BSc Economics
-
UCAS code
L100 -
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
Learn how to approach the world’s problems as an economist with our BSc Economics degree.
This three-year course will enable you to tackle a diverse range of economic issues and problems. You will acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding that are required to become an economist or use economics as a major aspect of your career. You will also work extensively with data and learn how to apply theory and models to analyse real-world issues.
- We also offer a BA Economics degree at the University of Reading, which covers an even wider range of economic markets and social policy issues but focuses less 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 BSc programme will allow you to understand what's happening in the world: how do economies grow, what can be done to manage business cycles, is a 5-day week really necessary and so on. You will analyse these using a range of theories and methods including the theory of games and strategic interactions, natural and behavioural experiments. Your degree will help you to understand and make predictions about individual and collective economic behaviour.
Your core modules will cover a range of topics, including:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Statistical and Econometric Methods
- Mathematics for Economists
- Economic Theory
- Behavioural Economics.
In computer lab sessions, you will learn how to work with specialist software that professional economists commonly use in business, government bodies, and research organisations.
Optional modules will bring your studies to life and relate to what is happening outside of the classroom, with interactive modules such as:
- Development Economics, understanding of the causes and consequences of underdevelopment and the policies that help 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.
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 econometrics 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 BSc 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 BSc Economics
Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree.
If you are interested in doing a year-long placement, you can opt for our four-year BSc Economics with a Placement Year degree, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and third years.
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).
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year or 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
Learn how to approach the world’s problems as an economist with our BSc Economics degree.
This three-year course will enable you to tackle a diverse range of economic issues and problems. You will acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding that are required to become an economist or use economics as a major aspect of your career. You will also work extensively with data and learn how to apply theory and models to analyse real-world issues.
- We also offer a BA Economics degree at the University of Reading, which covers an even wider range of economic markets and social policy issues but focuses less 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 BSc programme will allow you to understand what's happening in the world: how do economies grow, what can be done to manage business cycles, is a 5-day week really necessary and so on. You will analyse these using a range of theories and methods including the theory of games and strategic interactions, natural and behavioural experiments. Your degree will help you to understand and make predictions about individual and collective economic behaviour.
Your core modules will cover a range of topics, including:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Statistical and Econometric Methods
- Mathematics for Economists
- Economic Theory
- Behavioural Economics.
In computer lab sessions, you will learn how to work with specialist software that professional economists commonly use in business, government bodies, and research organisations.
Optional modules will bring your studies to life and relate to what is happening outside of the classroom, with interactive modules such as:
- Development Economics, understanding of the causes and consequences of underdevelopment and the policies that help 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.
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 econometrics 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 BSc 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 BSc Economics
Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree.
If you are interested in doing a year-long placement, you can opt for our four-year BSc Economics with a Placement Year degree, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and third years.
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).
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year or 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 including A level Maths at grade B
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall, including standard level Maths at grade 5 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
Not accepted, unless studied alongside A level Maths. The BTEC Extended Diploma cannot be accepted to cover the Maths subject-specific requirement.
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 |
---|---|---|
EC113 | Introductory Microeconomics | DR Vivien Burrows |
EC114 | Introductory Macroeconomics | DR Mark Guzman |
EC115 | Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business 1 | DR Kiran Karrouchi |
EC120 | Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business 2 and Study Skills | PROF Simonetta Longhi |
EC128 | Intermediate Mathematics for Economics | DR Fangya Xu |
EC1CORE | Core Competencies in Economics | DR Carl Singleton |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC107 | Introduction to Economic Institutions and Policy | DR Maria Asensio |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
EC116 | Introductory Mathematics for Economics 1 | DR Andy Chung |
EC123 | Globalisation and the History of Western Capitalism | PROF Mark Casson |
EC126 | Communicating Economics | PROF Simonetta Longhi |
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 |
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 |
EC204 | Introductory Econometrics | DR Hussein Hassan |
EC206 | Intermediate Mathematics for Economics | DR Christos Mavrodimitrakis |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC205 | Intermediate Econometrics | DR Shixuan Wang |
EC208 | Business Economics | DR Nigel Wadeson |
EC221 | Economic Theory | DR Mark Guzman |
EC224 | Games and Economic Behaviour | DR Steven Bosworth |
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 |
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 |
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.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC301 | Advanced Microeconomics | DR Steven Bosworth |
EC302 | Advanced Macroeconomics | DR Alexander Mihailov |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EC311 | International Economics | DR Hussein Hassan |
EC314 | Public Economics | DR Vivien Burrows |
EC317 | Urban Economics | DR Vivien Burrows |
EC318 | Econometric Methods | MR Chaowen Zheng |
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 |
EC343 | Behavioural Economics | DR Joo Young Jeon |
EC347 | Industrial Organisation | DR Joo Young Jeon |
EC349 | Financial Economics | DR Fangya Xu |
EC350 | Macroeconometrics | DR Shixuan Wang |
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 as economists with governmental and commercial organisations. Others have entered related careers in accounting, finance, business, marketing, publishing, public relations, and the media.
Recent BSc Economics graduates from the University of Reading have started their careers with organisations such as:
- Government Economic Service - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- Government Economic Service - HM Treasury
- Government Economic Service - Home Office
- The Financial Conduct Authority | FCA
- Association of British Insurers | ABI
- Nationwide Building Society
- Grant Thornton UK LLP
- University of Oxford
- Kimberley-Clark
- NHS England
- PwC
- Intel.
[1] Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes first degree Economics responders.