Economics BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bath

Program Overview

The BSc Economics at the University of Bath is designed for students who want to understand how economies function and how economic theories apply to real-world problems. You’ll study both the analytical and practical sides of economics, developing strong quantitative, problem-solving, and policy-evaluation skills valued by employers in finance, consulting, and government sectors.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:

You’ll build your foundation in core economic principles and quantitative techniques through modules like Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, and Mathematics for Economics. Students also gain practical data skills in Statistics and Data Analysis for Economics, learning to interpret and apply data to policy questions.

Year 2:

You’ll explore intermediate theory and applied areas through Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. Optional modules such as Economic Policy Analysis and Industrial Organisation let you begin tailoring your focus toward public policy or business strategy.

Year 3:

If you choose the placement or study abroad option, you’ll gain professional experience in industry or an international university, enhancing your employability and global perspective.

Final Year:

You’ll apply your skills to complex economic questions in advanced units such as International Economics, Public Economics, and Monetary Theory and Policy. A major Final Year Project or Dissertation allows you to carry out independent economic research guided by academic supervisors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Bath, economics isn’t just theory—it’s applied learning in action. The BSc Economics program integrates real-world exposure through placements, industry projects, and data-driven coursework that mirror the decisions economists make every day. You’ll gain hands-on experience using advanced statistical tools, work with real economic datasets, and have the chance to apply your knowledge through a professional placement or study abroad year. The program is built to help you connect economic theory with the policy and business environments shaping the global economy.

You’ll also benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and active engagement with employers, research centres, and government institutions. Bath’s strong focus on employability means you’ll graduate with practical skills in data analysis, econometrics, and decision-making that employers in finance, consultancy, and policy value highly.

Here’s how Bath helps you turn learning into real experience:

Professional Placement Year: Option to spend your third year working in industry, with previous students placed at organizations such as Bank of England, HM Treasury, PwC, Deloitte, and Accenture.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Partner universities include leading institutions across Europe, North America, and Asia, enabling students to gain international exposure and comparative economic insight.
Data and Research Facilities: Access to specialized resources like the Computing and Data Analysis Labs and Economics Resource Centre, supporting econometric modeling and policy research.
Software and Analytical Tools: Training in industry-relevant platforms such as Stata, EViews, R, and Python for quantitative analysis and forecasting.
Departmental Seminars and Guest Lectures: Frequent sessions with policymakers and economists from institutions like the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Bank of England, offering firsthand insight into contemporary issues.
Group Research Projects: Collaborative work on real-world economic problems, often using data provided by industry or government agencies.
Library and Learning Resources: The University of Bath Library provides 24/7 access to extensive databases, journals, and the Bloomberg financial platform.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Bath’s BSc Economics stand out for their analytical precision, data fluency, and ability to apply theory to solve real economic challenges. The course opens doors to high-demand roles such as economic analyst, financial consultant, policy advisor, and data economist. Bath’s strong employer network and focus on applied economics help students move confidently from classroom to career.

You’ll benefit from the University’s long-established employer connections and dedicated support through every stage of your journey:

Career Development Support: The University of Bath Careers Service provides one-to-one career coaching, employer networking events, and sector-focused workshops, helping over 90% of Bath graduates find work or further study within 15 months of graduation.
Employment & Salary Figures: Economics graduates from Bath report an average starting salary of £33,000, well above the UK average for economics graduates.
Industry Partnerships: Bath maintains strong relationships with leading employers including Bank of England, HM Treasury, PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, and Civil Service Fast Stream, ensuring students have access to placement and graduate schemes.
Professional Skills Accreditation: Recognised for its emphasis on quantitative and applied economics, the program provides the analytical skillset sought after by consulting firms, research bodies, and financial institutions.
Global Reputation: Ranked among the Top 5 in the UK for Economics (Guardian University Guide 2024) and consistently high in graduate employability rankings (QS World Rankings 2024).