BSc Hons Economics with Foundation Year and Placement

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

This programme gives you a thorough grounding in economic theory, quantitative methods and real-world data analysis, equipping you to understand how individuals, firms and governments make decisions. It’s ideal for students who enjoy mathematics and statistics, are curious about how economies work and want to build strong analytical and communication skills for a broad range of careers. 

 

Curriculum structure:

Foundation Year: This one-year, full-time foundation year programme will provide you with knowledge of business and economics concepts, theories, ideas and tools to make it easier to get started at university.  

Year 1: In your first year you’ll cover core topics like Introductory Economics, Quantitative Methods, Economic Data Analysis, Mathematics for Economics, Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics. For example, you’ll explore how markets work, acquire the maths and statistics skills required for higher-level economics, and begin working with data using tools such as R and Excel. 

Year 2: The second year moves into more advanced territory: modules such as Intermediate Microeconomics 1, Introductory Econometrics, Intermediate Macroeconomics and often optional electives. You’ll deepen your understanding of economic theory and begin applying econometric tools to data, preparing you to analyse real-world behaviour and economic policy. 

Year 3: The BSc (Hons) Economics with Placement combines rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative methods with a paid industry placement year, allowing students to apply academic knowledge in a real professional setting. It suits students seeking strong employability, practical experience and career readiness in economics, finance, policy, consulting or business analytics.

Year 4: In your final year you’ll have compulsory advanced modules (for example Topics in Microeconomics, Topics in Macroeconomics) plus a selection of optional modules from a wide range such as Labour Economics, Environmental Economics, International Trade, Time-Series Econometrics. This year allows you to specialise, conduct more independent analysis and prepare for either further study or employment.  

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one, you’ll work with practical data sets, collaborate on group tasks, and apply theory through workshops and seminars rather than just lectures. The course includes dedicated professional training placements, meaning you’ll spend time in an actual workplace setting to develop and reflect on your employability, industry awareness and professional behaviour. On top of this, you’ll have access to the university’s strong support ecosystem — industry-driven modules, research-active staff and fantastic library and digital resources to help you analyse real economies, policies and business problems.

 

Here are the key experiential learning features:

 

  • A Professional Training (placement) module (ECOP005) that places you in a workplace, where you will write a 4,000-word placement report, deliver a presentation/poster and reflect on your professional development. 

  • Group tutorials and workshops where you present your ideas and work collaboratively — developing communication and teamwork skills alongside technical economics. 

  • Use of data-analysis tools and statistics modules (for example, introductory statistics and data analysis in Year 1) preparing you for working with real-world economic data. 

  • Opportunities for trips and extra-curricular economics experiences — such as the annual Malthus Dinner, Nobel Prize Workshop and trips to London, which enrich your understanding of economics in action. 

  • Full access to the university’s library and digital resources: students reported 93% positive response for “subject-specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software, collections) when I needed it”.

 

Progression & Future Opportunities

 

 

  • The university’s dedicated careers service supports you with one-to-one career coaching, skills workshops, CV and interview prep, and a dedicated employer engagement team connecting students with industry opportunities. 

  • 95% of undergraduates at Surrey are in work or further education within 15 months of graduation. 

  • Graduates of the Economics programme at Surrey earn around £34,000 on average 15 months after graduation. 

  • The university has over 2,300 partner organisations for placement opportunities, boosting your connections and practical experience. 

  • Completing this course opens doors to high-skill professional roles, giving you a robust foundation and the long-term accreditation value of a respected UK degree known for graduate employability.

 

Program Key Stats

£21,800
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


70 %

Eligibility Criteria

CCC
3
29
80

N/A
N/A
6.5
88

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Economist – Analyze economic data and trends to advise governments or private firms
  • Investment Banking Analyst – Support large financial transactions such as mergers or stock offerings through in-depth financial modeling
  • Data Analyst or Data Scientist – Interpret large datasets using tools like Python or R to guide business strategy
  • Actuary – Use mathematics and economics to assess risk in insurance pensions or financial services
  • Management Consultant – Help organizations solve operational and strategic problems to improve performance
  • Financial Analyst – Evaluate company financials and market trends to support investment or budgeting decisions
  • Policy Analyst – Research and evaluate economic and social policies for think tanks or public sector bodies
  • Econometrics or Statistical Analyst – Apply quantitative techniques to test theories and forecast economic outcomes
  • Chartered Accountant – Provide financial reporting tax planning and auditing services for businesses or individuals
  • Economic Researcher – Conduct academic or applied research on economic issues for universities NGOs or global institutions
  • Marketing Analyst – Study consumer behavior and market data to guide pricing promotion and product decisions
  • Financial Risk Analyst – Identify and measure risks in banking investment or corporate finance environments
  • International Development Analyst – Work on poverty reduction economic growth and policy reform projects globally
  • Central Banker – Contribute to financial regulation monetary policy and economic stability in national or international banks
  • Entrepreneur – Launch businesses in sectors like fintech edtech or consulting using economic knowledge to solve real-world problems

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