BA Economics
-
UCAS code
L101 -
A level offer
Course closed for September 2023 entry -
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
Explore how economic theory can be applied to key societal issues with our BA Economics degree.
This three-year course focuses on how economic tools can be applied to different markets and situations. You will acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable you to solve the problems that are challenging policy makers and businesses all over the world.
We also offer a BSc Economics degree at the University of Reading, which covers a narrower range of economic markets and social policy issues but focuses more on techniques for working with data.
Choose economics at the University of Reading
- Established for more than 50 years
- 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).
Our BA programme will allow you to understand what’s happening in the world and how policy makers can respond to it: how do economies grow, how can policy makers manage business cycles, is inflation a problem, how can unemployment be reduced, is a 5-day week really necessary and so on. You will analyse these issues using a range of economic theories and methods including the theory of games and strategic interactions, natural and behavioural experiments.
Your degree will help you to understand the levers of policy and provide policy advice in response to Economics problems.
You'll study practical economic issues and examine the relationship between economics and society more widely, including:
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Economic Institutions
- Economics of Social Policy.
You will also be trained in empirical methods used by professional economists to identify economic relationships and make predictions using different types of data.
- Development Economics - understanding of the causes and consequences of underdevelopment and the policies that help to bring people out of poverty.
- Economics of Banking - exploring the weaknesses in the banking sector, the strategies adopted by banks to address risks, and the rationale for government intervention in the financial sector and banking regulation.
- Economics of Sport and Games - studying how the competitive and controlled environments within sport can provide laboratories to study human behaviour, to test theories, and to observe the impacts of policy.
- Public Economics - offering you the chance to assume the role of a government adviser and write policy briefs that address public policy issues.
Your learning environment
Our research in the Department of Economics has real-world applications and has informed policy decisions by governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank.
At Reading, our researchers are addressing some of the key issues of the twenty-first century, such as the environmental impact of economic growth.
- Read about Dr Stefania Lovo’s research into calculating the cost of a clean environment.
Elsewhere, our innovative research into leisure and sport is providing vital economic insights.
- Dr James Reade combines his interests in sports and mathematics to understand what drives people’s economic behaviour.
What you study throughout your degree will be aligned with our research clusters, keeping you up to date with the latest developments in economics. This learning is complemented by guest speakers from outside the University and the student-led Economics Society.
Popular optional modules on the BA Economics programme include:
As well as lectures, you’ll take part in small-group tutorials, enabling you to discuss and analyse both theory and practice through case studies, group presentations and open debate.
Supporting your learning
The Department of Economics will support your learning in several ways.
- Economics Surgeries offer one-to-one appointments with staff allowing you to discuss the topics you’ve studied and get help with specific study skills.
- Economics Conversations provide the opportunity for you to discuss an economic issue in the news with staff and other students from across the department in a relaxed, informal setting.
- The Economics Society is a student-led body that you can get involved in. It arranges social events for students, careers-focused events as well as lectures and discussions with economists on a range of topical matters, such as the economics of health and feminism.
Work placements with BA Economics
Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree.
We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.
Previous students from the Department of Economics have undertaken placements with:
- 3M
- Airbus
- Bank of England
- Crowe
- Deloitte
- Disney
- Emperor
- HP Enterprise
- IBM
- Johnson & Johnson
- NHS England
- Nissan
- Oracle
- the Government Economic Service (including the Treasury, the Office for National Statistics, and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office).
If you are interested in doing a year-long placement, you can opt for our four-year BA Economics with a Placement Year degree, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and third years.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year or a term abroad at one of our partner universities in Australia, Canada, the USA, or across Europe.
Visit our Study Abroad website for more information.
Overview
Explore how economic theory can be applied to key societal issues with our BA Economics degree.
This three-year course focuses on how economic tools can be applied to different markets and situations. You will acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable you to solve the problems that are challenging policy makers and businesses all over the world.
We also offer a BSc Economics degree at the University of Reading, which covers a narrower range of economic markets and social policy issues but focuses more on techniques for working with data.
Choose economics at the University of Reading
- Established for more than 50 years
- 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).
Our BA programme will allow you to understand what’s happening in the world and how policy makers can respond to it: how do economies grow, how can policy makers manage business cycles, is inflation a problem, how can unemployment be reduced, is a 5-day week really necessary and so on. You will analyse these issues using a range of economic theories and methods including the theory of games and strategic interactions, natural and behavioural experiments.
Your degree will help you to understand the levers of policy and provide policy advice in response to Economics problems.
You'll study practical economic issues and examine the relationship between economics and society more widely, including:
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Economic Institutions
- Economics of Social Policy.
You will also be trained in empirical methods used by professional economists to identify economic relationships and make predictions using different types of data.
- Development Economics - understanding of the causes and consequences of underdevelopment and the policies that help to bring people out of poverty.
- Economics of Banking - exploring the weaknesses in the banking sector, the strategies adopted by banks to address risks, and the rationale for government intervention in the financial sector and banking regulation.
- Economics of Sport and Games - studying how the competitive and controlled environments within sport can provide laboratories to study human behaviour, to test theories, and to observe the impacts of policy.
- Public Economics - offering you the chance to assume the role of a government adviser and write policy briefs that address public policy issues.
Learning
Your learning environment
Our research in the Department of Economics has real-world applications and has informed policy decisions by governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank.
At Reading, our researchers are addressing some of the key issues of the twenty-first century, such as the environmental impact of economic growth.
- Read about Dr Stefania Lovo’s research into calculating the cost of a clean environment.
Elsewhere, our innovative research into leisure and sport is providing vital economic insights.
- Dr James Reade combines his interests in sports and mathematics to understand what drives people’s economic behaviour.
What you study throughout your degree will be aligned with our research clusters, keeping you up to date with the latest developments in economics. This learning is complemented by guest speakers from outside the University and the student-led Economics Society.
Popular optional modules on the BA Economics programme include:
As well as lectures, you’ll take part in small-group tutorials, enabling you to discuss and analyse both theory and practice through case studies, group presentations and open debate.
Supporting your learning
The Department of Economics will support your learning in several ways.
- Economics Surgeries offer one-to-one appointments with staff allowing you to discuss the topics you’ve studied and get help with specific study skills.
- Economics Conversations provide the opportunity for you to discuss an economic issue in the news with staff and other students from across the department in a relaxed, informal setting.
- The Economics Society is a student-led body that you can get involved in. It arranges social events for students, careers-focused events as well as lectures and discussions with economists on a range of topical matters, such as the economics of health and feminism.
Work placements with BA Economics
Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree.
We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.
Previous students from the Department of Economics have undertaken placements with:
- 3M
- Airbus
- Bank of England
- Crowe
- Deloitte
- Disney
- Emperor
- HP Enterprise
- IBM
- Johnson & Johnson
- NHS England
- Nissan
- Oracle
- the Government Economic Service (including the Treasury, the Office for National Statistics, and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office).
If you are interested in doing a year-long placement, you can opt for our four-year BA Economics with a Placement Year degree, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and third years.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year or a term abroad at one of our partner universities in Australia, Canada, the USA, or across Europe.
Visit our Study Abroad website for more information.
Entry requirements Course closed for September 2023 entry
Applications for 2023/24 entry (September start dates) are now closed. Please view the 2024/25 course page for information about the next year of entry.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC107 | Introduction to Economic Institutions and Policy | DR Neha Hui |
EC113 | Introductory Microeconomics | DR Carolyn Molesworth-St Aubyn |
EC114 | Introductory Macroeconomics | DR Mark Guzman |
EC115 | Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business 1 | DR Anwesha Mukherjee |
EC116 | Introductory Mathematics for Economics 1 | DR Andy Chung |
EC123 | Globalisation and the History of Western Capitalism | PROF Mark Casson |
EC1CORE | Core Competencies in Economics | PROF Sarah Jewell |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
EC120 | Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business 2 and Study Skills | PROF Simonetta Longhi |
EC126 | Communicating Economics | DR Christos Mavrodimitrakis |
EC128 | Intermediate Mathematics for Economics | DR Fangya Xu |
EC130 | Placement Support | MRS Purnima Darji |
EC131 | Thinking Like an Economist | PROF Giovanni Razzu |
AP1A35 | Towards Sustainability: Positive Action for a Better World | PROF Julian Park |
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1EM2 | The Fundamentals of Business and Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
AR1EMP | Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt & Rome | PROF Roger Matthews |
AR1EMP10 | Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt & Rome [10 credits] | PROF Roger Matthews |
AR1FOR | Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death | DR Gundula Müldner |
AR1FOR10 | Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death [10 credit] | DR Gundula Müldner |
AR1RAT | Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day | PROF Steve Mithen |
AR1RAT1 | Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day | PROF Steve Mithen |
AR1SOC | Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology | DR Alanna Cant |
AR1SOC10 | Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology [10 credits] | DR Alanna Cant |
CL1SO | Ancient Song | PROF Ian Rutherford |
CL1TR | Texts, Readers, and Writers | PROF Eleanor Dickey |
FA1DSS | Drawing Skills | MISS Beverley Bennett |
FA1MM | Modernisms & Mythologies | MS Kelly Lloyd |
FT1ATF | Approaches to Film | DR Adam O'Brien |
FT1ATP | Analysing Theatre and Performance | DR Matt McFrederick |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Tonia Kazakopoulou |
FT1WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Adam O'Brien |
GV1B1 | Introduction to Environmental Science | DR Hazel McGoff |
IL1GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MRS Daniela Standen |
IL1GMB | Modern Britain: Society, History and Politics | DR Lucy Watson |
LS1ELS | English Language and Society | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
LS1GL | Globalization and Language | DR Tony Capstick |
MC1PP | Presenting the Past | DR Rhi Smith |
ML1GEC | Greats of European Cinema | DR Marta Simo-Comas |
MM1F10 | Student Enterprise | MS Linghe Lei |
MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO1BRI | British Society | DR Dawn Clarke |
PO1ICD | Introduction to Contemporary Democracy | DR Kiwi Ting |
PO1INE | Inequality | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO1IPI | Introduction to Political Ideas | DR Andrew Reid |
PO1WAR | War and Warfare | DR Vladimir Rauta |
PP1GJ | Global Justice | MISS Michela Bariselli |
PP1ML | The Meaning of Life | DR Luke Elson |
PP1RA | Reason and Argument | DR George Mason |
PP1RP | Radical Philosophy | PROF Maximilian De Gaynesford |
PY1IPY | Introduction to Psychology | DR Katie Barfoot |
TY1WTF | What the font? Making and using typefaces | DR Rob Banham |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC201 | Intermediate Microeconomics | DR Minyan Zhu |
EC202 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | DR Carl Singleton |
EC204 | Introductory Econometrics | DR Hussein Hassan |
EC207 | Empirical Methods for Economics and Social Sciences | MR Adesola Olumayowa Sunmoni |
EC238 | Economics of Social Policy | DR Samantha Benvinda Rawlings |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC208 | Business Economics | DR Nigel Wadeson |
EC221 | Economic Theory | DR Carolyn Molesworth-St Aubyn |
EC224 | Games and Economic Behaviour | DR Steven Bosworth |
EC230 | Placement Support | MRS Purnima Darji |
EC238 | Economics of Social Policy | DR Samantha Benvinda Rawlings |
EC243 | Economic History | DR Andrew Primmer |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
CL2AE | Ancient Epic | DR Christa Gray |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | PROF Timothy Duff |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF David Carter |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | DR Andreas Gavrielatos |
FT2WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Adam O'Brien |
GV2CSR | Corporate Social Responsibility Consultancy | MR Jim Ormond |
IL2GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MRS Daniela Standen |
IL2GMB | Modern Britain: Society, History and Politics | DR Lucy Watson |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | DR Erhan Aslan |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
ML2GF | Science, perversion, and dream in global fantastic literature | DR Alice Christensen |
ML2STA | Society, Thought, and Art in Modern Europe | DR Veronica Heath |
MM2101 | Founder Dilemmas | PROF Norbert Morawetz |
MT2CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO2AMG | American Government and Politics | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
PO2BGP | British Government and Politics | DR Rose De Geus |
PO2CGP | Comparative Government and Politics | DR Victor Araujo Silva |
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | MISS Michela Bariselli |
PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Sev.J. Schroeder |
PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Walter Veit |
PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | DR George Mason |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC301 | Advanced Microeconomics | DR Steven Bosworth |
EC302 | Advanced Macroeconomics | DR Alexander Mihailov |
EC311 | International Economics | DR Hussein Hassan |
EC314 | Public Economics | DR Jade Siu |
EC319 | Development Economics | DR Samantha Benvinda Rawlings |
EC320 | Money and Banking | DR Christos Mavrodimitrakis |
EC322 | Economics of Labour | PROF Sarah Jewell |
EC325 | The Economics of Sports and Games | PROF James Reade |
EC327 | Economics of Banking | MS Diya Abraham |
EC334 | Environmental Economics | DR Stefania Lovo |
EC343 | Behavioural Economics | DR Joo Young Jeon |
EC347 | Industrial Organisation | DR Joo Young Jeon |
EC349 | Financial Economics | DR Mark Guzman |
EC3DIS | Dissertation | DR Hussein Hassan |
FB3LNPA | Lifestyle, Nutrigenetics and Personalised Nutrition | DR Vimal Karani |
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
LW3CRY | Criminology | PROFESSOR Jo Phoenix |
ML3IC | Identity and Conflict in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML3LP | Language and Power | PROF Federico Faloppa |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
PO3GAP | Gender and Politics | DR Rose De Geus |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £20,300
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
Your analytical skills and specialist knowledge of economics are highly sought by employers. Your degree will also equip you with valuable transferable skills, from problem-solving to communication and presentation.
Overall, 92% of graduates from Economics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. [1] Many of our graduates are employed in highly sought-after roles as economists with governmental and commercial organisations. Others have entered related careers in accounting, finance, business, marketing, publishing, public relations, and the media.
Recent BA Economics graduates from the University of Reading have started their careers with organisations such as:
- Government Economic Service – Office of National Statistics
- Government Economic Service – Office of Budgetary Responsibility
- Government Economic Service – Department of Health
- PricewaterhouseCoopers | PwC
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Johnson and Johnson
- Hewlett Packard
- NHS England
- Toyota
- Disney
- BMW.
[1]Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes first degree Economics responders.