Bachelor of Science in Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Lausanne

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Economics at the University of Lausanne (HEC Lausanne) is a dynamic three-year program that equips you with a strong foundation in economic theory, data analysis, and real-world applications, perfect for students passionate about understanding global markets, policy-making, and business decisions. It suits analytical minds who enjoy math and problem-solving, offering small class sizes, international perspectives, and opportunities for exchanges abroad to build a versatile skill set for today's economy.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Building Core Foundations
In your first year, you'll dive into the basics of economics and quantitative tools, starting with courses like *Microeconomics I*, *Macroeconomics I*, and *Mathematics for Economists*. These classes introduce supply-demand dynamics, national income analysis, and essential calculus, helping you grasp how individual choices and big-picture policies shape economies. It's a smooth entry that builds confidence through interactive lectures and group work.

Second Year: Deepening Analytical Skills
The second year ramps up with intermediate theory and stats, featuring key modules such as *Microeconomics II*, *Macroeconomics II*, and *Statistics*. You'll explore advanced consumer behavior, economic growth models, and data interpretation techniques, applying them to case studies on trade and inflation. This phase sharpens your ability to model complex scenarios, blending theory with practical software tools like R or Stata.

Third Year: Specialization and Application
Your final year focuses on electives and integration, with standout courses including *Econometrics*, *International Economics*, and *Public Economics*. Here, you'll master regression analysis for real data, trade policies in a globalized world, and government intervention effects, culminating in a capstone project or internship. It's designed to tie everything together, preparing you for advanced studies or the job market with hands-on projects.

Focus Areas
Tailor your path with concentrations in areas like behavioral economics, environmental economics, finance, or data science—choose from over 20 electives to align with your interests, such as sustainable development or digital markets.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates emerge with skills in economic modeling, statistical analysis, critical thinking, and policy evaluation; you'll be able to interpret data, forecast trends, and advise on business or public sector challenges, plus proficiency in English and French for international careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The program is fully accredited by the Swiss University Conference and aligns with EQUIS standards through HEC Lausanne, ensuring rigorous quality. It prepares you for roles like economic analyst, policy advisor, or consultant, with strong ties to firms like UBS, the Swiss National Bank, and international organizations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
HEC Lausanne ranks in the global top 100 for Economics (QS World University Rankings 2025), with 95% of graduates employed or in further studies within six months (university stats). It's top 5 in Switzerland for employability (official HEC Lausanne Graduate Tracker 2024), boasting alumni at the World Bank, IMF, and top consultancies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNIL, you'll develop practical skills through a combination of hands-on coursework, industry-standard software, and direct engagement with research and professional environments. The program emphasizes learning by doing, ensuring you graduate with a portfolio of actual experience alongside your theoretical knowledge:

- Econometric Software & Tools: You'll work extensively with R, Python, Stata, and EViews — the exact software used by economists in central banks, international organizations, and financial institutions
- Research Laboratories & Centers: Access to UNIL's research institutes, including the School of Economics and Management's dedicated research facilities where faculty conduct cutting-edge economic analysis
- Internship Opportunities: Structured internship placements with Swiss and international organizations (central banks, UN agencies, consulting firms, and financial institutions)
- Group Project-Based Learning: Collaborative assignments that simulate real consulting projects, including data analysis competitions and case studies
- Field Research & Data Collection: Practical assignments involving real datasets from national statistical offices and international databases (World Bank, OECD, IMF)
- Computer Labs: Dedicated economics computing facilities equipped for quantitative analysis and econometric modeling
- Library Resources: Access to UNIL's comprehensive economic databases, including specialized collections for economic research and policy analysis
- Guest Lectures & Industry Connections: Regular presentations from professionals working in central banking, international finance, and economic policy

For a complete overview of UNIL's facilities and learning spaces, you can explore their official facilities and infrastructure information.

This is your opportunity to become an economist who doesn't just understand economic theory — you'll be prepared to apply it from day one.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduate outcomes: Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Economics at the University of Lausanne gain strong analytical, quantitative, and economic decision-making skills, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges. This foundation opens doors to careers in finance, consulting, public policy, and data analysis.

Career paths you could pursue

Economic Analyst – advising private firms, governments, or international organisations
Financial Analyst or Consultant – interpreting markets and financial strategies
Data Analyst / Quantitative Specialist – applying statistical skills to business and economic data
Policy or Public Sector Advisor – shaping economic strategy for public institutions

Future Progression & Opportunities:

University career services – The university’s Career Centre and HEC Lausanne’s international relations office support career planning, internships, networking events, and job placements
Employability & salary – Economics graduates are well-positioned for competitive starting salaries in Switzerland and Europe, often in the range of CHF 60–70k per year in finance or consulting, due to their strong analytical training
Industry partnerships – HEC Lausanne holds EQUIS and AMBA accreditation, reflecting strong connections with Swiss and international employers and active collaboration with research bodies, finance firms, and the Swiss business community
Accreditation value – The university’s international reputation and high-ranking business faculty give graduates credibility with employers worldwide
Graduation outcomes – Graduates can work in economic consulting, banking, business strategy, international organisations, public administration, or data-driven roles that require critical thinking

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Science in Economics, students can continue their studies by pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, or Management at UNIL or other institutions, a Master of Data Science or Quantitative Economics for a focus on analytics and modelling, or a PhD in economics or related research fields for academic or high-level research careers.

Country Requirements

Canadian applicants, completion of a provincial high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., Alberta, British Columbia Dogwood, Ontario OSSD, Québec D.E.C., or other provincial diplomas) with required general education subjects in the final three years is needed.
Egyptian applicants need a Thanaweya a’Amma with 80% or higher, plus a university admission certificate in the same field as the chosen UNIL program, and ECUS approval.
French applicants need a Baccalauréat général with Mathematics as a specialty and appropriate Science subjects, meeting minimum grade requirements (typically 12/20), with specific series recognized; some options like série ES or L without Mathematics are not accepted unless accompanied by a recognised university degree.
German applicants need a Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife with a minimum grade of 2.5 plus Exafra, or a university admission certificate in the same field as the chosen UNIL program, along with Exafra approval.
Indian applicants need a recognized university degree along with Exafra approval.
Pakistani applicants need a Bachelor Honours degree of at least 3 years’ duration, along with Exafra approval.
South Korean applicants need a High School Certificate of Graduation C (Mi), a university admission certificate in the same field as the chosen UNIL program, and Exafra approval.
Turkish applicants need an Anadolu Lisesi or Fen Lisesi diploma, a university admission certificate in the same field as the chosen UNIL program, and Exafra approval.
U.S. applicants need a High School Diploma, six Advanced Placement (AP) exams in general education subjects with a minimum score of 3 (excluding certain subjects), plus Exafra approval.