Program Overview
This BSc Economics degree focuses on economics principles with a strong emphasis on mathematical and statistical methods. Students gain a deep understanding of macroeconomics, microeconomics, and related fields. The program offers optional modules for specialization, preparing graduates for careers in economics, finance, policy analysis, and other sectors requiring analytical and quantitative skills.
Program Outline
You'll dive into macroeconomics, microeconomics, mathematics, and statistics. You'll gain all the core analytical and quantitative techniques required by economics graduates. Understanding why we do what we do is key to the economist's role. This knowledge can inform policy in areas as diverse as education, the environment, commerce, transport, globalisation and health. You'll be well-equipped to tackle real-world economic problems and have a positive impact on society. You can tailor your studies to your career interests through optional modules that allow you to specialise in areas such as economic policy analysis, international trade, and behavioural economics. Graduate with the skills essential for success in the modern economy. Our degree opens up exciting career prospects. Work as an economist, analyst, researcher, policy advisor or within financial institutions. Unlock your potential and pave the way for a successful career in a highly qualified profession. We're proud to be ranked 2nd in the UK for boosting graduate salaries. Our graduates are highly sought after in a variety of sectors. These include finance, international banking, government, consulting and non-profit organisations. Be a part of shaping our global future.
Outline:
Year 1
- Introduction to Macroeconomics
- Introduction to Microeconomics
- The Politics of Economics and the Economics of Politicians
- Current Economic Issues
- Economic Integration I
- Economic Integration II
- Growth and Development in Long-Run Historical Perspective
- Mathematical Economics and Econometrics
- Mathematical Economics and Statistical Methods
- Quantitative Economics
Year 2
- Applied Econometrics I
- Applied Econometrics II
- Macroeconomic Theory
- Microeconomic Theory
- Development Economics
- Econometric Theory I
- Econometric Theory II
- Environmental and Resource Economics
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics
- Financial Economics
- Industrial Economics
- International Trade
- Labour Economics
- Monetary Economics
- Political Economy
- Public Sector Economics
Year 3
- Dissertation
- Advanced Development Economics
- Advanced Econometric Theory
- Advanced Experimental and Behavioural Economics
- Advanced Financial Economics
- Advanced Industrial Economics
- Advanced International Trade I
- Advanced International Trade II
- Advanced Labour Economics
- Advanced Macroeconomics
- Advanced Mathematical Economics
- Advanced Microeconomics
- Advanced Monetary Economics
- Advanced Political Economy
- Advanced Public Economics
- Economic Policy Analysis I
- Economic Policy Analysis II
- International Money and Macroeconomics
- Advanced Microeconometric Methods
- Numerical Methods in Economics
Assessment:
During each semester you will be examined on the modules you have taken. With the exception of the dissertation in the third year (no exam), modules have exam-based assessment (at the end of the semester) and seminar or essay-based elements, including group work (during the semester). Most exams consist of one part where you have to answer all questions ('Part A') and another part where you have some choice ('Part B'), for example, writing short essays on two out of five topics/questions provided. Exam length varies, depending on the share of the module mark made up by the exam (typically 60-80%), but year one and two exams are typically one to two hours, year three exams can be up to three hours.
Teaching:
The majority of teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars and computer laboratory classes. We aim to provide a learning environment that will enrich your life and live up to the ideal of a global education. You will engage directly in our common pursuit of cutting-edge, policy relevant and curiosity-driven research. Economists study the world around them by applying both mathematical and statistical methods. You will be required to learn both to ensure you have the most up to date skills. In year one, our courses offer a choice of quantitative pathways, which differ in their level of mathematical difficulty (for example, there is a separate stream for students without maths A level), but by year two all three streams come together since students will have been brought to the same level of mathematical skill required. The final year dissertation module provides you with the opportunity to complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice. Under the guidance of a dissertation tutor, you will gain experience of the research process and a range of skills that will enhance your academic profile and CV.
Careers:
Our economics graduates gain a range of specialist and transferable skills, including the ability to grasp complex economic concepts, both mathematical and philosophical. This will enable you to have a lucrative career in a wide variety of fields such as government, international agencies, private sector organisations or education. A study from the Department for Education and Institute for Fiscal Studies has found that studying economics at university significantly increases the average earnings of graduates. Current students interview inspirational guests from the University of Nottingham and beyond, to provide valuable insights into their life after graduation.
Other:
- Ranked 2nd in the UK for boosting graduate salaries, with economics graduates earning an average of £8,810 more than expected five years after graduation (The Economist British university rankings, 2017)
- 5th in the UK for economics departments (IDEAS RePEc ranking of economics departments 2023) offering a wide variety of high expertise in fields such as macroeconomics, economic policy and international trade
- 5th in the UK, with 99% of our research output ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
- Study abroad opportunities at the university’s campuses in China or Malaysia or in locations such as Australia, Canada and Japan
- Summer internship possibilities through a competitive application process, which can lead to a graduate job offer
- Automatic membership of NEFS, the student-run society, which provides extensive training and networking opportunities
- Flexible course with a broad range of modules to choose from
