BSc

Economics

Key Facts

L10F

  • UCAS Tariff

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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BSc Economics with Foundation Year, at Aberystwyth University, explores the economic issues that impact on everyday life including the creation of employment, inflationary pressures, international trade issues, the process of business competition, innovation and growth, the development of third world countries, the protection of natural resources and government policy-making. 

With a wide range of modules to choose from you can develop and hone your interests. Research-led teaching and excellent facilities ensure you have the relevant knowledge and transferable skills to progress into your chosen career.

The integrated foundation year - designed for prospective students who do not have a sufficient or relevant academic background - is the perfect option to access this highly-sort scheme. In the Foundation Year, you will learn about key concepts for Economics from an inter-disciplinary angle, giving you a unique experience and critical perspective to make the most of the full undergraduate degree.

Year 3 and 4 modules.

Course Overview

Why study Economics at Aberystwyth?

  • Following the foundation year, the syllabus of this course is identical to its sister course [Economics, L100];
  • Become a student in an established department for research and practice and be taught by expert lecturers who will help you develop your knowledge on economic principles, and become confident with the technical and quantitative aspects of Economics as a study;
  • Enhance your career opportunities through our partnerships with business, industry and commerce;
  • Be enriched by our visiting speakers who bring their professional experience to the classroom;
  • We have arrangements with many partner universities overseas to deliver short academic programmes (2 weeks) to small groups of management and business students (on a self-funding basis), to enable you to experience the impact of the cultural environment when conducting business abroad. We currently have partner universities in India, China, Russia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Brazil and our portfolio of countries is rapidly expanding.
Our Staff

Students at the Aberystwyth Business School are taught by lecturers and other teaching staff who are active researchers and expert practitioners in their chosen subject area.

Over 75% of full time members of teaching staff are qualified to PhD level. Most are currently research active, meaning that students benefit from being taught ‘new’ knowledge in their chosen field of study as well as recognized literature. The School also employs part-time and full time staff devoted purely to teaching. Many part-time staff combine teaching duties with consultancy and business activities, ensuring that students have access not only to up to date research but the latest applied knowledge.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Data Analytics AB15220 20
Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance AB11120 20
Fundamentals of Management and Business * AB15120 20
Understanding the Economy AB13120 20
Economic Theory and Policy AB13220 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Econometrics AB23420 20
Macroeconomics: Theory and Policy Applications AB23220 20
Managerial Economics AB23320 20
Microeconomics Theory and Policy Applications AB23120 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Contemporary Issues in Economics and Policy AB33120 20
Environmental Economics AB33220 20
Labour Economics AB33620 20
Trade and International Monetary Systems AB33520 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Career prospects

A degree in Economics is highly rated by employers and on average attracts particularly high levels of graduate salaries. 

Our graduates have progressed into these specialist pathways:

  • Chartered Accountant;
  • Chartered Certified Accountant;
  • Chartered Management Accountant;
  • Chartered Public Finance Accountant;
  • Economist;
  • Investment analysis;
  • Financial risk analyst;
  • Actuary;
  • Civil Service;
  • Diplomatic Service;
  • Local Government.

Transferable Skills

Studying a degree in Economics will equip you with the following skills:

  • Understanding of organisational behaviour and structure;
  • Improved numeracy skills and the ability to research, interpret and use business and financial data;
  • Deep understanding of the causes and effects of economic and other external changes;
  • The ability to communicate clearly written and spoken;
  • Effective problem solving;
  • Analytical and creative thinking skills;
  • Decision- making;
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a team;
  • Time-management and organisational skills;
  • Self-motivation and self-reliance.

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Discover more out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four year degree scheme.

In the first foundation year, you will be introduced to core components of Economics.

In the second year you may discover:

  • Economic principles;
  • Economic mathematics and statistics;
  • And a selection of elective modules (including statistics for economists, managing finance and an introduction to management). 

In the third year you may explore:

  • Policy implications of economic theory;
  • Economic interpretation;
  • An introduction to econometrics; 
  • Macroeconomic Behaviour and Systems; 
  • Development of Economics. 

In the final year you may study:

  • The core understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics;
  • Investment and Financial Instruments;
  • Taxation;
  • Development of Economics;
  • Economics of Labour and Industrial Relations;
  • International Trade and Trade Policy.

How will I be taught? 

You will be taught through lectures, seminars and tutorials of which are in small groups. You will be required on some modules to deliver presentations, work effectively as part of a group and undertake any essays that are required from you.

At Aberystwyth University, all our modules are placed online for you to study further in the comfort of your room. We also have a wealth of printed texts which are available in our library and the National Library of Wales.

 The course is assessed by:

  • Examinations;
  • Assessed essays;
  • Projects;
  • Presentations;
  • Dissertation (certain modules).

You will be allocated a personal tutor for the duration of degree at Aberystwyth University.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

International Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

European Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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