and hands-on. It is aimed at anyone intending to become an effective manager, consultant or business analyst. The really important problems and crucial decisions faced by professionals in their work are often complex and ill-defined. They are known as "wicked" problems or "messes". Problem structuring (or soft systems) methods have been developed to help us cope in these challenging, unstructured situations. Often much of the difficulty is due to people's differing perspectives, the worrying uncertainties or the multiple interacting and dynamic factors. Imaginative approaches are needed to rigorously analyse messy, qualitative issues. Problem structuring methods take a holistic view and are highly effective. The three methodologies selected are: SODA Soft Systems Methodology System Dynamics With the right expertise and a suitable toolkit of methods, the manager or consultant can choose appropriate techniques, and creatively combine and tailor them to tackle any problem with confidence.
Social Networking and Enterprise	15 Credits	Optional
Social networking is a rapidly growing phenomenon and it is one of the most influential media in web technology today. Hundreds of companies globally use social media to gain credibility, foster employee relationships, build a forum for communication with customers and, often, to boost sales. Businesses receive inquiries directly from consumers and other businesses without advertising, which results in lower costs and higher conversion rates. Therefore, this module explores insights of the social networking sites and opportunities they present for organisations.
Money, Banking and Finance	15 Credits	Optional
The financial sector is a vital sector for any economy. It is a major and successful part of the UK economy. This module provides the techniques and concepts to analyse and understand this sector. The major theoretical underpinnings of the financial sector are explored. Thus, the module considers portfolio theory, the term structure of interest rates, demand and supply of money, monetary policy, exchange rate systems, insurance markets and the efficient markets hypothesis.
Research Methods	0 Credits	Optional
This non-credit bearing module of study is designed to provide students with sufficient research skills in order to successfully undertake a dissertation and/or research project. Key themes covered by the module, include: Primary and secondary research Formulating the research objectives/questions Quantitative and qualitative research methods (inc. sampling) Writing the methodology chapter The need for a theoretical underpinning, and writing the literature review Ethics considerations and the approval process Presenting research findings.
Contemporary Issues in Economics	15 Credits	Optional
This module aims to enhance students' understanding of different theoretical frameworks and research methodologies in order for them to develop their understanding of how knowledge is created and develops in the area of economics. Students will then study selected key contemporary issues from an economic perspective. The exact topics will, by definition, change depending on the issues of the day, but, in all cases, students will be able to see the benefit of using appropriate tools of economic analysis. Issues will be evaluated on the basis of the quality of economic explanation offered, both in terms of theory and evidence. In this way, students can appreciate how theory can be effectively translated into real policy action.
Industry Practice for Economic Professionals	15 Credits	Optional
In this module students will assess, develop and evaluate their employability skills through work-based learning. Students will use the professional framework relevant to their specialism to demonstrate competencies. Through their work, students will have opportunities to apply and critically evaluate academic theories and current business school research. Work-based learning opportunities include: placement, part-time work, internship, project work, involvement in research or volunteering.
Corporate Financial Strategy	15 Credits	Optional
This single semester module is designed to provide an insight into the area of financial strategy. The module begins by examining the life cycle and the various sources of funding available at each stage and moves on an analysis of major business changes, eg restructuring, mergers/acquisitions. The module will enable students to build on their business analysis and reporting writing skills, and the knowledge gained about business should significantly enhance their employability.
Behavioural Finance	15 Credits	Optional
The module will typically cover: - An introduction to Behavioural Finance. Comparisons between behavioural and traditional finance. Key developments in Behavioural Finance. - Heuristics and framing. Reasons for using heuristics for decision making and associated problems. - Prospect theory. An introduction to key decision-making variables such as the differential treatment of losses and gains, reference points and loss aversion. - Disposition effect. A review of empirical evidence related to the disposition effect in trading behaviour and its implications. - Overconfidence and other behavioural biases. - Emotion and market bubbles. Exploration on how the subtle and complex way people's feelings affect their investment decisions and how markets periodically break down. - Familiarity bias, herding and trust. - The role of social influences in finance and investor behaviour. - Experimental economics/finance. A discussion of the basic methods and challenges of experimental finance, and its close connection to research in behavioural finance.
Public Finance	15 Credits	Optional
The economics of public finance deals with some fundamental current economic issues. The module focuses on present-day debates on the subject of the provision of public goods and the role of the government in the economy. It provides a review of the principal theories of the effective provision of social services, welfare state, social security, national debt and pricing of public and merit goods. Opinion on these topics and the impact of government economic activities on the allocation of resources and on the distribution of income are divided and are a gulf apart. This module will offer students a deep understanding of public finance and the budgetary process, and the implications of government borrowing and expenditures on the economy. Students during the course of this module will discover the importance of the public sector in the economy. They will learn to recognize the part played by the public sector in the global financial crisis and the changes that globalization has brought in, raising tax revenue, due to global tax competition and mobility.
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity	15 Credits	Optional
Students first gain insights into the role and importance of entrepreneurs in large and small organisations and the kinds of attitudes and skills they possess. They then learn about the importance of innovation for economic growth, and for ensuring that organisations continue to prosper and remain competitive. Students will consider what drives innovation, including creativity, evolving human needs, technology and changes in the competitive and macro environments. They will look at a broad range of innovation types, from those associated with new products and services to those related to process and managerial innovation, both in profit and socially oriented organisations. A wide range of theoretical models of innovation will be considered, evaluated and critiqued. Attention will be given to how entrepreneurs apply the new product development process to creatively move an innovation from idea to commercialisation and the collaborations with other individuals and teams that need to occur for innovation to be successful.

Study abroad

We offer you the opportunity to take a sandwich year abroad. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge opportunity for personal development and an amazing experience that will help you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, the experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

With over 115 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our international partnerships give you access to even more opportunities. There are several options and our dedicated study abroad office advises students on this process. Travel to the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America or closer to home in Europe. Please note, that international students are required to check their visa eligibility to undertake a study abroad opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

The chance to study abroad is also greatly valued, as one previous student comments “The opportunity to study economics abroad in Japan has been an unforgettable experience. I was able to study economics in a new environment which has given me a new perspective on the subject. Furthermore, I was able to learn crucial life skills by meeting new people and living independently in a new country.”

Find out more about study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life which is not only a huge CV boost but an amazing professional development opportunity.

Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future graduate employability. Why? An industrial placement year, or shorter internship, offers an opportunity to put your knowledge into action while learning how a business operates. Along with preparing you for joining the workforce after graduation, you'll establish some great connections.

If you choose a work placement year, you’ll be supported to make the most of the experience, hand-holding you through the whole experience, from start to finish, with CV assistance and help to prepare for interviews and presentations at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Here's placement feedback we received from an employer, “We employed an economics undergraduate on a one-year-long placement, and he has proven to be a good communicator, analyst and preformed all tasks set to him at a high standard. His economics background provided very useful skills for tackling benchmarking tasks, including critical data analysis with the intention of creating a working benchmarking template for our engineering team to use in 2020. “ (ENGIE, 2020).

For those wishing to complete this BA (Hons) Business Economics degree within three years, we will help you find other opportunities to enhance your CVs such as employer competitions, insight days, digital programmes, internships of all shapes and sizes, volunteering, student leadership roles, and awards to recognise your success and contribution.

Find out more about work placements

Key staff

Dr Aarti Rughoo (Level 4 Personal Tutor)
Aarti teaches economics at level 6 and 7 and enjoys reflecting on the current economic environment. Her research interests are in the fields of banking efficiency and convergence, food redistribution and food vulnerability.
Find out more about Dr Aarti Rughoo (Level 4 Personal Tutor)
Dr Frank Currie (Subject Group Leader)
Frank is interested in business economics, the economics of organisation and innovation. He is enthusiastic about the power of economics, to improve lives and societies, and meet the challenges of the modern world.
Find out more about Dr Frank Currie (Subject Group Leader)
Dr Tassos Patokos (Programme Leader)
Tassos has been teaching economics since 2007 and holds a MSc in Software and Telecommunications Engineering, and a MSc and a DPhil in Economics. Other areas of expertise are game theory, social choice theory, behavioural economics and political economy.
Find out more about Dr Tassos Patokos (Programme Leader)

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Business Economics	Download

Programme specifications
BA Hons Business Economics Pathways	Download
BA Hons Business Economics Pathways	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 5 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

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

Apply through our international/EU application portal

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

Apply using the links below:

2023

Start Date	End Date	Link
27/09/2023	24/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time)
27/09/2023	31/05/2024	Apply online (Part Time)
27/09/2023	24/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
27/09/2023	24/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
27/09/2024	24/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
27/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Part Time)
27/09/2024	24/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
27/09/2024	24/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2023
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2023/2024 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2023/2024 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
Part time
- £1845 per 15 credits for the 2023/2024 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
Part time
- £1845 per 15 credits for the 2023/2024 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.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

BA (Hons) Business Economics

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees:

UCAS code: L112

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

Our staff

What's the course about?

Where you'll study

What will I study?

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

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

2023

2024

Fees 2023

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation