Bachelor in Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

IE University

Program Overview

The Bachelor in Economics at IE University is a rigorous 4-year program in English that equips passionate analysts with cutting-edge skills in econometrics, political science, applied analytics, behavioral science, and technology to drive economic transformation in today's digital world. It's perfect for ambitious students who want to tackle global challenges like crisis management, trade, and policy-making, blending IE's expertise in management and tech for real-world impact on finance, government, and consulting careers.

Curriculum Structure

First Year
You'll kick off by building a rock-solid foundation in core economic principles with a modern edge, diving into Principles of Economics, basic econometrics, and programming skills to handle today's data-driven challenges. This year mixes theory with practical research projects, helping you grasp how economics intersects with global issues while sharpening your writing and analytical toolkit for deeper studies ahead.

Second Year
Here, you'll deepen your expertise through advanced topics like Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and political science fundamentals, applying them to real-world scenarios like market dynamics and policy design. Hands-on projects with industry partners build your critical thinking, while workshops on negotiation and data analysis prepare you to predict economic trends and craft effective strategies.

Third Year
Expect to specialize with courses such as Behavioral Economics, Digital Economics, and Monetary Policy, focusing on quantitative tools to model problems and evaluate policies in sectors like finance and sustainability. You'll engage in collaborative projects tackling AI's role in economies or sustainable banking, honing skills to turn data into actionable insights for business and public sectors.

Fourth Year
In your final year, choose concentrations like Country, Sector & Policy Analysis or Economic and Financial Analysis for Business, integrating electives, internships, and a capstone Final Project (12 ECTS) to apply everything to professional challenges. This culminates in advanced seminars on global finance, trade, and crisis management, positioning you to lead with expertise in economic policy and international consulting.

Focus Areas
Gain a global perspective on economics through tracks like Country, Sector & Policy Analysis (covering economic policy, country risk, and international consulting) or Economic and Financial Analysis for Business, with specialized topics in Digital Economics, Behavioral Economics, AI-Economy, and Sustainable Banking.

Learning Outcomes
Develop skills to convert data into socioeconomic solutions, write compelling reports, design context-specific economic policies, predict macroeconomic trends, and drive efficiency in digital-era economies—plus hands-on abilities in analytics, strategic planning, and problem-solving.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Fully compliant with the Bologna Process, accredited by the Spanish government and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), ensuring your 240 ECTS degree (60 core, 108 mandatory, 60 electives, 12 Final Project) is recognized across Europe for careers in finance, consulting, data analysis, government, and policy.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
IE University graduates excel in high-demand roles as economic consultants, financial analysts, and policy advisors, leveraging the program's tech-management blend for top employability in global finance, government, and consulting—backed by strong industry ties and real-world projects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At IE University, our Bachelor in Economics immerses you in real-world learning from day one, building practical skills through hands-on projects, simulations, and collaborations with top companies that turn economic theory into actionable expertise. You'll dive into cutting-edge tools like data analytics platforms and virtual reality to analyze trends, craft policies, and simulate global markets, all while working in teams on challenges that mirror what economists face today. This approach sharpens your ability to adapt to digital disruptions and make data-driven decisions that employers crave.

Here's how experiential learning comes alive in the program: through dedicated labs, simulations, and flexible opportunities tailored to economics students:

- IEU Labs: Hands-on, internship-style projects on campus for first- and second-year students, partnering with leading companies and institutions—like the EconData Lab where you'll tackle real economic data challenges for world-renowned organizations.
- National Budget Simulation: Team-based projects where you design balanced budgets for a fictional country, applying economic policies, theories, and variables to resolve competing ministry needs—pure "learn by doing."
- International Trade Simulation: Dive into EU trade scenarios, honing negotiation skills and gaining insights into international economics through immersive, real-world role-playing.
- Advanced Seminars: Customize your path with deeper dives into specialized economics topics, complementing core coursework with practical, high-level knowledge.
- Internships: Secure high-impact placements with our network of multinationals, banks, consultancies, and startups, often starting early thanks to IEU Labs as a launchpad.
- Data and Tech Tools: Master business analytics software, programmatic thinking, and algorithmic tools for experiments, hypothesis testing, and strategic planning in tech-driven economic ecosystems—plus VR for innovative simulations.
- Group Projects and Simulations: Collaborative work on innovation, GovTech, and market disruptions, fostering critical thinking and adaptability in a digital world.

Imagine graduating with a portfolio of these experiences that sets you apart—employers from top firms are already recruiting our students.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor in Economics at IE University gain strong analytical, quantitative and strategic thinking skills that are highly valued across many industries. Many graduates move into roles such as economic consultant, financial analyst, market analyst or policy advisor, helping organizations understand economic trends and make informed decisions. With its global reputation and strong industry connections, the program opens doors to career opportunities in finance, consulting, technology and international organizations.

• Career services that support employability: IE University’s Talent and Careers department offers personalized career advising, professional development workshops, interview preparation and CV support. Students also benefit from networking events, recruitment fairs and connections with more than 3000 partner companies worldwide.

• Strong employment outcomes: According to IE University career reports, about 95 percent of job-seeking graduates from the Class of 2024 secured employment shortly after graduation, showing strong demand for IE graduates.

• Global career mobility: Around 45 percent of IE graduates work outside their home country, reflecting the international recognition of the degree and the global opportunities available to graduates.

• University industry partnerships: Through the university’s professional network, students gain internship and career opportunities with leading organizations such as Amazon, JP Morgan, Danone and Cuatrecasas.

• Long term recognition and reputation: IE University is ranked among the top universities worldwide for graduate employability according to the Times Higher Education Global Employability Ranking, highlighting the strong reputation of its graduates among international employers.

• Graduation outcomes: Graduates pursue careers in areas such as consulting, finance, economic research, public policy, entrepreneurship and international business.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor in Economics, students can continue their studies with specialized master’s programs in fields such as finance, economics, data analytics, business administration or public policy. These postgraduate options allow graduates to deepen their expertise and prepare for senior roles in multinational companies, financial institutions, research organizations and global policy institutions.

Additional Information & Requirements

Applicants must take the IE University Admissions Test, conducted in English, which evaluates verbal, logical, and numerical reasoning skills. This test helps the university assess how applicants think, analyze information, and express ideas rather than testing memorized knowledge.
Instead of the IE University Admissions Test, applicants may submit recognized standardized exams such as SAT (minimum score of 1200) or ACT (minimum score of 24).
The IE University Admissions Test is taken online and can be completed 24/7 at a convenient time using a personal computer with a camera, microphone, and stable internet connection.
The test typically takes around 70–90 minutes (up to about two hours including instructions) and can only be taken once, so applicants should prepare carefully before starting.
After submitting the application and completing the admissions test (or submitting standardized test scores), candidates must complete an online assessment that includes written and video responses.
Applicants are then invited to a personal interview, where the admissions team evaluates motivation, communication skills, and critical thinking ability.
Finally, the Admissions Committee reviews the applicant’s complete profile, including academic background, test results, and assessments, before making the final admission decision.
International Baccalaureate (IB): IE University typically admits IB students with scores between 34 and 45, with an average admitted score of around 36, and only first exam results are considered (retake scores are not accepted).
UK A-Levels: IE University typically requires at least three A-Levels with typical offers ranging from AAB to A*A*A*, and retake exam results are not accepted.
GCSE and alternative qualifications: Applicants are expected to have at least five GCSEs (grade C/4 or higher), preferably A or B in relevant subjects, and may also be considered with relevant BTEC Diplomas (e.g., DD or DDM) when aligned with the chosen degree.
English Language Requirement Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 recommended 7.5 or a TOEFL score of at least 100 recommended 105.

Country Requirements

Indian Senior Secondary Qualification: Applicants from India must complete the Senior Secondary School Certificate (Class 12) or CBSE equivalent with a minimum overall average of 80%.
Chinese Senior Secondary Qualification: Applicants from China must obtain the Senior Middle School Graduation Certificate (Gaozhong Biye Zhengshu) with a minimum overall average of 80%, while taking the Gaokao is recommended but not mandatory.
South African National Senior Certificate (NSC): Applicants from South Africa are expected to achieve at least a 75% overall average in their final three years of study and obtain the National Senior Certificate with a minimum final average of 75%.
U.S. High School Diploma: Applicants are expected to have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.4/4.0 over the last three years of high school, and must submit official transcripts for Grades 10–12 to meet Spanish Ministry of Education requirements.
Canadian High School Diplomas: Applicants from Canada must obtain a recognized provincial diploma with the following minimum averages: Alberta (70%), British Columbia (77%), or Ontario (73%).
Quebec Pathways: Students from Quebec must either complete the Diplôme d’Études Collégiales (DEC) with at least 70% or provide transcripts for the final three years of upper secondary education including a Grade 12 equivalent year with at least 70%.
French Baccalaureate Applicants are typically expected to achieve a final BAC score of 14 out of 20 or higher Mention Bien or Mention Tres Bien with the average admitted score around 15 out of 20 while the Baccalaureat professionnel is not accepted.
German Abitur Applicants are expected to achieve an average of at least 10 out of 15 in semester grades during the final years and a minimum final Abitur grade of 2.3 while qualifications such as Fachhochschulreife Mittlere Realschulabschluss or Hauptschulabschluss are not accepted.