Economics BA

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Basel

Program Overview

The Economics BA (Major in Economics, MiE) at the University of Basel is a dynamic 6-semester program (180 ECTS credits) taught in German and English, blending business and economic principles to prepare you for diverse careers while letting you specialize in economics during the advanced phase. It's perfect for students passionate about understanding global markets, policy, and decision-making, offering a balanced foundation that opens doors to jobs in finance, consulting, government, or further studies—apply now to start in fall or spring and build a versatile skill set right from one of Switzerland's top universities.

Curriculum structure
Years 1-2 (Propaedeutikum): You'll kick off with core modules that build essential economic thinking and math skills, like Introduction to Microeconomics and Introduction to Macroeconomics, exploring how individuals and societies make choices under scarcity, alongside Mathematics for Economists to master tools for modeling real-world problems. This phase sets a strong base, integrating business perspectives for a well-rounded start that makes complex ideas feel approachable and exciting.

Years 3-4 (Aufbaustudium): Dive deeper into the Major in Economics (MiE) with advanced modules such as Microeconomics II, Macroeconomics II, and Econometrics, where you'll analyze market failures, economic growth models, and data-driven forecasting using statistical methods. These courses sharpen your ability to tackle policy questions and business strategies, with flexibility for electives or a mobility window abroad to gain international experience.

Years 5-6 (Vertiefung and completion): Focus on specialized topics through MiE electives, building on prior knowledge with modules like International Economics or Economic Policy, while completing your 180 credits with a capstone or thesis-like project. This culminates in a tailored profile that emphasizes research skills and practical application, preparing you seamlessly for the job market or a master's.

Focus areas: Specialize in the Major in Economics (MiE) for deep dives into micro/macro theory, econometrics, and policy, or mix with Business (MiB) or Studium Generalis for a custom path integrating law, business, and economic policy—enhanced by summer schools with top US professors.

Learning outcomes: Gain a solid, balanced economics education with strong analytical tools, direct workforce entry skills, and career flexibility across fields, thanks to integrated business methods and methodological rigor.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Fully aligned with Switzerland's ECTS system (180 CP for Bachelor), ensuring seamless credit transfer and recognition across Europe; no specific external accreditation noted, but follows University of Basel's rigorous academic standards.

Reputation (employability rankings): As Switzerland's oldest university, Basel excels in research-intensive economics training with high employability—official stats highlight broad career access in business/government, bolstered by international summer schools and a prime location.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Basel's Economics BA (Major in Economics, MiE) within the Wirtschaftswissenschaften program, you'll dive into practical skills by blending business and economic methods, preparing you for real-world careers through hands-on integration of theory and application. The program, offered by the Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät, emphasizes experiential opportunities like the Summer School in Law, Business and Economic Policy—intensive July/August sessions led by top international guest lecturers, mainly from the US, to sharpen your policy analysis and global perspective. This builds the kind of applied expertise employers love, all within a flexible 180-credit structure over 6 semesters in German and English.

Here are some standout ways to gain hands-on experience tailored to the Economics BA:

- Summer School-Veranstaltungen: Targeted courses on Law, Business, and Economic Policy with renowned US professors, focusing on integrating business and economics for career-ready skills.
- Major in Economics (MiE): Deepen practical economic methods in the advanced study phase, alongside options like Minors in Quantitative Methods, Behavioral Science, or Innovation and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for specialized, project-oriented application.
- Elective and Mobility Components: Earn up to 42 credits in electives (including 12 outside your field) and a mobility window for up to 60 credits abroad, applying economic concepts in diverse real-world settings.
- Wahlbereich Flexibility: Customize 12-42 credits to build practical profiles, such as through interdisciplinary minors like Environment and Energy or Accounting and Auditing, fostering group-based economic problem-solving.

Imagine putting these into action—it's why our grads step confidently into top roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor’s in Business and Economics (Wirtschaftswissenschaften) at the University of Basel develop strong analytical and decision-making skills that open doors across both private and public sectors. You’ll be well-prepared for roles such as business analyst, financial analyst, consultant, or policy analyst, with the flexibility to enter multiple industries thanks to the program’s combined business and economics focus.

Career-ready curriculum & flexibility: The program integrates business, economics, and quantitative methods, allowing you to tailor your profile with majors and interdisciplinary electives—giving you access to a wide range of career paths right after graduation.
Strong academic support & career guidance: Students benefit from structured academic advising and dedicated student support services that assist with study planning, career decisions, and transitions into the job market.
Industry-relevant learning environment: Teaching and research are closely linked, and initiatives like international summer schools with global guest lecturers expose you to real-world business and policy challenges.
Wide employment scope: The degree prepares you for roles in consulting, finance, marketing, HR, banking, public administration, research institutes, and international organizations—covering both corporate and policy-focused careers.
Long-term career value: By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the program equips you to take on responsibility in society and adapt to evolving global economic challenges.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can seamlessly progress to advanced studies such as the Master of Science in Business and Economics or other specialised master’s programs offered by the university, including finance, data science, international business, or public policy, allowing you to deepen your expertise and significantly enhance your career prospects.

Additional Information & Requirements

Proof of a secondary school leaving certificate or an equivalent degree issued by a higher education institution recognized by the University of Basel
Non-Swiss secondary school leaving certificates must largely correspond to the Swiss Maturität certificate and fulfill criteria regarding educational objective, educational content, and period of study
If a non-Swiss secondary school leaving certificate grants access to university but does not automatically entitle admission to all university bachelor’s degree programs within the relevant national education system, evidence of admission to an equivalent degree program at a state-recognized university in that country is required
Language skills in German and English are prerequisites for successful completion of a degree program
International Baccalaureate (IB/DP): minimum 32 out of 42 points (without bonus points / combined grade) in six subjects
One subject from IB/DP group 4 (Physics, Biology or Chemistry) or group 5 (Mathematics) must have been taken at Higher Level
Required IB/DP subjects: Group 1 (First Language), Group 2 (Second Language), Group 3 (History, Geography, Economics or Business and Management), Group 4 (Physics, Biology or Chemistry), Group 5 (Mathematics - "Mathematics", "Further Mathematics" HL, "Applications and Interpretation" or "Analysis and Approaches"), Group 6 (Computer Science, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Anthropology or a further subject from groups 2, 3 and 4)
For some secondary school leaving certificates, successful completion of the Complementary examination of the Swiss universities (ECUS) is required