Economics with a Year Abroad BSc (Econ)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College London

Program Overview

The BSc Economics with a Year Abroad at UCL offers rigorous training in economic theory, quantitative methods, and applied economics, combined with an international study experience. It suits students who want a strong economics education while gaining global academic exposure and intercultural skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Students build foundations through core modules such as Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, and Mathematics and Statistics for Economics. This year develops economic reasoning, analytical thinking, and essential quantitative skills.

Year 2:
The programme advances to Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, and Econometrics, focusing on formal economic modelling and data analysis. Students learn to apply theory and quantitative tools to real-world economic and policy issues.

Year 3 (Year Abroad):
Students study at an approved international partner university, taking economics-related courses aligned with UCL’s curriculum. This year broadens academic perspectives, strengthens independence, and enhances global employability.

Year 4:
Final-year study includes advanced options such as Applied Econometrics, International Economics, Public Economics, or Development Economics. The emphasis is on independent analysis, critical evaluation, and engagement with contemporary economic debat

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UCL’s Economics BSc (Econ) programme, you will put theory into practice—working with real data, engaging in research-led teaching, and making use of central London’s economic hub to gain professional insight. The Department of Economics ensures students use statistical software, participate in small-group problem-solving, and benefit from strong links with industry and research institutions. Here are specific ways your learning becomes hands-on:

Statistical & Quantitative Tools: You’ll use specialist software and statistical methods (as emphasised in the module “Statistical Methods in Economics”) to analyse real-world data.
Small-Group Tutorials & Skills Labs: Throughout each year you can join “Skills Lab” modules that hone research, independent learning, and team-based project skills.
Access to Premier Library & Data Resources: The UCL library system, including economics-specific collections, supports extensive data-driven work and independent research.
Placement/Industry Exposure Option: While the standard BSc is three years, the department offers a placement year variant where students apply tools in a workplace setting, giving you real commercial context.
Central London Location for Networking & Visits: Being in London places you within proximity to financial institutions and policy-making bodies, aiding guest lectures, networking and field-relevant exposure.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from UCL’s Economics BSc (Econ) move swiftly into roles such as Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Policy Economist or Quantitative Data Analyst — applying their strong analytical training and economic insight to high-impact environments. With over 96% of graduates in professional work or postgraduate study 15 months after graduation, this degree opens doors to both industry and advanced academic routes.

Here’s how UCL supports your career journey:

Career Services Support: UCL’s Economics Department works with the central UCL Careers Service and an Economics Careers Tutor to offer employer-led workshops, alumni networking events, and internship/placement listings.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: According to Discover Uni data, full-time Economics graduates from UCL earn a median of approximately £41,000 15 months after graduation, and around £45,500 after 3 years.
University–Industry Partnerships: The Department facilitates employer-led sessions where firms engage directly with students about placements, graduate schemes and recruitment processes.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: A UCL BSc in Economics holds global recognition, equipping you with highly transferable quantitative, statistical and problem-solving skills that remain relevant across sectors and regions.
Graduation Outcomes: Over 92% of graduates were employed or in study 15 months after finishing this programme.

Additional Information & Requirements

Amercian Curriculum: 5,5,5,5,4 in five distinctive AP subjects, taken in the final three years of high school. 5,5 in two distinctive AP subjects, plus a combined score of 1470 in the SAT or a composite score of 33 in ACT taken in the final three years of high school or The successful completion of the High School Graduation Diploma also required. The successful completion of one year of study at a recognised US university, Community or Junior College, with an overall CGPA of 3.3/4.0 (equivalent to a 2.1) may also be considered. We expect applicants to complete around 30 semester credits (or equivalent).
IB: 39 points overall with 19 points in three Higher Level subjects including grade 7 in Mathematics and grade 6 in Economics if offered, with no score below 5 at Higher Level.
For Indian CBSE students: The Year 12/Standard 12 Indian School Certificate awarded by CISCE or CBSE with five subjects at 95, 95, 95, 90, 90. The Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard XII awarded with five subjects at 95, 95, 95, 90, 90 to include three core subjects.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
IELTS: Overall minimum score of 7.0, with no component below 6.5. & TOEFL: Overall score of 96 with 24/30 in reading and writing and 22/30 in speaking and listening
A Level Subject: A* in Mathematics required, plus if Economics is offered it must be grade A.