Business Economics

BSc (Hons)

Are you interested in learning how economic principles and data drive real-world business decisions?

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Full-time
Entry requirements

BBB (standard offer)

BBC (contextual offer)

Duration

4 years with integrated placement year (international students may opt out of the placement year)

UCAS code(s)

LN10

Start date

Course overview

On our Business Economics degree, you will explore how economic principles and data support decision-making in businesses and organisations as they respond to real-world challenges such as competition, innovation, sustainability, and global economic change.

In the first year, you will study alongside students on the Economics degree, building rigorous foundations in economic theory and empirical analysis that are applied to current real-world policy issues and the business environment. 

You will take part in economics games and a business simulation to experience decision making first-hand and test the extent to which theories explain real world behaviour. You will also learn how to analyse real-world data using Excel.

Our teaching team includes six winners of national teaching awards, co-authors of a best-selling economics textbook, and established researchers who bring expertise to the curriculum.

Morgan

"I enjoyed the focus on real world application. From lecturers who had such passion and had examples coming out of their ears, to hands on coding modules where we were taught invaluable skills in R. I would say this real world application and coding experience is one of the things that got me my graduate role. As much as economics is a field that requires you to know a lot of theory, applying it is what is most likely to be needed in a graduate role."

Morgan Ansell
BSc Economics
Assistant Economist, Oxford Economics

Why Business Economics at Aston University?

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Recognised for quality
Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation
Teaching
Taught by experts
Including six winners of national teaching awards in economics and co-authors of one of the best-selling economics textbooks
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Gold standard teaching
Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)
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Earn more
Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £36,100 five years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2023)
FT business schools ranking
Top 100 in Europe
We've been ranked 17th in the UK and 97th in Europe (Financial Times European Business Schools ranking 2024)
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Tailored to you
Tailor your degree to your interests and career goals with a wide range of modules

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.

AI & Digital

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Inclusive Leadership

Environmental Sustainability


Discover Power Skills

 

Course description

BSc (Hons) Business Economics

This course combines economic theory with real-world business application, helping you understand how organisations respond to economic challenges and opportunities.

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What we will provide
First class teaching in the UK’s second largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will benefit from applied learning, research-informed teaching and authentic assessment. Our teaching staff include co-authors of a leading economics textbook used by most UK universities, and many are recognised with awards for teaching and economics.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

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What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a passion to learn and an ambition and drive to excel. A willingness to ask questions and take risks.

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What skills we teach
We teach a range of essential skills designed to prepare you for real-world business challenges. These include logical reasoning and problem-solving, enabling you to approach complex issues with structured thinking. We also emphasise data analysis skills using Excel, a critical tool for making informed business decisions. Communication skills are developed to help you clearly explain complex ideas to diverse audiences. Additionally, teamwork and decision-making abilities are honed through business simulations and applied projects.
 

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Placement year
We all know that taking a placement year will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston University graduates some of the most employable in the country. It’s for this reason that we encourage every student to take one. The placement year gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills.

The placement year is compulsory for BSc (Hons) Business Economics students. International students can request permission to opt out of the placement year, but we strongly recommend that it is completed where possible.

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Career prospects
The combination of economic reasoning, data analysis, and business insight equips you with a highly versatile skill set. The transferable skills that our Business Economics programme provides mean that our graduates can find employment in a wide range of roles such as as an economist, credit risk analyst, business analyst or project manager.

How you will learn

We use an innovative mix of teaching methods, including in-class experiments, case studies, interactive lectures, and smaller classes that encourage discussion and participation. You will also take part in applied activities such as a business management simulation, which helps develop decision-making and teamwork skills in a realistic organisational setting.

From the start of your course, you will be assigned a personal tutor who can offer one-to-one academic guidance and support throughout your studies. Module tutors are also available to answer questions and provide feedback.

You will work on real-world business problems through group work, presentations, and applied economic analysis. This experience helps you build the communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills needed for today’s workplace.

Teaching is supported by our virtual learning environment, which provides access to lecture materials, readings, quizzes, and recorded sessions. You also have access to the University Library which provides a wide range of books, electronic journals, news sites and databases to support your studies. Guest speakers from businesses and policy organisations will also contribute to modules, helping you connect your learning to professional practice and current economic issues.

What you will learn

The Business Economics degree builds strong foundations in economics and data analysis, applied to real-world business challenges.

First year

You will build core foundations in microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics, and statistics. You will explore economic concepts through real-world business and policy issues and develop your understanding of the modern business environment.

Second year

You will develop a deeper understanding of micro- and macroeconomic theory and apply these tools to analyse business performance and strategy. You will also take part in a business simulation and have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of optional modules.

Placement year

The Aston University placement year forms an integral part of your educational journey and gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills. Our award-winning careers and placements team are on hand to support you through every step of your placement journey.

Placement stories

Final year

You will refine your understanding of economic theory in areas such as behavioural economics and entrepreneurship, and choose from a wide range of optional modules to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.

orie

My placement year at St Philips Chambers

Delicious Orie spent his placement year working at St Philips Chambers in Birmingham city centre as a fee controller, helping the barristers to organise their cash flow.

Course objectives

  1. Provides education and training in economic concepts, theories, and techniques that are directly applicable to decision-making in business and organisational contexts.
  2. Develops your ability to critically analyse how businesses respond to economic challenges and opportunities, such as market competition, innovation, and global economic changes.
  3. Enables you to critically evaluate the usefulness of economic theories and data analysis in informing business decision-making, including in relation to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.
  4. Prepares you to critically engage with economic theories and tools, applying them to real-world business and policy challenges in diverse domestic and international contexts, while accounting for cultural, institutional, and ethical factors.
  5. Supports you in becoming an independent, critical thinker who can integrate economic and business insights to propose effective, responsible, and innovative solutions in professional settings.
  6. Equips you with a range of transferable skills, including data analysis, problem-solving, and communication, while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset that enables them to identify opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to organisations and wider society.
  7. Provides you with the academic foundation and skills necessary to progress to further studies or professional pathways that draw on expertise in economics and business.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title Credits
Principles of Microeconomics 15
Principles of Macroeconomics 15
Mathematics for Economics 15
Statistics for Economics 15
Applied Topics in Economics 15
Political Economy 15
Games and Economics Behaviour 15
Introduction to the Business Environment 15
Total 120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key principles in economics.
  • Apply economic concepts and ideas to analyse a range of real-world issues.
  • Apply mathematical and statistical tools to describe and analyse economic relationships and interpret quantitative data.
  • Participate in and interpret economic experiments, demonstrating an understanding of observed behaviours and possible deviations from theoretical predictions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts, and contexts of the modern business environment.
  • Work effectively as independent and self-managed learners, as well as part of a team, to manage time constraints.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title Credits
Intermediate Microeconomics 15
Intermediate Macroeconomics 15
Applied Business Economics 15
Business Management Simulation 15
Strategic Finance 15
Total 75

You will choose three of the following optional modules:*

Module Title Credits
Measuring the Economy 15
Industrial Organisation 15
Econometrics 1 15
Econometrics 2 15
International Business Economics 15
International Business and Emerging Market Economies  15
Sports Economics and Finance 15
Operations Management 15
Business, Government and Society 15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of core principles in intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, and explain how they apply to business and policy contexts.
  • Critically analyse how economic reasoning and evidence inform decision-making and strategy in business and management.
  • Apply economic tools to evaluate business performance and support strategic decisions.
  • Communicate economic concepts, models, and techniques clearly and accurately, using appropriate formats.
  • Demonstrate professional and interpersonal skills relevant to organisational decision-making, including teamwork, leadership, and data-informed problem solving.
  • Recognise and reflect on ethical, social, and sustainability issues in economic and business decision-making across domestic and global contexts.

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement year

Module Title Credits
Integrated Placement Year 120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

  • Identify and analyse an issue or process relevant for your placement organisation using academic theory and/or techniques.
  • Recommend appropriate actions for your placement organisation.
  • Evaluate the use of academic theories and/or techniques in analysing issues, processes and supporting recommendations.
  • Reflect upon and articulate your own learning, plan and implemented strategies to build upon this learning.

Final year modules

In your final year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title Credits
Economics in Entrepreneurship 15
Behavioural Economics 15
Total 30

You will choose at least two of the following Economics optional modules:*

Module Title Credits
Further Topics in Microeconomics 15
Further Topics in Macroeconomics 15
Advanced Econometrics  15
Competition Policy 15
Public Economics 15
Labour Economics 15
International Trade 15
Environmental Economics 15
Topics in Regional and Urban Economics 15

You will choose at least two of the following Business and Finance optional modules:*

Module Title Credits
Strategic Management 15
Derivatives 15
Operations Strategy 15
Consumer Research and Customer Experience 15
Strategic Decision Making 15
Innovation  15
International Marketing 15
Ethical and Sustainable Marketing 15
Employee Relations 15
Learning and Development 15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Final year outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of concepts and theories in economics, and how they apply in complex and dynamic environments.
  • Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of economic models in explaining and guiding policy and business decisions.
  • Apply economic reasoning and evidence to analyse contemporary issues in public policy, entrepreneurship, and global business strategy.
  • Synthesise economic and business insights to develop innovative, responsible, and context-sensitive solutions to real-world problems.
  • Apply appropriate methods and tools to investigate and address complex business and economic problems in a variety of organisational and international contexts.

We regularly review our modules to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience, incorporating academic developments, student feedback and employer feedback.

There may be some change to some of the modules on this course for 2025/26 entry.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any changes to modules at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. 
 
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints may mean it isn’t possible to take some module combinations. The structure of some courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.


 

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

 

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.

Entry requirements

  • A Levels

    BBB (standard offer)
    BBC (with EPQ or Core Maths minimum grade B)
    BBC (contextual offer)

  • Contextual offers

    Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDD (standard offer)

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM (contextual offer)

The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.

31 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,5 in 3 higher level subjects.

You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3.

You must obtain a minimum of 21 credits at distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

 

The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

  • Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - grade D
  • Digital Production, Design and Production - grade D
  • Education and Childcare - grade D
  • Onsite Construction - grade D
  • Building Services Engineering for Construction - grade D
  • Digital Business Services - grade D
  • Digital Support Services - grade D
  • Health - grade D
  • Healthcare Science - grade D
  • Science - grade D
  • Accounting - grade D
  • Finance - grade D
  • Management and administration - grade D
  • Design and development for engineering and manufacturing - grade D 
  • Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
  • Legal Services - grade D 
  • GCSE Maths – grade B/5
  • GCSE English Language or English Literature – grade C/4
Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a first year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
Year 2 entry: Please note that second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme. Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
Year 3 entry onwards: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3 or final year. 

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees: £9,535*
During placement year: £1,250

International students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees: £23,500
During placement year: £2,500

UK students (Home Undergraduate):

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2026/27 will be £9,535 (subject to the passing of legislation implementing the Government’s policy to increase the maximum tuition fee from £9,250, payable by Home Undergraduate students on full-time courses). The fee for the placement year is £1,250.

International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2026/27 will be £23,500. The fee for the placement year is £2,500.

All students:

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships 

Assessment

Assessment is provided through a mix of coursework and examinations. This will include consultancy reports, group projects, statistical reports, and briefing notes – communicating complex ideas to people without specialist subject knowledge. Many of the assessments require you to apply relevant economic theories to gain a better understanding of controversial real-world issues.

The assessment for the placement year will give you the opportunity to reflect on your work experience and draws on learning from your previous studies.

Career prospects

Our BSc (Hons) Business Economics degree prepares you for a wide range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors. According to the 2023 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data, five years after graduation, employed Aston University graduates earn the 15th highest median salary among all UK universities, with a median salary of £36,100.

The combination of economic reasoning, data analysis, and business insight equips you with a highly versatile skill set. The transferable skills that our Business Economics programme provides mean that our graduates can find employment in a wide range of roles such as:

•    Economist
•    Revenue management analyst
•    Credit risk analyst
•    Cyber security consultant
•    Finance analyst
•    Risk consultant
•    Business analyst
•    Project manager
•    Business development manager
•    Compliance officer

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as the Civil Service, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, KPMG, CrossCounty, Lloyds Banking Group, J.P.Morgan, National Grid and PepsiCo.

Victoria Rogers Economics and Politics graduate

My graduate role at Microsoft UK

Victoria Rogers' passion for economics led her to Aston University, where she was supported to achieve her ambitions.

Aston Business School graduates achieve some amazing things - whether it's setting up their own businesses, landing competitive graduate schemes, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Alumni

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.
 

Frequently asked questions

Why study business economics?

Studying business economics offers a unique perspective on how economic thinking shapes business strategy, innovation, and decision-making within organisations. In the first year, you will gain strong foundations in maths and statistics, while interactive learning methods - such as experiments and real-world case studies - enhance understanding. A core business simulation module helps develop practical decision-making and teamwork skills. You can tailor your degree with a wide range of optional modules aligned to your specific interests and career goals in economics or broader business fields.

How will a placement year benefit me?

Whether you choose to study abroad or do a work placement, Aston University’s links with employers and universities around the world mean you will have a wide range of options to boost your employability and explore the world of work.

Our work placements give you the opportunity to apply what you have learnt on your course while gaining valuable professional and paid experience. It can enhance your graduate employment prospects and help you to make more informed career decisions. Around one in five of our placement students are offered graduate jobs by their placement employer.

Find out more

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

  • Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
  • Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
  • World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
  • Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
  • Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
  • Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

 

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