Course overview
Understand how markets and economies shape the world to access high-impact careers and global opportunities.
Economics is a key driving force behind business, politics and society – a way of making sense of their complexities. In this course, develop theoretical and mathematical skills to understand how markets and economies perform and evolve, and how we can use them to systematically solve global issues.
Explore diverse theories and perspectives, as well as the statistical methods used to understand and analyse economies at the individual and macro levels. You’ll have many opportunities to tailor the course to your interests and career aspirations. We offer a wide range of optional modules and pathways focused on major business disciplines, all of which are regularly reviewed and updated in line with the latest economic theory and our academics’ research.
Study Economics and unlock excellent careers in a wide range of organisations, including global corporations, third-sector charities and even international government. You’ll learn analytical, problem-solving, critical, and quantitative skills that are highly transferable, in-demand and future-proofed, setting you up for a bright future.
Why study at Leeds?
- Prestigious triple accreditation: Our Business School is triple-accredited, and this course is supported by a partnership with the CQF Institute, the awarding body for the Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF).
- Your course, your choice: Pathways give you the chance to hone your skillset to suit career goals in finance, enterprise and innovation, or ethics and sustainability.
- Connect with leading experts: Network with guest speakers from industry and politics at our ‘Meet with the Economists’ series. Featuring debates, discussions and presentations, you can develop your professional communication skills and gain insights for your future career.
- Study in a city of industry: Leeds is a crucial economic hub, home to the Bank of England, Sky, PwC, NHS Digital and KPMG. Our relationships with industry translate directly into opportunities for our students.
- Explore global perspectives: Benefit from our pluralist approach that’s grounded in the real world to gain broad insight into different theoretical perspectives on economic thinking and analysis.
- Develop practical understanding: Gain the practical data analysis skills graduate employers look for, using data and software to understand and solve real-world economic problems.
I couldn’t recommend the Business School enough. I’ve had the best four years studying at Leeds, meeting great people, developing new skills, and making the most of the opportunities provided.
Why study Economics at Leeds University Business School?
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Accreditation
Course details and modules
Our degrees have a modular structure. This means that the theoretical and applied content within our compulsory modules provide you with the core knowledge and skills that you need.
Alongside these compulsory modules, you’ll also have the opportunity to shape your course through optional, pathway and discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out in a competitive job market.
- Optional modules are related to the field of economics enabling you to deepen your knowledge and skills within this area.
- Pathways are optional modules themed around key business disciplines, designed to complement your core knowledge and skills in economics and broaden your expertise. You can choose to study modules from up to two pathways during each year, with the opportunity to continue, choose a different pathway* or return your focus to economics optional modules as you progress between years.
- Discovery modules give you opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside your subject area. They are categorised into Discovery Themes ranging from arts to sciences, and from theory to practice.
Whether you choose optional, pathway or discovery modules, you’ll be shaping your course to suit your personal interests and career aspirations. In all years, you will be able to choose from a selection of modules that reflect the research interests and expertise of staff at Leeds.
*Subject to prerequisites in year 1 and/or year 2.
Year 1
In your first year, you will gain a firm foundation in economic theory along with the mathematical and statistical tools to support the rest of your studies. You’ll develop your academic, research and professional skills and explore the nature of economics as a subject as well as the historical context of modern economies. You’ll have the opportunity to explore economic issues in more depth through your choice of optional modules or you can choose to study the finance pathway module or discovery modules from the wider University.
Year 2
In the following year you’ll build on and enhance your understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics. You will also develop your skills in research methods and quantitative methods via teaching in econometrics and mathematics. Optional modules will allow you to focus on applied topics such as labour economics, trade, ethics and industry. You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your study of economics through pathway modules covering topics such as finance, enterprise and innovation and ethics and sustainability. A choice of discovery modules will be offered.
Final year
In your final year, you will deepen your understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics. You will also be able to choose from a diverse list of optional, applied economic modules, for example economic development, environmental economics, monetary economics, behavioural economics and the economics of business and strategy. You’ll also have the option to continue to study topics via pathway modules in finance, enterprise and innovation and ethics and sustainability. A choice of discovery modules will also be offered in your final year. You’ll apply the knowledge and skills you have gained during your course through the completion of a dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Academic, Professional and Research Skills for Studies in Economics (20 credits)
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B (10 credits)
- Economics and Global History (10 credits)
- Economic Perspectives and Controversies (20 credits)
- Economic Theory and Applications (30 credits)
Optional modules
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1A (10 credits)
- Institutions of Work and Employment (10 credits)
- Institutions of Growth and Regulation (10 credits)
Pathway modules
Finance pathway
Introduction to Finance (20 credits)
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Intermediate Microeconomics (10 credits)
- Mathematics for Business and Economics 2 (10 credits)
- The Evolution of Economic Ideas (10 credits)
- Economics Research Methods (10 credits)
- Statistics and Econometrics (20 credits)
- Intermediate Macroeconomics (10 credits)
Optional modules
- Introduction to Health Economics (10 credits)
- From Study to Work (10 credits)
- Industrial Economics (10 credits)
- Macroeconomic Policy and Performance (10 credits)
- International Economics (10 credits)
- Business Economics (10 credits)
- Labour Economics (10 credits)
- Ethics and Economics (10 credits)
- Transport Economics (10 credits)
- Project Appraisal (10 credits)
- Experiencing the World of Work (10 credits)
Pathway modules
Finance pathway
Corporate Financial Management (20 credits)
Enterprise and Innovation pathway
- Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice (10 credits)
- New Enterprise Planning (20 credits)
Ethics and Sustainability pathway
- Leadership Ethics (10 credits)
- Contemporary Industrial Relations (10 credits)
- Corporate Social Responsibility (10 credits)
Third year
Compulsory modules
- Advanced Microeconomics (10 credits)
- Economics Dissertation (40 credits)
- Advanced Macroeconomics (10 credits)
Optional modules
- Introduction to the Economic Evaluation of Health (10 credits)
- Contemporary Issues in Economic Growth (10 credits)
- Economic Development (20 credits)
- Environmental Economics (10 credits)
- Applied Econometrics (10 credits)
- Behavioural Economics (10 credits)
- Modern Theories of Money and Monetary Policy (10 credits)
- Public Enterprise and Regulation (10 credits)
- International Economics: Integration and Governance (20 credits)
- The Political Economy of Work (10 credits)
- Economics of Business and Corporate Strategy (20 credits)
- Behavioural Science in the Contemporary Workplace (10 credits)
- Applied Mathematical Analysis for Economics and Finance (10 credits)
Pathway modules
Finance pathway
- Behavioural Finance (10 credits)
- Financial Derivatives (10 credits)
Enterprise and Innovation pathway
- Critical Perspectives in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
- Innovation in Practice for Change and Impact (20 credits)
Ethics and Sustainability pathway
- Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspectives (20 credits)
- Diversity Management (20 credits)
- Sustainable Business Futures: Policy and Practice (20 credits)
- Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (10 credits)
Learning and teaching
You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, which allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your course and modules.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a range of transferable skills that you’ll need in professional life. These are likely to include coursework, exams, oral presentations, group reports and dissertations.
Specialist facilities
At Leeds University Business School, you’ll have access to specialist facilities including state-of-the-art lecture theatres, collaborative learning and teaching spaces with the latest interactive technology and modern study spaces with dedicated computer clusters. Read more about our Business School facilities.
Explore more of our facilities through our 360 virtual experience.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA
GCSE: Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education with acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, including Mathematics grade A/7 and English Language grade B/5 or equivalent, or an appropriate English language qualification. If you have a B/5 in GCSE English Literature, we will accept a Grade C/4 in GCSE English Language.
Other course specific tests:
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications for this course.
Alternative qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is assessed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. We can consider this qualification from UK applicants only, who must complete a Business-related diploma of 60 credits to include 45 credits at Level 3. A minimum of 30 Level 3 credits must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit.
Applicants are expected to meet the GCSE Mathematics and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.
BTEC
Applicants declaring a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business or Enterprise and Entrepreneurship or Marketing must achieve Distinction* Distinction Distinction (an A-level is not required).
For other BTEC qualifications alongside academic A-levels, please see our BTEC entry requirements.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2 or D2, M1, M1.
Please note that this requirement excludes the Cambridge Pre-U Certificate in Global Perspectives and Independent Research. We also consider applicants who declare a combination of Pre-U and A-Level qualifications. Please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further advice.
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Plus Mathematics can be met via a 5 at Standard Level or a 4 at Higher Level. English Language can be met via a 5 at Standard Level or Higher Level English A, or a 7 at Standard Level English B, or a 6 at Higher Level English B.
For those applicants who meet our Mathematics or English Language requirements through another qualification, these minimum points for Mathematics or English Language in the International Baccalaureate Diploma do not apply.
Literature and Performance or English ab initio are not accepted for English Language, and a separate English Language qualification is required.
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level)
Applicants must achieve six H2 grades in the Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level).
Mathematics and English Language will be accepted at Ordinary level in lieu of GCSEs. A grade of O2 is required for GCSE A/7, or GCSE B/6 (English).
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Scottish Highers and Scottish Advanced Highers are acceptable for entry onto our degree programmes in the following combinations:
- six Highers at AAAAAA
- one Advanced Higher at A with five Highers at AAABB
- two Advanced Highers at AA with five Highers AABBB.
We will also accept three Advanced Highers at AAA.
National 5 Mathematics and English are acceptable in lieu of GCSE requirements on a grade-for-grade basis.
T-Levels
Applicants declaring a T-level are assessed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. We can only consider these subjects for entry to Business School courses; Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management and Administration, Digital Data Analytics, Digital Software Development, or Digital Support and Security.
An overall Distinction with grade A in the Core Component must be achieved.
Applicants are also expected to have met the GCSE Mathematics and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is acceptable in place of an A level. Applicants must achieve a grade A alongside AA at A level (excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low-income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer
A level: ABB
GCSE: Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education with acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, including Mathematics grade A/7 and English Language or English Literature grade C/4.
Access to Leeds: Pass
Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students
If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.
Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information. lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk
International
We also accept a range of international qualifications. You can read more about these for your country on our International Entry Requirements page.
International foundation year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £10,050
International: £29,000 (per year)
The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Tuition fees for UK students
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2027/28 are £10,050.
Subsequent years
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.
From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.
Tuition fees for international students
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.
Read more about tuition fees.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about undergraduate funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
The deadline for international students to apply to Leeds University Business School courses is 30 June.
Courses at Leeds University Business School receive a high volume of applications relative to the places available and this means that we cannot extend an offer to all applicants. We look for enthusiastic and talented students who have the potential to succeed in their studies and contribute to our community and make our offer decisions based on an overall review of your application. This includes predicted or achieved grades as well as the breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, the personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information.
Please see our How to Apply page, under “Application decisions” for details.
International applicants
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027
This course is taught by
Leeds University Business School
Contact us
Leeds University Business School Course Enquiries Office
Email: lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Career opportunities
This degree has been designed to offer strong routes into employment. It will equip you with the knowledge, skills and experience you need to set yourself apart in competitive fields and embark on a successful career.
Your skills will be inherently transferable too. Economics graduates are in high demand in a wide range of industries, including:
- Accountancy
- Consultancy
- Finance
- Technology
- Civil service
- Charity
- Utilities
Watch our video: Undergraduate careers and employability: hear from students and alumni.
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I completed a 14-month placement at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) as an analyst. I immensely enjoyed having an opportunity to apply the skills I gained at university in practice.
Where this degree could take you
Our graduates have gone on to join the likes of Barclays, the Department for Work and Pensions, Deloitte, JP Morgan, PwC and Goldman Sachs, undertaking roles such as:
- Vice President
- Professional Economist
- Government Economist
- Portfolio Manager
- Corporate Finance Analyst
- Management Consultant
- Financial Advisor
- Commercial Analyst
- Investment Manager
- Risk Analyst.
This masters is also an excellent qualification for individuals seeking to pursue a postgraduate Masters or research degree.
Learn more about the careers our students have pursued – read alumni profiles from Leeds University Business School.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK’s leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system – access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Leeds University Business School's Employability and Opportunity team
Leeds University Business School is one of the few universities in the UK with a dedicated Employability and Opportunity team. You’ll be supported throughout your studies with one-to-one support, workshops and events from graduate employers, helping you develop the professional skills and experience that top employers are looking for.
Find out more about the Business School’s employability and opportunities support.
Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme
You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for our competitive Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme, exclusive to Business School students. We’ll connect you with an industry professional who will support you on your career path, mentoring you one-to-one for one academic year.
The Careers Service works with a large network of experienced professionals from companies such as Santander, M&S and KPMG, who volunteer as mentors on the scheme.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects.
From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide for you to apply to, spanning some of the most popular destinations for students.
This course offers you the chance to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year, extending your studies by 12 months.
Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title, which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.
Read more about studying abroad.
Work placements
Make connections, practice skills , and build confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.
A work placement can be a great investment in your future:
- choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas
- build industry contacts within your chosen field
- be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links
- advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice
- gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry
- improve your employability
- all placements sourced by the University are paid positions
- we also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.
Our Employability Team is here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities , and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.
If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.
If your application is successful, during placement you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company and an academic supervisor, who will keep in touch throughout.
On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
Students in our Faculty have recently completed placements at:
- Airbus
- Bank of England
- EY
- GSK
- IBM
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Microsoft
- NHS Digital
- Samsung
- Unilever.
We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive, and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.
Find out more about Industrial placements.