Economics (BSc Econ)
- Subject area: Economics
- Next intake: September 2025
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Learn from the best
Benefit from expertise and support of research-active staff in a school with the highest possible score for research environment.
Tailored to your interests
Specialise in industrial economics, economic history, labour economics or international economics.
State of the art trading room
Prepare yourself for trading and risk management in a controlled environment equipped with Investor Simulations, TRETS and Bloomberg.
Placement opportunities
Develop the skills, confidence and connections to accelerate your career.
Marked for excellence
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
From Brexit and the Bedroom Tax to wages and wealth, environment and energy to health and homelessness, economists have rarely held such influence in the direction and debate of issues affecting the communities of the world.
It’s no wonder then, that employers are offering high wage graduate careers across the public sector, business, banking, accountancy and consultancy for those with economic expertise.
Our BScEcon Economics seeks to discover a new generation of economic thinkers.
Our research-led faculty will encourage you to consider the social, economic and ethical implications of your decisions on modules in labour economics, development, ethics and morality.
With their support, you’ll turn theory into practice and seek answers to a range of social and political issues, in preparation for careers in business, banking and consultancy roles or postgraduate and doctoral study.
Subject area: Economics
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
AAB-BBB. Must include Maths.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application.
- Eligible students will be given an offer at the lower end of the advertised grade range.
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional points in the selection process or be guaranteed interview/consideration.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
34-31 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Maths.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DD in a BTEC Diploma in Business and grade B in A-level Maths.
T level
We do not accept T Levels for this programme.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £9,250 | None |
| Year two | £9,250 | None |
| Year three | £9,250 | None |
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £23,700 | None |
| Year two | £23,700 | None |
| Year three | £23,700 | None |
Learn more about our tuition fees
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
The Economics course is a three-year full-time course of study, involving both compulsory and optional modules. You would normally attain 120 credits each year and 360 in total.
A significant proportion of the modules included in the programme are taught by the School’s Economics Section while certain modules, notably in year one, are taught by other sections of the School.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/2026 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.
Year one
Get to grips with the fundamentals of economic analysis through the study of macro and micro economics and learn key quantitative analytical skills.
You can discover how your analytical tools intersect with accounting, law, marketing and strategy, historical and contemporary economic issues.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Stats and Maths in Econ and Business | BS1501 | 20 credits |
| Economic History | BS1546 | 20 credits |
| Microeconomics | BS1551 | 20 credits |
| Macroeconomics | BS1652 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Accounting | BS1503 | 20 credits |
| Legal Studies | BS1505 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Management and Organisation | BS1510 | 10 credits |
| Contemporary Economic Issues | BS1545 | 20 credits |
| Principles of Marketing and Strategy | BS1630 | 10 credits |
Year two
Combine theory and practice as your understanding of the basics grow.
You’ll start to appreciate the theory underpinning economic analysis and practise empirical techniques used by economists to tackle contemporary political, societal, environmental and management challenges.
Focus on British and European economics, management or finance to complement your growing analytical skillset.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Macroeconomic Theory | BS2549 | 20 credits |
| Microeconomic Theory | BS2550 | 20 credits |
| Introductory Econometrics | BS2570 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| British Economy | BS2547 | 20 credits |
| Money Banking and Finance | BS2551 | 20 credits |
| Economics of the EU | BS2558 | 20 credits |
| Managerial Economics | BS2560 | 20 credits |
| State, Business and the British Economy in the Twentieth Century | BS2572 | 20 credits |
Year three
Put your knowledge to the test as you master the application of macro- and micro- economic analysis.
You’ll hone your decision-making capabilities with the aid of computerised models to identify logical solutions to sophisticated challenges.
Tailor your degree to your career ambitions with optional modules in labour economics, social welfare, trade, development and industry.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Macroeconomic Analysis | BS3565 | 20 credits |
| Microeconomic Analysis | BS3566 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Econometrics | BS3551 | 20 credits |
| Financial Economics | BS3554 | 20 credits |
| International Finance | BS3555 | 20 credits |
| International Economic History | BS3556 | 20 credits |
| Labour Economics | BS3558 | 20 credits |
| International Trade | BS3568 | 20 credits |
| Industrial Economics | BS3572 | 20 credits |
| Economic Statistics in Theory and Practice | BS3578 | 20 credits |
| Development Economics | BS3595 | 20 credits |
| Economi Wleidyddol Cymru: o 'Oes y glo' i 'Oes y clo' | PL9362 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
Our teaching is heavily informed by research and combines academic rigour with practical relevance. While our internationally recognised faculty consists of academics who are at the forefront of knowledge within their field. They bring the lessons learned from their most recent research into the classroom, giving you access to critical business thinking and contemporary real life examples and scenarios.
We will provide your teaching and learning resources, and will be responsive to your needs and views. For your part, you will need to put in the necessary amount of work both during and outside formal teaching sessions, and make good use of the facilities provided.
Most modules involve a mixture of lectures and small group teaching (called classes, seminars, workshops or tutorials).
Lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you to carry out independent research for the seminars and to develop your own ideas. Seminars provide an opportunity for you to explore the ideas outlined in the lectures. Seminars may take various formats, including plenary group discussion, small-group work and student-led presentations.
How will I be supported?
You will be allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of your studies. Normally, your personal tutor will teach on your own degree course and you will keep the same personal tutor throughout your course.
Your personal tutor will be able to give you advice on academic issues, including module choice and assessment. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies, your personal tutor should always be your first point of contact; she/he will be able to put you in touch with the wide range of expert student support services provided by the University and the Students' Union as appropriate. You are required to meet with your personal tutor three points during each academic year but you are also encouraged to get in touch with them at any other point if you need help or advice.
For day-to-day information, the staff of our Undergraduate Student Hub are available, in person, by telephone or by email, from 8am to 6pm each weekday during term time to answer your questions.
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles.
The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.
Feedback
We’ll provide you with regular feedback on your work. This comes in a variety of formats including oral feedback, personalised feedback on written work, and generic written feedback.
You will be given general feedback following each examination period and will be able to discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment methods vary from module to module but, across your degree scheme as a whole, you can expect a mixture of exams, coursework, essays, practical work, presentations, and individual and group projects.
What skills will I practise and develop?
As a result of engaging fully with this course, you will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’. These will allow you to:
- grasp complex issues with confidence
- ask the right questions of complex texts
- have an imaginative appreciation of different views and options and analyse these critically
- identify and apply relevant data
- develop practical research skills
- propose imaginative solutions of your own that are rooted in evidence
- communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in writing and speech
- sourcing, interpreting and presenting relevant numerical information – to support the composition of projects reports and business cases
- work to deadlines and priorities, managing a range of tasks at the same time
- work as part of a team, developing a collaborative approach to problem-solving
- use IT programmes and standard software packages, where appropriate
- take responsibility for your own learning programme and professional development.
Careers and placements
Career prospects
We are committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions, providing you with the skills, curiosity and confidence to make your mark in a competitive job market. Whether you have a clear idea of what you’d like to do after university, or no idea at all, we have the tools and support to guide you.
Our graduates go on to a range of industries and professions including banking and finance management, logistics and supply chain management, UK Government and Civil Service, and data analysis.
Within the Business School we have a dedicated Careers Centre offering bespoke business-specific support, including industry placements, internships, work experience and insights.
You’ll benefit from career consultations, interview and CV writing workshops, industry-specific events and specialist psychometric assessment and broad skills training.
Graduate careers
- Accountant
- Business Analyst
- Economist
- HR Manager
- Lecturer
- Marketing Executive
- Production Manager
- Stockbroker
Placements
We recognise the importance of gaining work experience during your studies. Our dedicated Placements Manager offers advice on available work placements, internships, work experience and opportunities to enhance your CV and broaden your horizons. Support with job applications and interview techniques is also available from the Business School’s in-house Careers Consultant.
If you decide that you would like to undertake a year-long placement, you can either apply to one of our ‘with Professional Placement Year’ programmes or transfer into one at any time up until the end of your second year of study. The placement is undertaken in the third year of a four-year degree programme.
International Study
To give students the opportunity to gain a global perspective, we offer four-year degree programmes “with a Year Abroad”. You may apply during your second year for a place on these programmes and if you are successful you will transfer in to the four year degree scheme. The Year Abroad will become an integral part of the degree.
We have exchange agreements with high ranking Business Schools and universities worldwide where you will study modules taught and assessed in English. A list of partner institutions, all of which offer modules taught in English, can be found on our website.
Our Exchange team and the University Global Opportunity Centre work closely with students in preparation for and during their studies abroad.
Next steps
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Get in touch
Send us a question or talk to our admissions team.
How to apply
Find out how to apply for this course
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
