Course overview

This Economics BSc Honours degree has real-world relevance and focuses on developing your quantitative skills, as well as a thorough understanding of global economics, so you leave University a sought-after graduate.

You will focus on the fundamental concepts, analytical tools and quantitative techniques that are essential to understand modern economics.

You'll gain an in-depth knowledge of economics in Britain, Europe, and the rest of the world, studying theory and policy with topics such as:

• the global economy
• micro and macro-economic analysis
• economic modelling

You'll become a confident economics expert, able to identify problems, predict outcomes and evaluate policies, using skills that are highly valued by professionals and industry experts, and ready to pursue your career in economics.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.

View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2021-22.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information

Quality and ranking

• 5th in the UK for graduate prospects in Economics – The Complete University Guide 2021
• top 175 – Business and Economics category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2020

Teaching excellence

TEF Gold

A ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Featured module

ECO3030: Independent research project

You'll have the opportunity to do a research project applying your knowledge to a topic of particular interest to you.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

You will be introduced to the main economic issues that confront the British, European and world economies, as well as core economic topics within micro and macroeconomics.

You'll be introduced to key mathematical and statistical techniques used in economic analysis, and develop a variety of IT and quantitative skills, which will be of use both within and beyond your degree.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Economic Analysis	20
Statistical Methods for Economics	20
Mathematics for Economics	20
Economic Applications	20
Economic History	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Introduction to Accounting and Finance (for Business School Students)	20
Introduction to Management and Organisation	20
Introduction to Marketing	20

You will build on your knowledge and skills with modules in macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometric analysis, giving you a deeper insight into methods used by economists to analyse the modern economy.

A module in applied economics engages you in group work and develops key skills, such as the ability to present and defend arguments on topical economic issues.

Your remaining topics are optional and cover areas such as international economics, European economics and mathematical economics.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Economic Modelling	20
Microeconomic Analysis	20
Macroeconomic Analysis	20
Econometric Analysis	20
Applied Economics	10

Optional Modules	Credits
International Economics	10
Economics of Regulation	10
Economic Evaluation and Investment	20
Groningen Economics Exchange	120
Mathematical Economics	10
Python Programming for Economists	10
British Economic History, 1780-1979	10

Two compulsory modules in advanced economic theory are complemented by a choice of optional topics including: labour economics; behavioural economics; advanced econometric analysis; public economics; financial economics; industrial economics; and health economics.

You may also complete a dissertation, giving you the chance to undertake original research and apply your economic knowledge to a topic of particular interest to you.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Advanced Microeconomics	20
Advanced Macroeconomics	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Labour Economics	20
Behavioural Economics and Experimental Methods	20
Advanced Econometric Analysis	10
Monetary Economics	10
Public Economics	20
Advanced Time Series Econometrics	10
Financial Economics	10
Dissertation Part 1	10
Economics of Risk and Uncertainty	10
Health Economics	10
Industrial Economics and Policy	20
Dissertation Part 2- Independent Research Project	20
Game Theory	10
Development Economics	20
Environmental Economics	10

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Your modules are taught via lectures and seminars.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Essays

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Reports

Skills and experience

Research skills

You have the opportunity to undertake an independent research project in your final year, which allows you to apply the tools of economic analysis you've learned throughout your degree.

You'll apply your economic knowledge to an area you're particularly interested in, gaining a grasp of cutting-edge research methods in economics, under the supervision of a University member of staff.

Opportunities

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can choose to spend 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

Our current placement students are in roles such as:

• consulting intern
• associate
• management trainee
• customer analyst
• research assistant

They are working on the following projects:

• assisting with bespoke economic consultancy projects at Oxford Economics
• providing internal and external audit services to a variety of clients at PwC
• aiding innovation through research and application of solutions for clients at Deloitte

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You may choose to spend a year abroad as part of your degree in one of our partner institutions.

Alternatively, you may apply to spend Stage 2 studying economics at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands for a year.

Find out more about study abroad

Facilities and environment

Facilities

This degree is run by our triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) Newcastle University Business School, based in our state-of-the-art building within the Newcastle Helix development – Newcastle's emerging business district.

You’ll benefit from a world-class business education and leave as a socially responsible graduate, ready to challenge conventional business thinking.

Find out more about Newcastle University Business School and our facilities

Support

Each degree offers you a stimulating curriculum and a supportive teaching and learning environment.

You will have an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have.

Your future

Join a network of successful graduates

Our economics graduates are highly employable when they graduate from Newcastle University.

96% of our graduates were in work or further study within six months of completing their degree*, taking on roles within economics and finance sectors, with organisations such as:

• KPMG
• the Financial Conduct Authority
• Deloitte
• Santander
• Hargreaves Lansdown
• Department for Work and Pensions
• Goldman Sachs

*Destinations of (undergraduate, UK and EU) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/2017

Economics careers

Economics graduates are highly employable. As well as a specific understanding of the subject, they have excellent numeracy, analysis and communication skills.

Graduate destinations vary widely in terms of the range of roles, employers, and sectors.

Whilst only a few economics graduates may be expected to become professional economists, many find it an excellent base for entry into a rewarding career in finance – including accounting, insurance, tax and banking, or management.

Make a difference

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Careers support

You'll have access to a wealth of resources and support to enhance your employability, including:

• a careers conference called Future Focus tailored to the stage of your degree
• interwoven employability provision
• access to a dedicated placement officer within the Business School who can help you find a work placement in your area of interest
• specialist careers and business start-up support from the University's award-winning Careers Service and the Business School's careers consultants
• career management sessions with a careers consultant
• work experience opportunities while studying with us
• Business School summer internship scheme

We're also one of 140 business schools worldwide to be accredited by the EQUIS scheme for our managerial and entrepreneurial skills development.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.

Read our detailed explanation

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)

Home Fee Students

£9250

International Fee Students

£18600

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme). 

The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.

For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.

If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.

Read more about fees and funding

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages