Bachelor's in Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Nova School of Business and Economics

Program Overview

The Bachelor's in Economics at Nova School of Business and Economics gives you a strong foundation in economics, management, and quantitative methods, blending technical skills like data analysis and programming with essential soft skills such as critical thinking, leadership, and a global mindset—perfect for students curious about how economies work and eager to tackle real-world challenges. It's ideal for driven high school grads who want versatile career options in consulting, banking, or public policy, with exciting opportunities like the "Careers with Impact" course to build resilience and make a difference in sustainable, inclusive worlds.

Curriculum Structure
First Year
You'll kick off with a solid base in core concepts, diving into Macroeconomics to understand big-picture economic forces, Microeconomics for how individuals and firms make decisions, and introductory quantitative tools that sharpen your analytical edge. This year also introduces options in languages or related fields, setting you up for success while easing into English-taught classes from year two onward, all within a semester structure earning 180-195 ECTS credits total. It's designed to build confidence right away, blending theory with practical problem-solving.

Second Year
Here, things get more dynamic as you explore Econometrics to master data-driven insights and predictions, alongside Industrial Organization which examines market structures and competition, and Advanced Microeconomics for deeper strategic thinking. You'll also tackle Macroeconomics at an intermediate level, applying models to policy and global issues, while electives let you dip into management or ethics. This phase hones your ability to analyze complex scenarios, preparing you for internships or advanced study.

Third Year
Your final year ramps up with specialized electives like Global Economics I, focusing on international trade and finance, Macroeconomic Policies for real-world fiscal strategies, and options such as Development Economics or Public Economics to address inequality and government roles. Courses like Seminar in European Economics bring in current debates, plus Nova SBE electives in areas like finance or ethics, culminating in a well-rounded portfolio. By graduation, you'll be ready to lead with expertise and adaptability.

Focus Areas
Core economics with management, quantitative methods (econometrics, programming), social sciences, and electives in finance, law, ethics, and global issues—tailored for flexibility starting 2026/27.

Learning Outcomes
Broad knowledge of economic contexts (social, legal, historical, ethical); quantitative skills for analysis; mastery of economic theories and practices; plus soft skills like communication, teamwork, and resilience.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Nova SBE's programs meet high European standards via ECTS credits (180-195 required), with rigorous selection ensuring quality—backed by partnerships for scholarships and awards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
91.2% of Economics grads pursuing careers land jobs within six months, with alumni (over 4,000 strong since 1978) thriving in consulting, banking, public sector, and finance across Portugal and abroad—proof of our excellence.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At NOVA School of Business and Economics, the Bachelor’s in Economics doesn’t just teach theory — it immerses you in real-world economic thinking, analytical tools, and professional readiness from day one. You’ll gain practical skills in quantitative analysis, data handling, programming basics, and communication, all through coursework that links academic concepts with today’s global markets. The program emphasizes problem-solving and teamwork, so you’ll be applying knowledge, not just memorizing formulas. Students learn in a modern, purpose-built campus setting at Carcavelos, designed to foster collaboration with peers, faculty, and industry partners, supported by services like the career office and international exchange opportunities.

Experiential learning at Nova SBE takes many forms, including:

Careers with Impact course — Integrated into the curriculum, this course challenges you with real-world problem scenarios, helping you develop leadership, adaptability, and sustainability awareness while connecting with organizations.
Internships and career guidance — Students can pursue both short-term and longer internships, with support from the Careers team, including workshops, recruitment events, mentoring by alumni, and guidance on CVs and interviews.
Industry-relevant tools — Access to professional platforms and practice tools helps you build job-ready skills and confidence.
International mobility and internships abroad — The program supports global experiences, including exchange semesters and connections with international companies, enhancing both your resume and cultural competence.
Collaborative academic community — You’ll work in groups across assignments and projects, reflecting how economists collaborate in policy, finance, and consulting environments.

Experiential learning at Nova SBE means you’re not just studying economics — you’re actively engaging with peers, employers, professionals, and a global network to build the skills that truly matter in the workplace.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Nova School of Business and Economics, our Bachelor's in Economics students dive into experiential learning right from the start, building real-world skills through hands-on projects, industry collaborations, and immersive programs that connect classroom theory to economic challenges. You'll work on live cases with partners from Nova SBE's vibrant community, including faculty, alumni, and organizations, gaining practical expertise in areas like social innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development—all tailored to sharpen your economic analysis and decision-making. Our stunning Carcavelos campus provides the perfect backdrop, with spaces designed for collaborative work and events that bring global experts to you.

Here are some standout ways Economics students get that edge through experiential opportunities:
- Student projects and pro bono internships: Join initiatives like the Social Leapfrog program, where you tackle real impact challenges for social organizations via Master's-level projects, clubs, and internships—directly applying economic principles to boost sustainability and growth.
- Field trips and summer schools: Participate in intensive 10-day programs featuring field trips, workshops, and action learning on entrepreneurship, social innovation, and responsible leadership, meeting entrepreneurs and investors while solving economic issues in Lisbon and Cascais.
- Global collaborative sprints: Team up in events like LawWithoutWalls (LWOW), an interdisciplinary experiential program with international students and mentors to co-create solutions for legal-business challenges using design thinking—open to Nova SBE students and hosted on our Carcavelos campus.
- Impact talks and seminars: Attend monthly Social Impact Talks and research seminars in Economics, where guest leaders share real experiences, followed by Q&A—plus faculty-led interviews for research materials that inspire your own projects.
- Campus-based innovation labs: Engage in projects like the Nova Sustainable Way of Life, using on-site greenhouses, IoT digital tools for data on climate and energy, and community-owned sustainable businesses to explore economic resilience and urban development.

These experiences set Nova SBE Economics grads apart, giving you the tools and network to launch a standout career.