BA Economics
-
UCAS code
L101 -
Typical offer
ABB -
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
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 A Level ABB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall, including 4 in Maths at standard level
GCSE
Maths at grade B (6) minimum
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC107 | Introduction to Economic Institutions and Policy | DR Maria Asensio |
EC113 | Introductory Microeconomics | DR Vivien Burrows |
EC114 | Introductory Macroeconomics | DR Mark Guzman |
EC115 | Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business 1 | DR Kiran Karrouchi |
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 | DR Carl Singleton |
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 | PROF Simonetta Longhi |
EC128 | Intermediate Mathematics for Economics | DR Fangya Xu |
EC130 | Placement Support | MRS Purnima Darji |
EC131 | Thinking Like an Economist | PROF Giovanni Razzu |
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 |
AR1REV | Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present | PROF Steve Mithen |
AR1REV10 | Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present [10 credits] | 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 |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | PROF Amy Smith |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
CL1SO | Ancient Song | PROF Ian Rutherford |
FA1MM | Modernisms & Mythologies | DR Jenny Chamarette |
FT1ATF | Approaches to Film | DR Adam O'Brien |
FT1ATP | Analysing Theatre and Performance | DR Matt McFrederick |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Simone Knox |
IL1GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MS Joan McCormack |
IL1GMB | Modern Britain Society, History and Politics | MRS Daniela Standen |
LS1GL | Globalization and Language | DR Tony Capstick |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | MR Federico Faloppa |
MM1F10 | Student Enterprise | DR Lebene Soga |
MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO1BRI | British Society | DR Dawn Clarke |
PO1ICD | Introduction to Contemporary Democracy | DR Christoph Arndt |
PO1INE | Inequality | DR Jonathan Golub |
PP1GJ | Global Justice | DR Shalini Sinha |
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 Carolyn Molesworth-St Aubyn |
EC202 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | DR Mark Guzman |
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 |
---|---|---|
EC206 | Intermediate Mathematics for Economics | DR Christos Mavrodimitrakis |
EC208 | Business Economics | DR Nigel Wadeson |
EC221 | Economic Theory | DR Mark Guzman |
EC224 | Games and Economic Behaviour | DR Steven Bosworth |
EC243 | Economic History | DR Andrew Primmer |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
AR2M8 | Medieval Europe: power, religion and death | DR Gabor Thomas |
CL2AE | Ancient Epic | DR Christa Gray |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | DR Emma Aston |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF Barbara Goff |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | PROF Annalisa Marzano |
FT2WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Adam O'Brien |
IL2GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MRS Daniela Standen |
IL2GMB | Modern Britain Society, History and Politics | MRS Daniela Standen |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | MRS Suzanne Portch |
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 | DR 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 Kiwi Ting |
PO2GPH | Global Politics and History | DR Kerry Goettlich |
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Christoph Arndt |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | DR Shalini Sinha |
PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Severin Schroeder |
PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | DR Charlotte Newey |
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 Vivien Burrows |
EC317 | Urban Economics | DR Vivien Burrows |
EC319 | Development Economics | DR Samantha Benvinda Rawlings |
EC320 | Money and Banking | DR Christos Mavrodimitrakis |
EC322 | Economics of Labour | DR Sarah Jewell |
EC325 | The Economics of Sports and Games | PROF James Reade |
EC327 | Economics of Banking | DR Tho Pham |
EC334 | Environmental Economics | DR Stefania Lovo |
EC347 | Industrial Organisation | DR Joo Young Jeon |
EC349 | Financial Economics | DR Fangya Xu |
EC3DIS | Dissertation | DR Hussein Hassan |
FB3LNPA | Lifestyle, Nutrigenetics and Personalised Nutrition | DR Vimal Karani |
GV3CC | Climate Change | PROF Maria Shahgedanova |
GV3ESM | Ecosystems Modelling | DR Shovonlal Roy |
GV3TRC | Tropical Rainforests, Climate & Lost Civilisations | PROF Frank Mayle |
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 | MR Federico Faloppa |
MM302 | Entrepreneurial Project | MR Keith Heron |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | DR Sarah Goff |
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 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes first degree Economics responders.