Bachelor's Degree in Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Complutense University of Madrid UCM

Program Overview

The Bachelor's Degree in Economics at UCM is a rigorous four-year program designed to equip you with analytical tools and real-world economic knowledge to understand and shape modern economies. Whether you're interested in analyzing markets, shaping international trade policy, managing financial systems, or addressing public sector challenges, this program offers five distinct specialization tracks to match your career ambitions.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Building Your Foundation

Your journey begins with essential coursework in economic theory and quantitative methods. You'll take foundational courses like Introduction to Economics, Microeconomics, Business Mathematics I and II, alongside courses in Commercial Law and Industrial and Business Sociology. This year establishes the mathematical and conceptual toolkit you'll need for advanced study, with a particular emphasis on developing strong analytical skills.

Second and Third Years: Deepening Your Expertise

During these years, you'll complete compulsory subjects that deepen your understanding of economic systems and analytical techniques. Core courses include Microeconomics II: Imperfect Markets and Economy Report, Macroeconomics II: Quantitative and Empirical Macroeconomics, and Quantitative Methods II. Alongside these, you'll begin your chosen specialization track—whether that's Political Economics, International Economics in Spain, Monetary and Financial Economics, Advanced Public Economics, or Economic Development in Historical Perspective—each offering specialized electives that dive into your area of interest.

Fourth Year: Specialization and Synthesis

Your final year is dedicated to deepening your specialization and completing your Bachelor Thesis. This is when you'll take the majority of your 42 elective credits linked to your chosen focus area, allowing you to become an expert in your field. You also have the flexibility to choose from 16 additional elective credits across other economic domains or pursue an External Internship (12 ECTS) to gain hands-on professional experience.

Focus Areas

Economic Analysis | Applied Economics | Monetary and Financial Economics | Global Economy | Public Economics

Learning Outcomes

Students develop advanced analytical and quantitative skills to evaluate economic problems, apply economic theory to real-world Spanish and international contexts, understand financial asset allocation in modern economies, and conduct rigorous economic research suitable for both academic and professional settings.

Professional Alignment & Reputation

The program has a long and distinguished tradition dating back to 1944 at Complutense University, with strong employer demand for graduates in the Spanish and Madrid labor markets. The Faculty of Economics & Business combines broad academic experience with active research, generating theories and models directly applicable to organizational management and policy work. Students benefit from dedicated Internship and International Relations offices, professional orientation workshops, and mentoring programs that facilitate career development and global opportunities.

Available in English: The degree can be taken 88% in English, making it accessible to international students while maintaining academic rigor.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Faculty of Economics and Business at Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), studying Economics means diving into hands-on learning right from the start, with top-notch facilities on the Somosaguas Campus designed to build real-world skills in economic analysis, data handling, and teamwork. You'll have access to dedicated computer labs equipped for quantitative economics and econometrics, plus specialized spaces at the Complutense Institute of Economic Analysis (ICAE) that support practical research in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and more—giving you the tools to apply theory immediately. These resources, combined with research-linked departments, prepare you for careers where practical expertise stands out.

Here's how experiential learning comes alive in the Economics program through specific UCM facilities and opportunities:
- Computer labs for hands-on data work: Multiple labs including 2 with 47 students each, others seating 19, 21, and 17, plus AULA Universia with 47 computers—ideal for econometrics, quantitative economics, and software-based economic modeling in your courses.
- ICAE classrooms and labs: 2 dedicated computer labs, 3 projector-equipped classrooms, and a meeting room at the Complutense Institute of Economic Analysis for group projects in economic theory, math, and research simulations tied to real publications and projects.
- AULA Compluemprende: A 20-station space in Building 6 for entrepreneurship-focused group work and economic innovation projects.
- Research integration via departments: Department of Economic Analysis (linked to ICAE) offers practical involvement in funded research projects in economics and quantitative methods, with offices across faculty buildings.
- Internship and career support: Dedicated Internship Office and Centre for Employment Guidance and Information (COIE/CEGI) connect you to professional placements, plus professional orientation days and mentoring.
- Library and digital resources: Full library on Somosaguas with electronic books, journals, and Wi-Fi campus-wide for data access and study groups.
- Modern classrooms for collaboration: 35+ classrooms with projectors, some with power outlets for laptops, supporting group discussions and presentations across pavilions.

Imagine putting all this to work in your Economics degree—it's what sets UCM apart and gets graduates hired fast.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor in Economics (taught in English) at the Complutense University of Madrid develop strong analytical and quantitative skills that prepare them to understand economic systems, financial markets, and public policy at both national and international levels. This degree opens opportunities in roles such as Economic Analyst, Financial Consultant, Policy Advisor, and Data or Business Analyst, in public institutions, private companies, international organizations, and research environments. The programme’s strong academic reputation supports both professional success and further specialization.

University services that support employability: The Faculty of Economics and Business provides internship support, career guidance, professional orientation workshops, and mentoring services to help students prepare for the job market and connect with employers.
Practical experience: The programme includes the opportunity to complete external internships, allowing students to gain real workplace experience and build professional networks before graduation.
Industry and institutional connections: As part of a major public university with a long-standing tradition in economics, students benefit from networking opportunities, employer engagement activities, and connections with public and private sector organizations.
Long-term value and recognition: The degree is officially recognised within the European Higher Education Area, ensuring academic credibility and strong international recognition.
Graduation outcomes: Students graduate with solid knowledge in economics, strong analytical abilities, and the capacity to interpret economic data and support decision-making in complex environments.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the degree, students can continue with master’s programmes in areas such as Economics, Finance, Public Policy, International Business, or Data Science. They may also pursue doctoral studies for those interested in research or academic careers, further strengthening their professional and leadership opportunities.