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Economics BSc (UCAS L100)

A group of Economics students at the University of Warwick

Find out more about our Economics degree at Warwick

Economics is the study of choice, investigating the choices of consumers and corporations, groups and governments, networks and nations. It plays a part in every aspect of modern life, using scientific methods to develop theoretical models of behaviour and testing intuition with empirical analysis of markets, institutions and public policy. Our teaching is research-led, meaning you will be learning from some of the world’s leading researchers in their field.


General entry requirements

A successful application to this programme requires the application to be strong in all areas, including:

  • Predicted/Current Grades
  • Past Academic Record
  • Personal Statement
  • School reference

A level typical offer

A*A*A including A* in Mathematics

A level additional information

You will also need grade 6/B in GCSE English Language.

A level contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria. The typical contextual offer is A*AB including A* in Maths. See if you’re eligible.

General GCSE requirements

You will need a strong set of GCSE grades including the majority at A (or 7) and A* (or 8-9). Your GCSE (or equivalent) English Language and Mathematics grades should be no lower than B (or 6). We also consider your overall GCSE subject profile.

Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept.

Subject Combinations
  • We do not specify a subject mix at A level, but we particularly value applicants who can demonstrate a strong breadth of study.
  • We are looking for students with strong mathematical ability and A level Mathematics or equivalent is therefore required for this programme.
  • Further Maths and Economics are not essential, although they are fine subject choices for a student considering Economics at degree level. We treat them as any other strong A level subject: they have no special status.
  • We will only look at your top three grades (including Mathematics). A fourth A level will not be considered.

IB typical offer

39 to include 6, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Higher Level Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’).

IB additional information

You will also need grade 6/B in GCSE English Language or International Baccalaureate grade 5 in English A (Higher or Standard Level), grade 5 in Higher Level English B or grade 6 in Standard Level English B.

IB contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria. The typical contextual offer is 36 including 6 in Higher Level Maths (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’). See if you’re eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.

BTEC

We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside two A levels, including A level Mathematics. You will also need grade 6/B in GCSE English Language.

Scotland Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers including Mathematics, and AAA in three additional Highers subjects.

Welsh Baccalaureate

A*AA in three subjects at A level including A* in Mathematics plus grade C in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas

We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.

Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.


International qualifications


English Language requirements

All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.

This course requires: Band C

Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.


Frequently asked questions

View a full list of frequently asked questions from the Department of Economics.Link opens in a new window

Course overview

This comprehensive degree will develop your skills in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.

It will teach you to abstract and simplify economic problems, both empirically and theoretically, developing a deep knowledge of global and local economic trends, institutions and policies. The degree focuses on research-led teaching and so we will expose you to research from the very start and will encourage you to consider your own research questions.

The flexible degree structure means you can choose from many optional modules either from within or outside of the Economics Department. These optional modules might include ones taken from: Law, Mathematics, Computer Science, Business and Languages.


Study abroad

We currently offer an exciting range of opportunities for you to spend a year abroadLink opens in a new window as we partner with various institutions across the globe. In recent years, we have partnered with European institutions in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. There are also other partnerships with institutions in countries outside of Europe that are offered and this information will be given to you at the application stage for Study Abroad.

It will offer you an opportunity to experience an alternative university system. If you are successful in gaining a Study Abroad placement, your degree programme will become a four-year programme and, assuming you pass sufficient modules whilst abroad, the title of your course changes to add the suffix 'with Study Abroad' to the existing title (e.g. 'BSc Economics with Study Abroad').

Please note that ERASMUS funding will finish in May 2023. Students outside of Europe may apply for funding through the Turing Scheme.

Hear from our students

Eleni

"Studying economics at Warwick is a fantastic experience. The University offers students a comprehensive economics education that combines both theoretical and empirical methods. The fact that the curriculum covers a broad range of subjects and gives students chances to apply their knowledge through research projects and real-world case studies surprised me.”

Eleni, BSc Economics


Get the student perspective by reading our student blogs.Link opens in a new window

Core modules

The first year consists of four core modules and up to two options. The second year includes three core modules and up to two options. The third year comprises up to two optional core modules, which focus on research in economics, and which give you the opportunity to undertake a final year project and to bring together and consolidate your learning from elsewhere in your degree course. You will also study up to seven options, so as you move through your degree, you will have more opportunities to study topics that particularly interest you.

Within your course regulations, we will permit you to choose modules from any Department. This is subject to our approval and provided that you satisfy the pre-requisites or other requirements for that module and that the offering department permits you to take the module.

The final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.


Year One

Macroeconomics 1

You will consider the fundamental determinants of Gross Domestic Product, unemployment and inflation and look at how these variables interact in the short-run. By the module’s end, you should have become familiar with a range of macroeconomic issues, including topics on theories of consumption and investment, government finances, the Phillips curve, and monetary rules. You will be able to use the correct terminology and measurement practices of macroeconomics. There will be opportunities to apply your learning by devising simple structural models, including definitions, assumptions and the behavioural characteristics of key agents, using both mathematical and graphical techniques.

Read more about the Macroeconomics 1 moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

Microeconomics 1

On this module, you will gain a thorough grounding in the basic principles of microeconomics and study several applications of theory, with the aim of being able to demonstrate your knowledge of major topics, including supply and demand, consumer theory and behavioural economics, competition, profit maximisation and cost minimisation, oligopoly and collusion, and the work of the major theorists Bertrand, Cournot and Stackelberg, including game theory. You will learn to use appropriate terminology in a wide range of more advanced topics relevant to microeconomics, such as Nash equilibria, asymmetric information and moral hazard.

Read more about the Microeconomics 1 moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

Quantitative Techniques

This module combines two modules: Mathematical Techniques and Statistical Techniques. You will cover topics ranging from algebra and calculus to distributions and hypothesis testing, which will provide you with key skills and knowledge that will then be applied in many other modules. In addition, you will be introduced to some advanced statistical software packages, which will help you learn about a range of techniques to analyse data and different ways in which you can present data.

Read more about these modules, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study):

The World Economy: History and Theory

Have you ever considered how the global economy got to be where it is today? In this module, you will acquire a broad understanding of the development of the world economy over the last millennium to the present day. You will take the long view of changes in global income and population, and critically examine the forces that explain economic success of some regions and the obstacles that have hindered economic advance in others. You will scrutinise the interaction between rich countries and the rest of the world, and consider the role of domestic issues and foreign policy on economic outcomes. Our aim is that you will complete this module with a strong understanding of the historiography of the evolution of the world economy as well as the use of theory and empirical analysis in economics research. There are also opportunities to pursue areas of individual interest.

Read more about the The World Economy: History and Theory moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

Plus up to two optional modules.

Year Two

Macroeconomics 2

On this module, you will learn to understand and apply the core theoretical models used in macroeconomics, for both closed and open economies, in order to enhance your comprehension of real-world macroeconomic experiences, especially involving macroeconomic policy. By the end of this module, you should be able to present clearly and methodically your understanding of a variety of common theoretical models and their inter-relationships, including through the use of equations and graphics. We will typically cover all major areas, including but not limited to, flexible pricing and sticky-price models; consumption and growth; wage-setting and unemployment; fiscal and monetary policy; international trade and exchange rate systems; and international financial markets.

Read more about the Macroeconomics 2 moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

Microeconomics 2

You will gain a solid understanding of intermediate and some advanced principles of microeconomics and be exposed to a range of applications of theory. You will spend time on the use of mathematical concepts in the field for analysis, and cover important principles of general equilibrium and social welfare, market failure, choice and uncertainty, and static and dynamic games of complete and incomplete information. By the end of this module, you will be able to analyse a range of microeconomic concepts, using a range of approaches, including graphical and mathematical techniques and apply your knowledge to policy issues and to the analysis of different sectors.

Read more about the Microeconomics 2 moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

Econometrics 1

You'll be equipped with important skills of both academic and vocational value, being an essential part of the intellectual training of an economist and also useful for your future career. This includes an awareness of the empirical approach to economics; experience in analysis and use of empirical data; understanding the nature of uncertainty and methods of dealing with it; and using econometric software packages as tools of quantitative and statistical analysis. With the required necessary skills and knowledge to critically appraise work in applied economics, you'll have a good grasp of the dangers, pitfalls and problems encountered in applied modelling. You will then be able to apply this knowledge to a research project.

Read more about the Econometrics 1 moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

Plus up to two optional modules.

Year Three

In Year Three you will choose 15-30 credits from the following optional core modules. Please note that if you choose to study Research in Applied Economics (a 30 credit module), you will be unable to study Research Methods in Economics.


Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

  • Behavioural Economics
  • Development Economics
  • Econometrics
  • Economic History
  • Environmental Economics
  • Experimental Economics
  • Financial Economics
  • Game Theory
  • Industrial Economics
  • International Economics
  • International Trade
  • Money and Banking

Assessment

You will usually have more formative assessments in year one than in years two and three.

Module assessment methods vary widely depending on the module chosen. Some modules have 20-30% coursework and 70-80% on the final examinations, whereas assessment on others may be based on 50% coursework and 50% final examinations. Please refer to the Economics Undergraduate Modules webpage to check assessments of individual modules.

Teaching

You will have a combination of lectures, and small group support and feedback classes.

Throughout the degree, you will have many opportunities to apply the principles of economics to practical study. This means that what you are learning is highly relevant to real-world issues. This is something we also emphasise through our Warwick Economics Lectures. In addition to your academic studies, you will also have a chance to take part in a variety of extra-curricular activities to broaden and deepen your studies, including our Warwick Economics Lecture series with policymakers, practitioners and leading academics and our Careers in Economics events which will bring you closer with employers and our global alumni community.


Class sizes

Your lecture size will naturally vary, especially for the optional modules, but also for core lectures.

Some of the larger modules may have 200-600 students in them. You will then typically have weekly or fortnightly support and feedback classes with around 15-20 students.


Typical contact hours

Throughout your studies, you will have a combination of lectures and small group support and feedback classes. In your first year, you will receive approximately three hours of contact time per day, making it 14 hours on average per week. This reduces to 12 hours per week in your second year and 10 hours per week in your final year.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.

Undergraduate fees

If you are a home student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be £9,250. In the future, these fees might change for new and continuing students.


How are fees set?

The British Government sets tuition fee rates.

Learn more about fees from UCASLink opens in a new window.

Undergraduate fees

If you are an overseas or EU student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:

  • Band 1 – £24,800 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
  • Band 2 – £31,620 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)

Fees for 2025 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2025 fee rates before you apply.


Fee status guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window


Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2023/24 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Further information

Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team.


Scholarships and bursaries

Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.

We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.

Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window

If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.

Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window


You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.


Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2023

We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your Undergraduate degree course.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2023.Link opens in a new window

We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £3,000 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.

Find out more about your eligibility for the Warwick Undergraduate Bursary.Link opens in a new window

As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Sanctuary Scholarships for asylum seekers.Link opens in a new window

Further information

Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.

Eligibility for student loans

Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.

Check if you're eligible for student finance.

Tuition Fee Loan

You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.

Maintenance Loan for living costs

You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.

Find out more about government student loans for home students residing in England.Link opens in a new window

If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.

Tuition Fee Loan

If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.

Help with living costs

For the 2023 academic year, you may be eligible for help with your living costs if both of the following apply:

  • You have lived in the UK for more than 3 years before the first day of the first academic year of your course

And

If you are coming to the UK from 1st January 2021, you may need to apply for a visaLink opens in a new window to study here.

Please note: Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Find out more about government student loans for EU studentsLink opens in a new window

Repaying your loans

You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount (for students starting their course after 1 August 2023 the repayment threshold is £25,000). Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.

Find out more about repaying your student loan.Link opens in a new window

Your career

Approximate 20% of our graduates decide to continue their studies by choosing a Master’s degree in economics or a subject within a specialist area of economics, such as behavioural economics, development economics or data science.

Graduates from our Economics degrees have gone on to work for a varied range of employers, from consultancies to policy organisations and think tanks. Some such employers include:

  • Accenture
  • Amazon
  • Bank of America Merrill Lynch
  • Barclays
  • Bloomberg
  • Centrica
  • Compass Lexecon
  • Deloitte
  • Department for International Trade
  • EY
  • FTI Consulting
  • HSBC
  • Investec
  • NatWest
  • Nomura
  • PwC
  • Santander
  • Teach First
  • UBS
  • Unilever

Our graduates have pursued careers such as: analysts; data analysts, associate consultants; advertising accounts managers; business and financial project management professionals; chartered and certified accountants; economists; finance and investment analysts and advisers; management consultants and business analysts; quality assurance technicians and taxation experts.


Helping you find the right career

Our Department, along with the University’s Student Opportunity Team supports career planning by presenting the diverse range of opportunities available during and after the degree. The Careers Team has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant who offers impartial advice and guidance together with tailored workshops and events throughout the year.

In addition, we have appointed within the Department an Academic Careers Coordinator to lead on specific activities to support your career planning, to make you aware of all the skills that employers are looking for and how these skills have been embedded into our modules.

Previous examples of workshops and events are Careers in Economics events, Alumni Career Journey events and interview skills workshops amongst others.

Find out more about careers support at Warwick.

Economics at Warwick

We're an inclusive, diverse community committed to the highest quality research which informs our teaching on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Many of our experts are leaders in their field.

Watch second year Economics student Josh in a typical day in the life of a student at Warwick.

Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window


Our courses


Academic Resources Portal

The Department of Economics have put together a portal of academic resourcesLink opens in a new window recommended by faculty members for anyone who may be considering studying economics at undergraduate level.

Academic Resources Portal Link opens in a new window


Related degrees

Life at Warwick

Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.

Keep exploring life at Warwick

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

Warwick Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.

We have 12 self-catering undergraduate halls of residence on campus.

Our student property management and lettings agency manages more than 8,000 rooms both on and off campus, and provides advice to all full-time undergraduates.

Explore Warwick Accommodation

Our campus

You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.

Explore our campus

Food and drink

We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.

And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.

Explore food and shops

Explore Students' Union venues

Clubs and societies

We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.

So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.

Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.

Explore our societies

Sports and fitness

Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.

Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.

Explore sports at Warwick

Studying on campus

Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.

You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.

  • The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
  • The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
  • Three Learning Grids offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.

Studying at Warwick

Travel and local area

Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.

The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).

Travelling from campus

Wellbeing support and faith provision

Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.

Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.

Student support

Chaplaincy

How to apply

Learn more about our application process.

Key dates

Key dates for your application to Warwick.

Writing your personal statement

Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.

After you've applied

Find out how we process your application.

3 ways to connect

Talk to us

Join us at a live event. You can ask about courses, applying to Warwick, life at Warwick, visas and immigration, and more.

See event calendar Link opens in a new window


Warwick Experience

Take a virtual, student-led campus tour. Then join an interactive panel session, where you can hear from and chat to our current students and staff.

Book a tour Link opens in a new window


Student blogs

Explore our student blogs on Unibuddy. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.

Ask a student Link opens in a new window

Explore campus with our virtual tour

Our 360 tour lets you:

  • Watch student videos
  • View 360 photography and drone footage
  • Learn about facilities and landmarks

Explore our campus virtually through our 360 campus tour now

Come to an Open Day

Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.

Open Days at Warwick

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