Economics - BSc (Hons) Degree

This degree can be studied as a three-year full-time degree or a four-year degree that includes a year of foundational study. Our foundation year is intended to prepare you for your subsequent years of studying, offering you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence.

The foundation year will be relevant to:

1. Students who have not achieved the required A-level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme.
2. Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time.

Find out more about the foundation year.

Please note: You will need to apply using a specific UCAS code if you wish to undertake the 4 years including foundation. Please refer to Key Course Information at the bottom of this page.

Year One (Level 4)

In your first year, all six modules (120 credits) are compulsory and designed to give you a solid introduction to Economics.

You will be introduced to both microeconomics and macroeconomics, as well as being equipped with quantitative and academic skills to succeed in your studies and future career.

All modules are taught in English and there is provision for the Welsh language equivalent in a number of modules in Levels 4 and 5. These are indicated below with an asterisk (*).

Compulsory modules (20 credits each)

• The Economy: Microeconomics
• The Economy: Macroeconomics
• Quantitative Methods for Data Analysis
• Global Financial Services*
• Economic Ideas Through Time
• Sustainable Money Management*

Year Two (Level 5)

In your second year, five modules (100 credits) are compulsory, and you select one optional module (20 credits).

You will advance your study of microeconomics and macroeconomics. You will also learn how to use statistical analysis and undertake an Experiential Work or Volunteering Opportunities module.

Compulsory modules (20 credits each)

• Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
• Intermediate Macroeconomics
• Intermediate Quantitative Methods
• Games and Information Theory
• Experiential Work or Volunteering Opportunities*

Select ONE Optional module (20 credits each)

• Public Finance
• Accounting for Responsible Management*
• Taxation

Year in industry

You have the option to spend a year in industry on a work placement after successfully completing your second year of study. We have a dedicated work placement team to support you in securing a placement. A year-long placement can boost your career prospects and give you an advantage when applying for jobs after graduation.

Year Three (Level 6)

In your third year, five modules (100 credits) are compulsory, and you select one optional module (20 credits).

The third year focuses on putting your knowledge of theory into practice, but also explores further important areas of economics, such as labour and health economics, behavioural economics, as well as a choice of public economics, which is all about the economic tools important for governments or industrial economics.

Compulsory modules (20 credits each)

• Macroeconomics: Theory and Application
• Econometrics
• Labour Economics and Health Economics
• Behavioural Economics
• International Political Economy

Select ONE Optional module (20 credits each)

• Industrial Economics
• Public Policy Economics
• Advanced Taxation
• Industrial Work Experience^

Optional modules are delivered subject to demand and availability.

^ If you're taking a year-long industry work placement between year two and three, you have the option to select 'Industrial Work Experience' as your optional module. If not, select another optional module.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical workshops. You will also enhance your knowledge and understanding developed during lecturers through guided independent study.

Opportunities to put theory into practice through real-life case studies and work placements will help you translate academic knowledge into practical real-world skills and experiences to prepare you for a career or further study in Economics.

Personal development planning is also embedded within the degree to develop and promote core study skills, and a reflective approach to learning.

All modules are supported through Moodle, the virtual learning environment. Reading lists are made available through Leganto.

You will be assessed through exams (seen/unseen, open book, essays/short answers), class-tests, practical assessments, presentations (individual or group), debates, written coursework, such as individual or group reports.

Our BSc (Hons) Economics degree delivers excellent career prospects with Economists in high demand in both the private and public sector as managers, researchers, analysts and strategists.

Progression to postgraduate study within the Cardiff School of Management is also an option.

As well as the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through a compulsory experiential work opportunities work placement module in the second year, we also offer a year in industry between year two and the final year to boost your employability. Past placements have included Deloitte, Hargreaves Lansdown and the NHS.

Benefit from our extensive links with industry through guest lectures by industry experts, field trips and the opportunity to study abroad.

Typical Offers

The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.

If you do not meet these entry requirements, we also offer a Foundation Year which allows progression to Year 1 upon successful completion.

• Tariff points: 112
• Contextual offer: See our contextual offers page.
• GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
• English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
• A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include Grades CCC. No specific subjects required. Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject.
• BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM
• T Level: Merit.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 2 x H5. No specific subjects required.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 2 x H2 grades. No specific subjects required. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades DD. No specific subjects required. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.

Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search.

Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found here.

If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or RPL that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.

How to Apply

Further information on how to apply can be found here.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the programme leader, Dr Surraya Rowe:

• Email: srowe@cardiffmet.ac.uk