BSc Economics with German

The BSc (Hons) Economics with German is a four-year undergraduate program offered by the University of Birmingham's Business School. This interdisciplinary degree combines rigorous training in economics with advanced German language studies, preparing students for careers in international economics, finance, and policy-making.

Key Focus Areas:

• Economic Theory: Foundations in microeconomics and macroeconomics.

• Applied Economics: Emphasis on real-world applications and policy analysis.

• Quantitative Methods: Training in mathematics, statistics, and econometrics.

• German Language Proficiency: Development of advanced language skills and cultural understanding.

• Global Perspective: Preparation for international careers through language and economic studies.

Year-wise Breakdown of Core Modules

Year 1: Foundations

• Principles of Economics

• Applied Economics and Statistics

• Professional and Academic Skills Development for Economists A & B

• German Core I - Advanced: Democracy, Diversity, and Dynamism

• German Core II - Advanced: Nation, Populism, and Conflict

• Mathematics Module: Depending on prior qualifications, students take either:

  • Introduction to Mathematics for Economics

  • Mathematics for Economics

Year 2: Intermediate

• Microeconomics

• Macroeconomics

• Econometrics

• German Core III – Advanced: Other Germanies

• German Core IV - Advanced: German-Language Cultures and Societies in the Contemporary World

• Optional Modules: Students choose two from options such as:

  • Contemporary Issues in the UK Economy

  • Behavioural and Experimental Economics

  • China and the World Economy

  • Development Economics

  • Environmental Economics

  • Financial Markets and Institutions

  • Mathematical Methods for Economics

  • Mathematical Methods for Statistics and Econometrics

Year 3: Year Abroad

A compulsory year spent studying at a partner university in a German-speaking country. This immersion enhances language proficiency and cultural understanding.

Year 4: Advanced

• Extended Essay

• German Core VI - Language and Contexts A

• German Core VII - Language and Contexts B

• Translation in Theory and Practice in Europe I (German)

• Translation in Theory and Practice in Europe II (German)

• Advanced Economics Modules: Students must take one or both of the following:

  • Advanced Microeconomics

  • Advanced Macroeconomics

• Optional Modules: Depending on the number of advanced economics modules taken, students choose additional modules from options such as:

  • Advanced Behavioural and Experimental Economics

  • Advanced Financial Markets and Institutions

  • Advanced Econometrics: Theory and Applications

  • Labour Economics

  • Industrial Organisation

  • History of Economic Thought

  • International Trade Theory and Policy

  • Monetary Policy and Dynamic Macroeconomics

  • Decision Theory and Games

  • Public Economics

  • Health Economics

  • Economics of the European Union

  • The Political Economy of Russia

  • Professional Development

Learning and Assessment Methods

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures

• Seminars

• Tutorials

• Workshops

Assessment Methods:

• Coursework (essays, reports)

• Examinations

• Oral Presentations

• Group Projects

• Computer Assignments

Assessments are designed to evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical application of knowledge.

Rankings

The University of Birmingham is ranked 17th in the UK for Economics according to The Complete University Guide 2025