Economics

Course overview

You will be studying economic theories that will help you to understand challenging issues facing society today, including climate change, inequality and the regulation of digital platforms.

You will take part in economics games and experiments to experience economic decision making first-hand and test the extent to which economic theories can explain real world behaviour. You will also learn how to analyse real-world data using specialised software packages Excel and R.

Our teaching team includes six winners of national teaching awards, the co-authors of one of the best-selling economics textbooks, and established researchers who bring expertise to the curriculum. Members of the team have acted as graduate recruitment assessors for the Government Economic Service (GES). This gives you a unique opportunity to learn from people who have an input into hiring decisions of the UK’s largest employer of economists.

"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 Economics at Aston University?

Top 100 in Europe

We've been ranked 17th in the UK and 97th in Europe (Financial Times European Business Schools ranking 2024)

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)

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Recognised for quality

Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation

Taught by the experts

Including six winners of national teaching awards in economics and co-authors of one of the best-selling economics textbooks

Designed for you

A course design that is influenced by the largest employer of professional economists and the Office for National Statistics

Tackling society's biggest issues

Hear all about our undergraduate economics programmes at Aston University from Karishma Patel and Jon Guest.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

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) Economics

This course provides a mix of economic theory and policy that helps you to understand some of the most challenging issues society faces today.

What we will provide

First class teaching in the UK’s second largest city. We have an international reputation for excellence in teaching and learning and our inspirational teaching staff are co-authors of one of the leading textbooks in economics used by many UK universities. Six of our teaching staff are recognised with awards for teaching and learning in economics. Members of the teaching team also contribute to A -GamE. This centre was established at Aston University to share best practice in the use of games, experiments and simulations in teaching.

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.

What you will provide
It is important to have a natural curiosity and interest in real world issues such as climate change, the cost of living crisis and rising inequality.

What skills we teach
We teach a range of valuable skills designed to prepare you for real-world challenges. You will develop logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities to better understand complex problems, along with data analysis skills using tools such as Excel and R. In addition, you will enhance your communication skills, learning how to clearly explain complex analysis to both economists and non-economists. Team-working skills are also emphasised, ensuring you can collaborate effectively in professional environments.

Placement year
Taking a placement year will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston University graduates some of the most employable in the country. Many of our students obtain graduate positions with the same employer that they completed their placement with.

The Aston 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.

It is compulsory for all home students. International/EU students can request permission to opt out of the placement year, but we strongly recommend that it is completed where possible. An alternative to a work-based placement is the possibility of studying abroad.

Career prospects
As an economist, you will be open to a diverse range of different jobs and careers that can have a positive impact on society. Some graduates work as economists, for example in the Government Economic Service (GES) or in consultancy, however others will go into finance, banking or a wide range of other graduate schemes and public sector roles. Economists have flexibility.

How you will learn

We adopt an innovative range of teaching methods including the use of in-class games and experiments, large interactive classes, computer workshops, and smaller classes that focus on student participation.

At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor; this member of academic staff can offer individual study advice and guidance and is there to help support your studies. Module tutors are also on hand to answer any questions.

We make extensive use of group working and presentations to prepare you for the reality of working life. This experience will develop your team working and negotiating skills. Through case studies, real-world examples and challenges, you’ll explore economics in an applied context and your placement year gives you an opportunity to develop your employability skills.

In-class teaching is supported by our virtual learning environment, which hosts a range of electronic supporting materials. 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.

In addition, outside speakers from both business and government bodies will be integrated into the courses.

What you will learn

Over the course of your degree, you'll build a strong foundation in economic theory, mathematics, and statistics, apply your knowledge to real-world issues, gain hands-on data analysis skills, explore specialist areas, and have the opportunity to take a placement year to develop professional experience.

First year

This is designed to give you core foundations in microeconomics and macroeconomics, mathematics and statistics. Furthermore, you will apply economic concepts to a diverse range of real-world issues. You will also take part in a range of economic games.

Second year

You will develop a detailed understanding of micro- and macroeconomic theories. In addition, you will learn to perform data analysis using quantitative methods and computing techniques. You will have the option to specialise in different areas of economics, data measurement, business and finance.

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 deepen your knowledge of economic theories and advanced quantitative techniques, with a strong emphasis on their application and communication. You can choose from a wide range of applied economics modules.

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.

Discover Delicious' journey

Course objectives

Equips you with the core principles and methods of economics and the ability to apply them in a wide range of specialist areas of the discipline.
Provides the ability to analyse data and solve problems by applying appropriate mathematical and statistical methods.
Enables you to critically evaluate economic theories and data analysis.
Develops your ability to apply economic analysis to societal and business problems, specific policy proposals and other issues at local, national, and international level.
Stimulates your interest in economics and develops appreciation for its application to a range of real-world issues and its relevance in a variety of contexts.
Facilitates you to work effectively as a self-directed and independent learner.
Develops a range of generic skills that will be of value in employment and self-employment such as team working and communication skills.
Provides you with the knowledge and skills base required to proceed to further studies in economics or in multidisciplinary areas that involve economics.

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
Political Economy	15
Mathematics for Economics	15
Statistics for Economics	15
Applied Topics in Economics	15
Games and Economic 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
Econometrics 1	15
Econometrics 2	15
Total	60

You will then choose four from the optional modules listed below:*

Module Title	Credits
Industrial Organisation	15
Measuring the Economy	15
Sports Economics and Finance	15
Applied Business Economics	15
International Business Economics	15
Business Management Simulation	15
International Business and Emerging Market Economies	15
Strategic Finance	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 a knowledge of intermediate-level economics.
Apply economic models and frameworks to investigate and address real-world economic issues and case studies.
Construct coherent economic arguments, supported by relevant evidence and theory, and present them effectively in a variety of formats.
Perform data analysis using relevant econometric techniques using specialist software.
Explain the results of an economic analysis by combining written arguments with mathematical and graphical representation.

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 explore an organisational issue, using analysis and recommend appropriate action for the organisation.
Evaluate the use of academic theories in analysing real-life issues and in supporting recommendations.
Demonstrate intercultural awareness in your work or international study context.
Reflect upon and articulate your own learning, and plan and implement strategies to build upon your learning.

Final year modules

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

Module Title	Credits
Further Topics in Microeconomics	15
Further topics in Macroeconomics	15
Advanced Econometrics	15
Total	45

You will choose 75 credits from the following optional modules*:

Module Title	Credits
Applied Economics Research Project	30
Competition Policy	15
Labour Economics	15
Public Economics	15
Behavioural Economics	15
Environmental Economics	15
International Trade	15
Economics of Entrepreneurship	15
Derivatives	15
Topics in Regional and Urban Economics	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:

Apply microeconomic and macroeconomic theories to critically analyse complex economic behaviours, institutions, and policies.
Apply a systematic understanding of economic principles to specialised branches of economics.
Critically interpret econometric results, and demonstrate the ability to evaluate their implications, and to relate them to broader real-world settings in policy or business.
Critically assess economic arguments, evidence, and policy recommendations, demonstrating awareness of limitations, assumptions, and alternative perspectives.
Communicate complex economic concepts, arguments, and findings clearly and persuasively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

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

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

This course will equip you with skills that are sought after by employers of the public and private sector. Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, according to the 2023 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO). This data shows that five years after graduation, employed Aston University graduates have the 15th highest median salary among all UK Higher Education Institutions, with a median salary of £36,100.

Our graduates are successful in finding employment in a range of roles such as:

Government economist
Economic consultant
Economic analyst
Business consultant
Market risk analyst
Business intelligence analyst
Parliamentary assistant
Commodity trader

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as TikTok, PWC, Barclays, HSBC, Deloitte, KPMG, Accenture, Ernst & Young, Wells Fargo, Jaguar Land Rover, AON, HMRC, PepsiCo, The Cabinet Office, The House of Commons, and the Office For National Statistics.

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.

Discover Victoria's journey

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

Be part of our community

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

Alumni services

Simba's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I went on The Apprentice

Sunjay's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I worked with Kylie Minogue

Christine's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I founded a global football franchise

Frequently asked questions

Why study economics?

Studying economics equips you to understand and address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today, including climate change, inequality, and the regulation of digital platforms. Through interactive games, experiments, and hands-on data analysis using Excel and R, you'll gain practical insights into how economic theories apply to real-world behaviour. You'll be taught by a distinguished team that includes national teaching award winners, best-selling textbook authors, and experienced researchers - offering you a unique opportunity to learn from experts who influence both academic and professional economic practice.

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