Economics (Finance Pathway) BSc (hons) with Placement

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

London South Bank University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Economics (Finance Pathway) at London South Bank University integrates economic theory with financial analysis to explain how markets, institutions, and financial systems operate. It suits students interested in finance-oriented economics, preparing them for careers in banking, finance, business analysis, or further study.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Students build foundations through modules such as Principles of Economics, Business Environment, and Quantitative Methods for Business. This year introduces core economic concepts, financial awareness, and essential numerical skills.

Year 2:
The programme advances to Intermediate Microeconomics, Financial Economics, and Applied Economics. Students learn how economic theory applies to financial markets, investment decisions, and organisational finance, supported by data analysis and real-world examples.

Placement Year (optional):
Students may undertake a professional placement in finance, business, or the public sector. This year enhances employability by applying economic and financial knowledge in a practical workplace setting.

Final Year:
Final-year study includes advanced modules such as Corporate Finance, International Finance, and Applied Economic Analysis. The focus is on independent thinking, financial decision-making, and applying economics to complex financial and global challenges.

Focus areas:
Economics; finance; financial economics; corporate finance; international finance; applied economic analysis.

Learning outcomes:
Ability to analyse economic and financial problems; apply quantitative tools to finance; understand financial markets and institutions; evaluate investment and policy decisions; communicate financial and economic insights clearly.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Designed to support careers in banking, finance, investment, accounting, business analysis, and the public sector, as well as progression to postgraduate study in economics or finance.

Reputation (employability rankings):
London South Bank University is known for its applied, career-focused education, with strong employability outcomes and close industry links in business, finance, and economics.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At London South Bank University the Economics (Finance Pathway) BSc (hons) programme is designed for you to actively apply economic concepts from day one, using industry-standard tools and working in environments that mirror professional practice. With access to a Bloomberg Suite and econometrics software (Stata), you’ll learn to handle real-time data, simulate market decisions and deliver analytics in the same way economic practitioners do. On top of that, the university’s central London location and business-school networks offer live case studies, guest lectures, and company-facing projects that enhance your readiness for the workplace.

Here’s how your practical skills will be developed through specific facilities and experiences:

A dedicated Bloomberg Suite: You’ll use Bloomberg terminals to monitor and trade in simulated real-markets, as well as analyse data cuts for modules like risk management and financial econometrics.
Econometrics and data-modelling workspaces: Software such as Stata is used in the course to model macroeconomic and financial shocks, enabling you to translate theory into analytics that matter.
Placement and internship support: For students who choose the “with Placement” pathway there is an option to take a year in industry, gaining work-based learning, professional development and hands-on business experience.
Business school enterprise spaces: The Clarence Centre for Enterprise & Innovation and the Business Solutions Centre provide workshop, presentation and mentoring spaces where you can apply your economics knowledge to real business problems and collaborate on consulting-style projects.
Central London campus & live case-studies: Located in Southwark, LSBU’s Business School uses its London location to bring visiting professionals, live projects and industry input into your modules for a dynamic and current economics education.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of London South Bank University's BSc (Hons) Economics (Finance pathway) gain practical expertise in financial markets, economic forecasting, and investment analysis, achieving solid employability in banking and corporate finance sectors. The program's real-world focus supports 75% transitioning to work or study within 15 months, with median earnings starting at £24,000 and rising significantly over time. Alumni secure roles leveraging quantitative skills amid demand for finance-savvy economists.

Typical job roles: Financial Analyst, Investment Advisor, Risk Analyst, Banking Officer.

Careers service: LSBU Careers+ workshops, CV coaching, finance employer fairs, and placement support
Employment stats: 75% employed/studying; £24k median rising to £41k at 5 years
Partnerships: London finance firms for internships, live projects, and guest lectures
Accreditation value: LSBU's applied economics approach (top London satisfaction) for practical credentials
Graduation outcomes: 25% finance professionals, 15% managers, strong sector progression

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue MSc programs in finance, economics, or financial engineering at LSBU or other universities, extending capstone projects into advanced financial modelling and research.