BSc Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Cardiff University

Program Overview

The BSc Economics at Cardiff University empowers you with rigorous analytical skills to understand markets, societies and the complex challenges of our time—perfect for students keen to make a meaningful impact. You’ll engage with core modules like Principles of Economics and Quantitative Methods to build your foundation, and then specialise in areas such as labour markets, environmental economics or financial policy.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: You’ll begin by studying foundational modules such as Introductory Economics and Statistics for Economists, enabling you to apply mathematical and statistical tools to real-world problems. You’ll also explore modules like Economic Data Analysis, which sharpen your ability to interpret data and form evidence-based conclusions.
Year 2: In your second year, you’ll delve deeper into topics such as Microeconomic Theory and Macroeconomic Policy, applying your analysis to questions of firm behaviour, market regulation and government intervention. You’ll also select optional modules that allow you to tailor your degree—for example in international economics or behavioural economics.
Year 3: Your final year offers a flexible choice of modules so you can specialise in areas of interest—for instance Econometrics and Forecasting or Game Theory & Strategic Behaviour. You will also undertake a major project or dissertation, giving you the chance to research a topic you are passionate about and demonstrate your analytical, writing and presentation skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Cardiff Business School, as part of the Cardiff University BSc Economics programme, you’ll work in genuinely immersive environments that bring economic theory into practice—from live simulations in Wales’ largest trading room to industry-informed projects in small group settings. These hands-on facilities help you build the analytical toolkit, communication skills and professional confidence that employers around the world value.

Here are the specific experiential learning opportunities you’ll engage with:

Access to a fully equipped Trading Room with simulated financial market software (used formally in second and third-year modules) allowing you to test investment strategies and market reactions.
Dedicated Undergraduate Hub and Opportunities Zone in the Aberconway Building that supports careers, internships, networking and skills development for economics students.
Use of data-rich software and datasets in modules such as Quantitative Methods and Econometric Analysis, embedding real-data modelling, forecasting and policy evaluation skills.
Support through the university’s Learning Commons, libraries and research equipment, providing access to journals, databases and research tools tailored to economic study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc Economics at Cardiff University leave well-prepared to move into roles such as economist, economic analyst, policy analyst, or financial analyst:

Which university services will help students to employ: The Careers & Employability service provides one-to-one careers advice, skills workshops and employer events; within the Cardiff Business School there is dedicated support for internships, placement opportunities and graduate recruitment.
Employment stats and salary figures: According to the university, “93 % of our graduates were in employment and/or further study or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after their course ended.” Additionally, one source shows median salary ~ £29,000 15 months out for the Economics BSc.
University–industry partnerships: The Business School highlights strong employer links, including full-time graduate roles and subject-specific internships.
Long-term accreditation value: Cardiff is ranked 12th in the UK for employability (Times Higher Global Employability Ranking 2023/24) which reinforces its reputation among employers.
Graduation outcomes: The programme reports that Economics graduates “regularly go on to work as professional economists, or in associated industries such as finance, banking, accountancy or consultancy”.

Additional Information & Requirements

IELTS (academic) At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill., TOEFL: At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
CBSE: an average of 70% in your top 4 subjects (not including Physical Education) in the Senior Secondary School Certificate (Standard XII).
For International Baccalaureate: 34-31 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 5 in HL Maths.
A level AAB-BBB. Must include Maths.
GCSE Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
American Curriculum: To be considered for this course, you'll need one of the following: 3 Advanced Placement (AP) tests with scores of 4, 4, 3 3 OR SAT Subject Tests (pre-2021) with scores of 580 or above OR A combination of Advance Placement Tests / SAT subject Tests graded as above, to include four qualifications in total successful completion of an Associate Degree OR On Successful completion of one or more years of undergraduate study in the US (this will be decided on a case-by-case basis by our academic schools).