BSc in Applied Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Corvinus University of Budapest

Program Overview

The BSc in Applied Economics is a three-year, theory-driven program that blends fundamental economic concepts with real-world applications, equipping you with the analytical skills and data expertise to tackle complex economic questions. Whether you're curious about what drives inflation, why nations prosper differently, or how to build a rewarding career in economics, this program opens doors to both the job market and advanced master's studies in your chosen specialization.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Building Your Economic Foundation

Your journey begins with essential mathematical and statistical tools, complemented by introductory economics courses that establish your understanding of how economies function at both micro and macro levels. You'll dive into core subjects like Mathematics, Statistics, Informatics, and foundational Micro and Macro Economics, giving you the quantitative backbone needed for advanced analysis. This year sets the stage for everything that follows, ensuring you have the conceptual clarity and methodological toolkit to approach economic problems with confidence.

Second Year: Deepening Analytical Expertise

As you progress, you'll expand into specialized economic fields including International Economics, Corporate Economics, Finance, and Accounting, while strengthening your ability to work with data-driven models. During this phase, you'll engage with Economic Theory, Economic Statistics, and Economic Modelling, developing the critical thinking skills to identify economic issues and propose evidence-based solutions. The program encourages you to start tailoring your learning path based on your interests, whether that's sectoral economics, environmental issues, or public policy.

Third Year: Specialization and Professional Application

In your final year, you'll consolidate your expertise with advanced coursework in areas like Game Theory, Economic Policy, and sectoral or functional economics, while working on your 10-credit thesis project. This is when you'll apply everything you've learned to real economic phenomena, developing the professional-level analytical and presentation skills that employers value. The third year also serves as your recommended mobility window, allowing you to study abroad and gain international perspective on economic challenges.

Focus Areas

Data-driven analysis, mathematical modeling, microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, international economics, corporate finance, public policy, environmental economics, and economic methodology.

Learning Outcomes

You'll graduate capable of identifying and analyzing relevant economic issues professionally, choosing appropriate methodological approaches to solve complex problems, understanding economic interrelationships, and presenting your findings with clarity and rigor.

Professional Alignment

The program trains Economists in Applied Economics at the bachelor level, recognized across the European higher education system through its 180 ECTS credits. This qualification prepares you for roles requiring economic analysis, policy research, financial services, and business intelligence, while maintaining the flexibility to pursue specialized master's programs in economics, finance, business, or related fields.

Reputation & Employability

Corvinus University of Budapest is Hungary's leading institution for Business, Economics, Management and Social Sciences, with a track record of launching graduates into profitable, fulfilling careers. The program's emphasis on problem-solving, structured thinking, and practical data analysis skills directly aligns with what employers seek, complemented by annual career festivals and diverse student organizations that connect you to professional networks throughout your studies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the BSc in Applied Economics at Corvinus University of Budapest, you'll dive straight into hands-on learning that turns economic theory into real-world skills you'll use right away on the job. From your first year, you'll tackle data analysis with industry-standard tools and collaborate on group projects that mimic professional research, building your problem-solving, presentation, and teamwork abilities. The program's renewed focus since 2020 emphasizes practicality, like analyzing real datasets on topics such as AirBnB markets, so you're not just studying—you're doing the work of future economic analysts.

This approach is supported by top-notch facilities tailored for economics students:
- R software for data analysis: You'll learn R, a highly demanded tool in the job market, replacing outdated software like Gretl—students rave about how it preps them for real analyst roles.
- Group research projects: Three major projects across the program, done in teams, where everyone contributes to research questions, presentations, and analysis—no room for coasting, just building pro-level collaboration skills.
- Financial Laboratory (FinLab) with Bloomberg Trading Room: Access real-time data from global stock exchanges, historical databases, and two-monitor workstations in our Central Library's glass-walled space—perfect for applying econometrics and economic models experimentally, like managing mock investment funds.
- Modern campus libraries and computing resources: The Central Library houses the FinLab and supports data-driven work, with video materials and interactive practical classes for flexible, engaging study.

These opportunities make Corvinus grads stand out—100% continue to masters or land roles like market analysts, risk managers, or economic advisors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc in Applied Economics at Corvinus University are highly sought after in both the job market and graduate studies globally. You’ll be equipped for analytical, data-driven roles in the private and public sectors, and the programme’s strong foundation makes it an excellent springboard to top international master’s degrees. Graduates typically build careers as economists, analysts, or decision-makers in diverse organisations:

Typical roles include

Economic Analyst – interpreting economic data to inform policy or business strategy.
Market/Financial Analyst – working with financial markets or corporate planning teams.
Actuary or Risk Analyst – assessing financial risks for insurance and finance sectors.
Policy Advisor or Consultant – supporting decisions in government institutions or consultancies.

Opportunities & Support at Corvinus

Career Services & Employability Support – Corvinus offers experienced career advisors who help with CV development, interview preparation, job search strategies, internships, and personalised mentoring through individual consultations and group activities.
Internships & Networking – students gain access to internships and company connections through the university’s job boards, newsletters, and employer engagement events, building real-world experience while studying.
Industry Recognition & Partnerships – strong links with industry, international networks, and cooperative programmes give students practical insights, guest lectures, and opportunities for collaboration that enhance employability.
Accreditation & International Value – the university holds internationally respected business and economics accreditations, and its degrees are recognised across Europe and beyond, boosting career prospects globally.
Graduate Success & Salary Advantage – Corvinus graduates in economics and related fields are known for strong labour-market outcomes and higher average salaries compared with peers from other institutions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this Bachelor’s degree, many students continue into advanced studies such as:

Master’s in Economic Analysis at Corvinus – deepening expertise in data-driven economics.
Specialised Master’s or MSc programmes in economics, finance, public policy, data science, or business at top universities worldwide.
Doctoral research or professional qualifications in economics, quantitative analytics, or related social science fields, preparing for careers in research, academia, or advanced consultancy.

This programme opens doors both to excellent early-career employment and to further postgraduate excellence, creating a strong professional and academic trajectory.