Degree Overview

The BSc Economics degree at Queen's University Belfast provides students with a deep understanding of how economies function (macroeconomics) and how individuals make decisions (microeconomics). The program utilizes quantitative and qualitative techniques through models, equipping students with analytical, computing, presentation, and writing skills, all of which are highly sought after in industry and by entrepreneurs. The program is ranked 8th in the UK for graduate prospects by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2024).

Highlights:

Global Opportunities: The degree offers opportunities to study and work abroad through programs like Study USA, British Council, Erasmus, International Workplace Tours, Study China, City Scholarships, and more.
World-Class Facilities: Students have access to specialized software and training in mathematical and statistical modeling, preparing them for careers in economics.
Internationally Renowned Experts: Many of the program's staff are leading international experts in their respective research fields.
Student Experience: Students can join the Economics Society, a student-run organization that educates members on the practical use of economics through guest speakers, field trips abroad, and educational seminars.
Further Study Opportunities: Graduates can choose from a wide range of Master's programs and research topics.

Outline

Program Structure

The BSc Economics program is a three-year full-time program. Students typically take six modules per year, with a total of 36 modules over the three years.

Teaching Hours

Medium Group Teaching: 6 hours of practical classes, workshops, or seminars each week
Personal Study: 22-24 hours of studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.
Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial: 2 hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week
Large Group Teaching: 6 hours of lectures

Learning and Teaching

The Queen's Business School is a large school with over 1,800 full-time undergraduate students and 300 postgraduate students. The school has been delivering high-quality programs for over 40 years and was one of the UK's first schools to introduce undergraduate management education. Since then, QBS has been developing and enhancing its teaching portfolio for both local and international students and boasts students from more than 20 different nationalities. In recent years, the School has benefited from significant investment, resulting in many new academic appointments and state-of-the-art facilities, including computer teaching labs with specialized software and a Trading Room in Riddel Hall. Additionally, the new McClay library houses an excellent selection of Management and related texts, and there are extensive IT facilities throughout the campus. Queen's aims to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation, and best practice in learning, teaching, and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. In line with this, one of QBS' primary objectives is to deliver innovative learning and teaching programs that provide students with the competences and skills needed to make a positive contribution to business, economic, and civic life. The BSc Economics program achieves these goals by providing a range of learning environments, including:

Adviser of Studies: To assist with the choice of modules at the beginning of each academic year
Computer-Based and Other Practical Sessions: These provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.
E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen's Online.
Induction: Formalized induction for all undergraduate students.
Lectures: These introduce foundation information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading.
Peer Mentoring Scheme: Whereby students in the second and third year of their degree program volunteer to mentor Stage 1 students.
Personal Development Planning: To encourage students to engage in independent learning.
Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen's student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date, and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
Seminars/tutorials: A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (typically 15-20 students).
Student Support Systems: QBS has an active and coordinated student support system to assist students in making the transition from school to university.
Work placements: The BSc Economics program does not have a compulsory placement year.

Outline: Modules

Year 1:

Communicating Economics (20 credits)
Statistical Methods (20 credits)
Principles of Economics (40 credits)
Mathematics for Economists (20 credits)
Financial Institutions and Markets (20 credits)

Year 2:

Introduction to Econometrics (20 credits)
Microeconomics of Markets (20 credits)
Economic Growth (20 contemporary economic issues))
Macroeconomics (20 contemporary economic issues)
Industrial Organisation (20 credits)
Game Theory (20 contemporary economic issues))

Year

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Northern Ireland (NI) 1

£4,750

Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2

£4,750

England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1

£9,250

EU Other 3

£20,800

International

£20,800

Additional Information

The tuition fees quoted above are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only.
In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course.
Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Students who undertake optional study tours are expected to make a contribution, of approximately £150.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Currency

GBP (British Pound)

Program start date	Application deadline
2024-08-01	-
2025-03-01	-