Economics, BSc (Hons) with Placement Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

This degree gives you a strong foundation in both economic theory and real-world application by exploring issues such as financial markets, sustainability and innovation. It’s perfect if you’re curious about how economies work and want to build analytical, data-driven skills you can apply in business, government or beyond.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1: You’ll begin with modules such as Economics and Society in Context and Microeconomics I, alongside Macroeconomics I and Quantitative Methods for Economics & Finance. These give you the tools to interpret economic models, begin using quantitative techniques and understand how economics plays out in real current events.

Year 2: In the second year you’ll take modules like Microeconomics II, Macroeconomics II and Exploring and Enhancing Employability. Here you’ll deepen your theoretical and quantitative knowledge, apply it to issues like labour markets and trade, and learn how to present yourself professionally.

Year 3: On this placement, you will be able to access a 40-52 week work-based learning / placement opportunity to help develop your employability and enterprise skills. You will gain first-hand knowledge and experience of making applications to and working in a placement role.

Year 4: In your final year you’ll specialise through options such as Behavioural Economics, Economic Growth, Econometrics and Environmental Economics. You’ll conduct more independent work, undertake research or a substantial project and prepare to transition into employment or further study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From your first year you’ll use financial-software tools, work on group projects with current case studies, and develop the kinds of analytical and communication skills employers value — supported by dedicated services and excellent facilities. Here are some of the standout features:

Experience the Bloomberg Trading Suite, allowing you to make mock transactions, test sustainable finance scenarios, and practise using professional data platforms.
Optional Year in Industry placement (minimum 40 weeks, full time) in Year 3 of a 4-year version of the degree, giving you paid, employment-level experience before graduating.
Partnerships with real organisations such as BMW Mini, local councils, heritage attractions like Blenheim Palace and retail stores, so you’ll engage with actual projects in real business or public-sector settings.
Assignments that include working with real datasets and software: for example in Macroeconomics I you’ll use Excel to apply quantitative techniques to actual economic data and model market behaviour.
Strong library, IT and software resources: 91 % of students on this course said the IT resources and subject-specific software, collections and facilities supported their learning well.

Progression & Future Opportunities

You’ll graduate ready to step into roles like economist, financial analyst, data analyst or policy advisor, and the outcomes back this up with solid earning potential and high employment rates. These prospects are reinforced by the university’s dedicated support services and strong alignment with industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

The university’s Careers & Employability Service provides one-to-one guidance, CV/interview prep, access to job/placement listings and alumni networking support (available to students and recent graduates).
Employment stats show an average earning of £30,000 15 months after graduation for Economics graduates at Oxford Brookes (typical range £26,000–£35,000).
Official graduate outcomes indicate 87% of full-time undergraduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing.
Industry links and partnerships: The course page highlights partnerships with organisations such as BMW Mini, local councils and Blenheim Palace that give real-world project exposure.
Long-term accreditation value: Many modules integrate professional skills, data-analytical tools and placement options, giving your degree strong credibility in the job market.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates go into a wide range of roles in finance, public service, consultancy, business intelligence and government as evident from graduate earnings and employment categories.