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Economics at UEA
Find out more about studying Economics at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Business Economics with a Year Abroad
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- L11A
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
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91%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022-23Course Overview
Why BSc Business Economics with a Year Abroad at UEA?
Develop a strong understanding of how businesses make strategic decisions in complex, competitive and fast changing environments, while gaining valuable international experience. Our Business Economics degree places firm decision making and market dynamics at the centre of your studies.
Why choose UEA?
- Business strategy: Analyse how businesses compete, respond to regulation, take decisions and adapt to digital markets and technological change
- Impactful research: Study in a school closely linked to the Centre for Competition Policy, a world leading centre for research in competition, regulation and consumer policy
- International experience: Spend a full academic year at a partner university overseas, strengthening your global outlook and independence
What is BSc Business Economics with a Year Abroad?
In a changing global economy shaped by technological innovation and digital transformation, you'll explore how firms make strategic and financial decisions and how markets operate under competition and regulation. You'll apply economic reasoning to business challenges, examining pricing, investment, corporate strategy and firm behaviour in dynamic environments.
You'll engage in lectures, seminars, workshops and IT lab sessions, applying economic concepts to data, case studies and contemporary business issues. Throughout your degree, you'll be supported by your academic adviser and a dedicated skills and development module and you'll complete a range of assessments designed to strengthen your analytical thinking, quantitative capability and communication skills.
A distinctive feature of this course is the opportunity to spend a full academic year studying at a partner university overseas. This allows you to experience a different academic environment, broaden your international perspective, develop independence and adaptability and return to your final year with enhanced cultural awareness and global insight.
You'll have opportunities to apply economics in practice through access to LSEG powered data facilities and Bloomberg terminals, while exploring emerging tools such as LLMs and connecting with employers through guest talks and events. Alongside this, you can take part in student staff partnership initiatives that help shape teaching and support the student voice within the school, contribute to Norwich Economic Publications and engage in societies and skills workshops that help develop networks and practical experience.
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Year Abroad
In your third year, you'll study at one of over 25 partner universities worldwide. You'll select modules aligned with your academic interests and career ambitions, subject to availability at your host institution. This year abroad enhances your cultural awareness, independence and global perspective, while allowing you to experience a different higher education system. You'll return to UEA for your final year with broader insight and strengthened academic confidence.
For more information on partner institutions accepting Economics students, check out our Study Abroad pages.
Careers
Career Pathways
As a BSc Business Economics with a Year Abroad graduate, you'll be well prepared for roles that combine economic reasoning with strategic and financial decision making, including:
- Business or Economic Consultant: Analyse markets, assess competition and provide strategic recommendations to firms and organisations
- Corporate Finance Analyst: Evaluate investments, assess financial performance and support strategic financial decisions
- Data or Business Analyst: Work with datasets to generate insights that inform pricing, operations and strategic planning
- Competition or Regulatory Analyst: Examine market structure and firm behaviour to support policy or regulatory decision making
- Investment or Financial Analyst: Build financial models, assess risk and support investment decisions in banking or asset management
Career Support
You'll strengthen your employability through applied learning and varied assessment, including data analysis projects, business focused reports, presentations and collaborative work. You'll gain experience using specialist software such as Stata, Python, and R, alongside access to LSEG and Bloomberg data in dedicated facilities.
Employer engagement, guest speakers and targeted workshops provide practical guidance, from application support to understanding emerging analytical tools such as LLMs. Your year abroad will broaden your international outlook, enhance your adaptability and intercultural awareness and demonstrate to employers your confidence in navigating different academic and professional environments.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
After graduation, you'll be equipped to assess business environments, interpret economic and financial evidence and communicate strategic insights effectively. You'll be well prepared for careers in consulting, corporate finance, financial services, regulation and data driven business roles. Many graduates also progress to postgraduate study in areas such as economics, finance, management or data science.
Your academic training, combined with the global perspective gained during your year abroad, will enhance your competitiveness in graduate recruitment and support progression into demanding professional roles.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you'll establish a solid grounding in economic thinking and evidence-based evaluation. You'll study how individuals and firms make choices, how governments shape economic performance through fiscal and monetary policy and how markets operate within domestic and global settings. Alongside foundational theory, you'll begin working with data and applied examples, developing your ability to interpret evidence and assess economic arguments critically.
You'll also strengthen the quantitative foundations of your degree, building confidence in mathematical reasoning and structured analytical techniques. If you do not have an A-level in mathematics or an equivalent qualification, an introductory mathematics module will equip you with the core skills required for your studies.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, you'll deepen your understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis while expanding your empirical capabilities through applied data work. You'll develop the skills to evaluate economic relationships using real datasets, interpret statistical outputs and compare alternative explanations for observed patterns.
A defining element of this course is its focus on financial and strategic decision making within firms. You'll explore how organisations assess investment opportunities, manage uncertainty and respond to competitive forces. You can also begin tailoring your studies around your interests, choosing from areas such as behavioural economics, trade, strategy, programming or applied data analysis.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your third year, you'll study at one of our international partner universities, selecting modules that align with your academic interests and career goals, subject to availability at your host institution.
Studying abroad offers the opportunity to experience different academic approaches, engage with new economic perspectives and examine business and policy issues within a distinct national or regional context. This year enhances your independence, adaptability and global awareness, broadening your intellectual and cultural outlook before returning to UEA.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your final year, you'll adopt a more independent and research informed approach to your studies, refining your pathway in line with your developing interests. A central emphasis remains the analysis of firm behaviour, market structure and competition, including in digital and technology driven sectors. You'll examine how regulation, innovation and strategic interaction shape business performance in complex and evolving markets.
You'll also have the opportunity to undertake an independent research dissertation or a consulting project, applying economic reasoning and data analysis to a substantial business or policy issue and demonstrating the analytical and strategic expertise developed across the programme.
Your academic adviser and a module choice fair will support you in selecting options aligned with your academic interests and long term aspirations.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Your learning will take place through lectures, seminars, workshops and IT lab sessions that integrate economic theory with applied analysis. Sessions are led by research active academics who draw on contemporary research, international debates and current policy developments. Contributions from industry speakers provide additional professional perspective across business, finance and the public sector. Digital learning tools, specialist software and structured academic guidance support your confidence and independence throughout the programme.
In year one, you'll establish foundational economic understanding through lectures and seminars, reinforcing concepts in workshops and introductory data sessions. Academic skills support and peer engagement help ease your transition into university study.
You'll strengthen your analytical expertise in year two, through econometrics and more focused areas of study, gaining substantial experience working with statistical software and real-world datasets.
During your year abroad, in year three, you'll study within a different academic environment, selecting modules offered by your host institution that match your academic interests and progression requirements.
In year four, you'll return to advanced, discussion led study and independent research. Specialist teaching and dissertation supervision will support the development of deeper subject expertise and professional readiness.
Assessment
Assessment comprises examinations, coursework and applied assignments, offering multiple ways to demonstrate analytical, quantitative and communication skills. From your first year, you'll complete written reports, presentations, group activities and data analysis exercises alongside formal tests. Ongoing formative and summative feedback will guide your progress throughout the degree. This structured approach supports both academic achievement and future professional development.
In year one, you'll undertake coursework, presentations, collaborative exercises and examinations that establish strong academic foundations.
Assessment becomes increasingly technical and applied, in year two, incorporating analytical reports, data driven projects and software-based tasks.
In year three, you'll complete assessments set by your host university and must successfully pass the year. While the year counts towards progression, marks do not contribute to your final degree classification.
In year four, you'll complete advanced coursework and presentations, with the opportunity to undertake a dissertation or consulting project demonstrating independent research and applied analytical skills.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade C or grade 4 and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or grade B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
Contextual offer: Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade C or grade 4 and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or grade B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABBWe accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee pages.
Extra costs, related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year abroad, will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: