Enter OTP
This degree is a unique blend of economics and hands-on technical skills. You won’t just study theories—you’ll learn how to program, handle data, and create powerful visualizations that bring economic questions to life. It’s designed for students who enjoy solving economic problems and want to apply data science in practical ways. Whether your interests lie in policymaking, finance, technology, or consulting, this course sets you up at the exciting intersection of economics and data.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll begin by building a strong foundation in the essentials of economics and quantitative thinking. Core topics include microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics, and introductory econometrics. At the same time, you’ll get started with coding for economics and data analysis—giving you both the reasoning skills and the technical confidence to move forward.
Year 2
In your second year, you’ll take things further with advanced econometrics, mathematical methods, and new data science tools such as machine learning. Programming for economics becomes more central, and you’ll sharpen your ability to work with complex datasets, interpret results, and use models to answer real economic questions.
Year 3
Your final year is about applying what you’ve learned. You’ll carry out an independent research project—sometimes in collaboration with external partners—tackling real-world data challenges. Alongside this, you’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules, letting you tailor your degree. Options include behavioural economics, health economics, international business, industrial economics, environmental economics, or even communicating economics.
Focus Areas
Coding for economics and advanced programming
Data analysis, visualization, and handling
Machine learning for economic applications
Econometrics and statistical modelling
Core economics: micro, macro, and mathematics
Specialist options in applied areas such as behavioural, health, industrial, or environmental economics
Learning Outcomes
By graduation, you’ll be skilled in programming, economic analysis, and data science. You’ll know how to model and visualize data, interpret results, and carry out independent applied research. Most importantly, you’ll be confident tackling the kinds of real-world problems employers care about.
Professional Alignment
Although not tied to a specific professional accreditation, the degree is carefully designed with employability in mind. The mix of economics and data science directly reflects what employers are looking for today—economists who can combine strong theoretical understanding with practical, technical expertise.
Reputation and Employability
The University of Bristol is highly regarded for economics, ranking in the UK’s top five for economics and econometrics research (REF 2021). Graduates also see impressive career outcomes: within five years, Bristol economics graduates earn on average 28% more than other UK economics graduates, with salaries typically ranging between £44,000 and £87,000.
From the very start of the BSc Economics and Data Science degree, you’ll be building practical, career-ready skills. Every year, you’ll get hands-on experience in coding for economic analysis, machine learning, econometrics, and data visualisation—combining economics and data science in ways that directly apply to the real world. By your final year, you’ll take on a major team-based research project, often in collaboration with industry partners, where you’ll work on real economic and data challenges.
Here’s how that practical, immersive learning takes shape:
Core tools & programming skills
You won’t just learn theory—you’ll be trained in modern programming languages and data tools designed for economic analysis. From visualising data to building quantitative models, you’ll develop the technical skills employers are looking for.
Machine learning & econometrics in practice
Instead of just studying methods on paper, you’ll actually apply machine learning techniques and econometric models to real economic data. Whether you’re exploring behavioural economics, health policy, or global trade, you’ll see how these tools bring insight into complex issues.
Applied, industry-linked research project
In your final year, you’ll work with a team on a research project, often in partnership with businesses or public organisations. It’s a chance to test your skills in a real-world setting, while also building the collaboration and problem-solving experience that stands out to employers.
Cutting-edge maths & computing resources
You’ll benefit from the University’s strong expertise in data science and links with the Bristol Institute for Scientific Computing. This means access to advanced algorithms, specialist programming, and high-level computing facilities to support your studies.
Career-focused learning
This degree is designed with employability at its core. You’ll graduate not only as an economist, but as someone who can manage, analyse, and clearly communicate data—skills that are in demand across industries, from finance and government to healthcare and tech.
Bristol Economics graduates earn well above the UK average, with typical salaries ranging from around £44,000 to £87,000 just five years after graduation. They’re also in high demand with leading employers. Many go on to careers as Data Analysts, Economists, Quantitative Analysts, and Consultants.
Support for your employability
From the very start of your degree, you’ll benefit from tailored support through Bristol’s Careers Service and the Faculty Professional Liaison Network. These teams run work experience programmes, professional mentoring, and networking events where you’ll meet economists working in research, consulting, and policy.
Employment stats and salary growth
Within five years, Bristol Economics graduates typically earn 28% more than economics graduates elsewhere in the UK. Reported salaries in that period fall between £44,000 and £87,000. Looking more broadly, the average salary after 15 months is £36,500 (ranging from £31,500 to £45,000), rising to an average of £57,500 after five years. The employment rate is also strong—89% of graduates are in work and/or further study 15 months after finishing their degree.
Employer connections and partnerships
Graduates from Economics at Bristol progress into high-profile organisations, from the Government Economic Service and global consulting firms to technology leaders and top banks. Alumni have gone on to careers at Deloitte, the Bank of England, JP Morgan, Bloomberg, EY, NHS, KPMG, Mastercard, HMRC, AWS, Citibank, and Hargreaves Lansdown.
Professional recognition
The Economics degree at Bristol is professionally accredited by ICAEW and CIMA. This means your qualification is valued by employers across accounting, finance, and related sectors, giving you an edge in long-term career development.
Graduate outcomes
Fifteen months after graduation, 86% of Bristol Economics graduates are already in highly skilled roles. Of these, 45% work in finance, 16% in business and research, and 8% in IT, with others across a variety of sectors.
Why Bristol stands out
The University is consistently recognised as one of the top five UK universities most targeted by leading employers (High Fliers Research, 2024). This reputation, combined with strong industry links and a track record of graduate success, gives you excellent prospects for the future.
Applications should be made through UCAS with the institution code BRISL B78.English language proficiency must be demonstrated according to the specific course requirements. Many Indian applicants with CBSE or CISCE education have their English proficiency accepted at 70-80% or above without additional tests like IELTS.Indian qualifications typically range from 80% to 90% in CBSE or CISCE, which roughly translates to ABB to A*AA at A-levels.USA applicants typically need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.2, with competitive courses requiring a GPA of 3.4 or higher.SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of at least 650 or ACT minimum score of 28.AP Tests scores generally 4 or 5 in relevant subjects.Honors level classes and dual enrollment courses are also recognized.Specific subject requirements must be met, especially for Mathematics or related subjects, for example, AP Calculus BC at grade 5 is required where math is necessary.Indian and US applicants with IB or A-level qualifications will also be assessed on those standards.For students who completed the first year of a US university degree or associate degree, direct admission to bachelor's programs is possible.The program requires a strong background in mathematics; the BSc Economics is recommended for those with A-level Mathematics or equivalent.Contextual offers (grade reductions) are available based on background.Data AnalystEconomistFinancial AnalystBusiness Intelligence AnalystRisk AnalystData ScientistPolicy AnalystMarket Research AnalystQuantitative AnalystEconomic Consultant
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