Economics at UEA
Find out more about studying Economics at UEA, and browse our other courses.
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Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022-23Why BSc Business Finance and Economics with a Year Abroad at UEA?
Develop strong expertise in economic analysis, finance and business decision making. With our Business Finance and Economics degree, you’ll understand how businesses make financial and strategic decisions in complex economic environments.
What is BSc Business Finance and Economics with a Year Abroad?
This degree explores how economic forces shape business activity and how financial decisions influence firms, markets and the wider economy. You'll combine economic analysis with finance, accounting and business perspectives, developing a strong understanding of corporate finance, financial reporting and strategic decision making.
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops and IT lab sessions, applying economic and financial concepts to data, case studies and real-world business challenges. Throughout your studies, you'll be supported by your academic adviser and a dedicated skills and development module, helping you build confidence in quantitative analysis, communication and critical thinking.
Practical opportunities will bring Economics and Finance to life for you. You’ll have access to LSEG powered data facilities and Bloomberg terminals. You can also engage with student staff partnership initiatives that help shape teaching within the school, contribute to Norwich Economic Publications and connect with employers and societies to build networks and develop practical experience.
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Find out more about studying Economics at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreIn 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.
When you successfully complete this BSc degree you may qualify for some examination exemptions from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), depending on your choice of modules.
As a BSc Business Finance and Economics with a Year Abroad graduate, you'll be well prepared for roles that combine economic reasoning with financial analysis and business decision making, including:
You'll develop transferable skills through applied learning and varied assessment, including financial analysis projects, analytical reports, presentations and collaborative work. You'll gain experience using specialist software such as Stata, Python and R, and work with financial and economic data using LSEG and Bloomberg resources in dedicated facilities.
Employer engagement events, guest speakers and targeted workshops provide practical career preparation, from application guidance to understanding emerging analytical tools such as LLMs. Your year abroad further strengthens your employability by demonstrating global awareness, independence and the ability to succeed in an international academic environment.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After graduation, you'll be equipped to analyse financial and economic information, evaluate business performance and communicate evidence-based insights effectively. You'll be well prepared for careers in consulting, corporate finance, financial services, accounting and data driven business roles. Many graduates also progress to postgraduate study in areas such as finance, economics, accounting or management.
Your academic training, combined with the global perspective gained during your year abroad, will enhance your competitiveness in international graduate markets and support progression into demanding professional roles.
In your first year, you'll develop a strong foundation in economic reasoning and business analysis. You'll explore how individuals and firms make decisions, how markets operate and how governments influence economic outcomes through fiscal and monetary policy. These core concepts will help you understand how economic conditions shape business environments and financial decision making.
Alongside economics, you'll begin developing an understanding of how organisations operate and how financial information supports business decisions. You'll examine how accounting frameworks measure performance, how firms assess their financial position and how economic and technological developments influence business activity.
You'll also strengthen the quantitative skills required for economic and financial analysis, building confidence in mathematical reasoning, statistics and structured problem solving. If you do not have an A level in mathematics or an equivalent qualification, a tailored introductory mathematics module will provide the techniques needed to support your studies.
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.
In your second year, you'll deepen your understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis while developing stronger empirical skills through econometrics. You'll learn how to analyse economic relationships using real world data, work with statistical software and critically evaluate the evidence behind economic and financial claims.
You'll also expand your knowledge of corporate finance and business analysis, examining how firms evaluate investment opportunities, manage financial risk and make strategic financial decisions. At the same time, you'll further develop your understanding of accounting and financial reporting, exploring how organisations record and communicate financial performance.
Through this combination of economics, finance and accounting perspectives, you'll strengthen your ability to analyse business environments and understand how economic conditions influence financial strategy.
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.
In your third year, you'll study at one of our international partner universities, selecting modules that align with your academic interests and career ambitions, subject to availability at your host institution.
Studying abroad allows you to experience different teaching approaches, explore economic and business issues from a global perspective and engage with new academic environments. This experience strengthens your independence, adaptability and intercultural awareness while broadening your academic outlook before returning to UEA.
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.
In your final year, you'll return to academic study with greater independence and an expanded international perspective. You'll deepen your expertise in finance and financial markets, examining how investment decisions are made and how financial risks are assessed in complex economic environments.
You'll also have the flexibility to explore advanced topics across economics, finance and business. A key feature of the final year is the opportunity to undertake an independent research dissertation or a consulting project with an external organisation, applying economic reasoning and financial analysis to a substantial real-world challenge.
Your academic adviser and a module choice fair will support you in selecting options that align with your academic interests and long-term career goals.
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
Your learning will take place through lectures, seminars, workshops and IT lab sessions that link economic theory with applied analysis. Teaching is delivered by research active academics who bring current research, international debates and policy developments into their sessions. Guest speakers from industry also contribute practical perspectives across finance, business and government. Interactive learning tools, specialist software and structured academic support will help you build confidence and independence throughout your studies.
In year one, you'll develop core economic understanding through lectures and seminars, applying key concepts in workshops and introductory data labs. Academic skills guidance and peer learning opportunities support your transition to university study.
During year two, you'll strengthen your analytical capability through econometrics and more specialised areas of study, working extensively 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 university that align with your academic interests and progression requirements.
In year four, you'll return to advanced, discussion led study and independent research, supported by specialist teaching and dissertation supervision.
Assessment
Assessment combines examinations, coursework and applied assignments, offering multiple ways to demonstrate analytical, quantitative and communication skills. From your first year, you'll complete reports, presentations, collaborative tasks and data analysis exercises alongside formal tests. Regular formative and summative feedback support your progress throughout the degree. This balanced structure prepares you for both professional practice and further academic study.
In year one, you'll undertake coursework, presentations, group activities and examinations that establish strong academic foundations.
During year two, assessment becomes increasingly applied and technical, incorporating analytical reports, data driven projects and software-based exercises.
You'll complete assessments, in year three, set by your host university and must successfully pass the year, although the 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.
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.
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at a minimum grade C or grade 4 and Mathematics at minimum grade B or grade 5.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
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).
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
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
Obtain an overall Merit.
32 points overall
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
AAABB
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
BCC
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
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.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
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.
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.
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at a minimum grade C or grade 4 and Mathematics at minimum grade B or grade 5.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
ABB
We 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).
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.
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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:
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.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
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.
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
UK Students: £10,050
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.
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.
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:
Business Finance and Economics with a Year Abroad starting September 2027 for 4 years