Economics BSc

Course overview

You’ll study your Economics degree at our world-renowned Leeds University Business School, home to the Applied Institute for Research in Economics.  

Within a challenging and supportive environment, you’ll explore a wide range of economic perspectives and approaches to real-world challenges. You’ll develop into a well-rounded economist with the skills that are sought after by top graduate employers. 

This course covers the core concepts, practices and techniques of economic analysis and application. You will gain analytical, quantitative, computing, presentation and other transferable skills, preparing you for a variety of exciting careers in the private and public sector.

Through compulsory modules, you'll develop an in-depth understanding of the nature and methods of economic analysis, allowing you to gain insight into the factors that influence income generation, growth, distribution and individual and firm behaviour, together with policy options and dilemmas.

A range of optional economics modules will provide you with the opportunity to explore specialist areas such as business economics, behavioural economics, monetary policy, labour economics, international trade, and health.

Shape your learning with pathways

This course offers pathways which allow you to tailor your course to your specific interests or professional aspirations. The majority of the pathways start from year 2, once you have established the foundations of your subject. Pathway modules can be taken in particular areas and can be followed through to your final year. This unique level of personalisation and self-direction provides you with flexibility to meet your career goals, whilst helping you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. 

The pathways available on this course are: 

• Finance
• Enterprise and Innovation
• Ethics and Sustainability

Course highlights

• Choose to take an optional year in industry to gain valuable practical experience, or immerse yourself in a new culture by spending a year studying in a different country at one of our many partner universities across the world.
• Regular opportunities to network with guest speakers from industry and politics at our ‘Meet with the Economists’ series, featuring debates, discussions and presentations. This is a great way to develop your professional communication skills and gain insights for your future career.
• Develop practical data analysis skills that graduate employers look for, using data and software to understand and solve real-world economic problems.
• Build an understanding of a range of contemporary economic issues and competing perspectives, and the resulting implications for economic policy.
• Develop important research and analytical skills and apply these in your final year to a year-long project on a topic of your choice. For example, you may decide to investigate a particular area of economic development or conduct your own research into the impacts of social and environmental factors on the economy.
• Benefit from our pluralist approach, helping you gain broad insight into different theoretical perspectives on economic thinking and analysis.

Supporting your personal development

Throughout your studies, you'll benefit from the support of your Academic Personal Tutor who will work in partnership with you to maximise your personal and professional development.

You’ll also have access to support from the Business School’s Employability and Opportunity team who will help you explore opportunities to develop your professional network and gain work experience.

Read more about personal development support within the Business School. 

Why study Economics at Leeds University Business School?

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Accreditation

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS

Course details

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Economics BSc in the course catalogue

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) 
• Economic Institutions - Labour (10 credits) 
• Economic Institutions - Industry (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) 
• How to be a Successful Policy Economist (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) 

Final 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) 

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 Thinking and Practice (10 credits) 

Ethics and Sustainability pathway 

• Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspectives (20 credits) 
• Diversity Management (20 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 our virtual campus tour.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics grade A/7 and English Language grade B/6 or equivalent, or an appropriate English language qualification.* *If you have a B/6 in GCSE English Literature we will accept a Grade B/5 or C/4 in GCSE English Language.

Other course specific tests:

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications for this course.

Alternative qualification

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: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics grade A/7 and English Language or English Literature grade C/4

Access to Leeds: Pass

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Read more about International Entry Requirements for Leeds University Business School on our 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: To be confirmed

International: £28,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
In November 2024 the UK Government announced that the tuition fee cap may rise to £9,535 from £9,250.

The tuition fee cap for some foundation years may also reduce to £5,760 from £9,250.

This would start from the academic year 2025/26. However, this is subject to final confirmation from the Government. Once available, we’ll publish the fees for the 2025/26 academic year and individual offer letters shall be updated via email and post.

The foundation year courses affected are:
·         Business Studies with Foundation Year BSc
·         Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
·         Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
·         Social Science (foundation year) BA

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 and 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
 

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.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Leeds University Business School awards a generous range of scholarships.

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.

We aim to make offer decisions as quickly as we can but sometimes we may need to put applications for a course on hold until after the UCAS January deadline. This ensures that we recruit a balanced student population with the greatest potential.

If we put your application on hold for review after the UCAS application deadline, we will let you know. Although in this case you may have to wait a little longer than usual to receive a decision, this does not impact on your other applications and other university offers will not change simply because you are waiting for our offer.

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 2025

This course is taught by

Leeds University Business School

Contact us

Leeds University Business School Course Enquiries Office

Email: lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Our Economics degree offers an excellent route into employment.

Plus, the University of Leeds is the 4th most targeted UK university by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report, meaning our graduates are highly sought-after.

Watch our video: Undergraduate careers and employability: hear from students and alumni.

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Where will your Economics degree take you? 

Our graduates typically go into a wide variety of careers including roles such as Professional Economist, Government Economist, Portfolio Manager, Corporate Finance Analyst, Management Consultant, Financial Advisor, Commercial Analyst, Investment Manager, and Risk Analyst. Some also choose to undertake further study at graduate level.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. 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 Opportunity support.   

Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme 

You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for our competitive Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme, exclusive for Business School students. We’ll connect you with an industry professional who will support you on your career path as you are mentored on a one-to-one basis for one academic year.   

The Careers Service work with a large network of experienced professionals from companies such as Santander, M&S and KPMG, who volunteer as mentors on our Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme.    

During your time at Leeds, you’ll have full access to the University Careers Service and Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Studies.   

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend an additional academic year studying abroad. The University has partnerships with more than 300 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include the USA, Canada, Australia, countries in Asia and countries in Europe.

You can also apply to take part in a short-course summer school at one of our overseas partner institutions. A summer school can be taken as part of a three-year degree, or in addition to a study year abroad or year in industry.

Read more about studying abroad.

Work placement

Work placements can help you decide on your career and improve your employability prospects. You’ll have the opportunity to put theory from your course into practice whilst gaining practical work experience and transferable skills sought after by graduate employers. 

On this course you have the option to apply to spend a year in industry working within an organisation in either the public, private or voluntary sector, in the UK or overseas. If you take this option, your degree will be extended to a four-year course with the third year spent on placement. 

Support to find shorter summer internships and part-time or voluntary work is also available. 

Learn more about work placements.