Overview
Our 3-year BSc (Hons) in Economics will give you the skills you need for a career in the financial sector, or to pursue a managerial career.
You’ll develop a strong working knowledge of:
- microeconomics and macroeconomics
- qualitative and mathematical research methods
- financial markets and banking
- economic trends, institutions and policies – both national and international
You’ll study core Economics modules in each year, and choose optional modules from other complementary subject disciplines within the School of Management, ensuring you emerge as a well-rounded, commercially aware professional.
The programme focuses on the application of theory to real-world commercial situations. It is also oriented towards research-led teaching from academic staff with research interests in fields such as:
- international trade
- European economic integration
- dynamic macroeconomics and international finance
- financial economics
- emerging markets and transitional economics
You’ll have a wide range of career opportunities open to you on graduation, in both the public and private sectors, along with the foundations for further study in finance, economics and business management.
Rankings
The University of Bradford is ranked 301-400 in the world for Business and Economics in the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Entry requirements
Typical offer – 112 UCAS tariff points.
We take into consideration a number of factors when assessing your application. It’s not just about your grades; we take the time to understand your personal circumstances and make decisions based on your potential to thrive at university and beyond.
A levels
There are no specific subject requirements.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DMM – there are no specific subject requirements.
Applicants on Access Programmes
There are no specific subject requirements.
International Baccalaureate requirements
112 points to include at least 2 HL subjects plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Maths.
Plus minimum of
GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).
English language requirements
Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.
If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course.
Course Content
All module information is subject to change.
First year
Core
Introduction to Microeconomics (AFE4010-B)
Introduction to Macroeconomics (AFE4011-B)
Quantitative Methods for Economists (AFE4013-B)
Finance and Accounting for Managers (AFE4015-B)
Development of Economic Ideas (AFE4012-B)
Principles of Management (OIM4006-B)
Second year
Core
Employability and Enterprise Skills (HRM5004-B)
Intermediate Microeconomics (AFE5021-B)
Intermediate Macroeconomics (AFE5022-B)
Multinational Finance and Investment (AFE5013-B)
Research Methods for Economists (AFE5023-B)
Option
Human Resource Management (HRM5008-B)
International Business Strategy (SIB5001-B)
University Elective
Final year
Core
Dissertation in Economics (AFE6017-D)
Econometrics (AFE6019-B)
Contemporary Issues in Economics (AFE6018-B)
Advanced Economics (AFE6020-B)
Option
Current issues in International Business (SIB6007-B)
Human Resource Management (HRM5008-B)
International Business Strategy (SIB5001-B)
Leading and Managing People (HRM6014-B)
Product and Corporate Brand Management (MAR6013-B)
Risk Management and Derivatives (AFE6013-B)
University Elective
Career support
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.
AWS Academy program from Amazon Web Services (AWS)
The School of Management has joined the prestigious worldwide AWS Academy program from Amazon Web Services (AWS). All students will be given an opportunity to enhance their employability skills, helping to make them ready for the world of work.
AWS Academy is a global program that provides educational institutions with access to cloud computing content to support student learning in a competitive digital workplace. As a member of the AWS Academy, the University of Bradford will help students become proficient and certified in the use of AWS technologies and ready to join the dynamic cloud IT workforce.
All learners will have the opportunity to seek professional certification with the skills gained through AWS Academy content, delivered by University staff that are AWS Academy accredited.
Career Booster
During your time studying at the Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences you will have the opportunity to take part in our distinctive career booster programme throughout the duration of your course. The programme is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and graduate attributes to be job-ready when seeking employment with leading innovative organisations. The Career Booster Programme (PDF, 2.8 MB) offers you the opportunity to gain certificates in:
- The European Computer Driving License (ECDL) – the benchmark for digital literacy
- Sage 50 Accounting and Sage 50 Payroll – training that will allow you to develop leading accounting and payroll software skills
- Project Manager Professional certificates – giving you the edge when seeking to become a Certified Project Manager
- Big Data analysis and reporting skills – using Software and Services (SAS) that will lead to certification.
In addition, the programme will also include activities to promote teamwork, confidence, communication and many other skills sought by employers.
Developing a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificates will demonstrate to employers that you are not only ambitious but also take responsibility for your own professional development.
Career prospects
Our Economics programmes develop your powers of analysis and critical thought, and build skills in communication, expression and rational argument. These are valuable in any area of employment.
Evidence suggests economics degrees are particularly well rewarded in the labour market – research from the Complete University Guide puts Economics in the top five for average graduate salaries.
Employment statistics
92% of our 2017 graduates in Economics found employment or went on to further study within six months of graduating.*
Salary expectations
The average starting salary for our 2017 School of Management graduates was £22,246.*
*These DLHE statistics are derived from annually published data by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), based on those UK domiciled graduates who are available for employment or further study and whose destinations are known.
Learning and assessment
Learning and teaching integrates applied and theoretical knowledge, taking into consideration the learning outcomes, progression through the levels of study, the nature of the mode of study and the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as you progress through the programme.
Lectures are the main teaching method, and you’ll experience a wide variety of other learning activities including supplementary reading, exercises, projects and workbooks, independent study and group work.
The final year dissertation is a substantial piece of work that gives you the opportunity not only to increase your specialist subject knowledge, but also to demonstrate your ability to undertake independent study.
All teaching is supported by information and activities provided through the University’s virtual learning environment.
In addition, the School offers an Effective Learning Service, which helps with the development of study skills both in group sessions and through individual coaching.
Methods of assessment vary according to the learning outcomes of particular modules and the stage of study.
Accordingly, a mixture of closed book examinations, essays and other written work, oral presentations, problem solving exercises and group work will be used in assessment of your work.
Classroom and mid-semester tests provide feedback on your progress.
Throughout the programme your learning will be supported using various methods of formative assessment and feedback. This is to help you progress your studies and support your continuing development.
Study support
We offer an excellent student support system. On arrival you will be assigned to a member of the academic staff, who will be your Personal Academic Tutor.
You will have regular meetings with your tutor, who will help or advise if you have any general academic issues (e.g. in decisions about choosing modules, or even changing the subject of your degree).
In addition to designated office hours all staff operate an open door policy during working hours, so you don’t need to arrange an appointment.
Your Personal Academic Tutor is the first point of contact should you experience problems of any kind, whether directly related to your studies or not. They can also refer you to specialist agencies inside the University, if necessary, such as the Counselling Service, or Disability Service.
Alternatively, you can also use these office hours to see one of the module lecturers, or seminar tutors, if you are having problems understanding some of the ideas and concepts being taught.
This gives you the opportunity to benefit from one-to-one tuition to clarify your understanding.
Research
Research is central to the work of the Economics and Finance staff, and influences the core modules in final year such as Contemporary Issues in Economics and Risk Management and Derivatives, together with the supervision you will receive during your Dissertation in Financial Economics.
Our research themes include international trade, economic integration, macroeconomic policy, finance, banking and labour markets. Outputs include books with major publishers (e.g. Palgrave Macmillan, Routledge, Ashgate, Elgar), articles in leading Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) journals and papers delivered at national and international conferences.