BSc (Hons) Economics with a Year Abroad
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- L10A
- Entry Requirements
- AAB
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Why you should choose us
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course -
Course Overview
How do the choices of individuals and firms combine to drive the modern global economy? And how can this economy be best aligned with human goals? On our flagship degree in economics, combined with a year abroad, you'll develop an understanding of what makes the world tick. In your third year you'll spend a year abroad at one of our many partner universities across the world. This is your chance to study while immersed in a completely different culture – giving you the academic and personal experience of a lifetime. You’ll discover how economic policy can affect social change, and you’ll start to form your own ideas about how to make our world a better place.
Our BSc Economics with a Year Abroad is ranked in the top 20 for Economics by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023'.
An economics degree is ideal for you if you have a curious and questioning nature. You enjoy analysing numbers and at the same time you’re fascinated by people and human behaviour. You might know exactly what career you want to go into – or you may know that an economics degree keeps your options open, possibly more than any other.
Economics is a far broader subject than most people realise, and our BSc Economics degree enables you either to enjoy the full breadth of the discipline or to discover and develop you own area of personal interest. You may find your passion is for finance, derivatives, risk management or alternative investments; or for public-sector economics, political economy, or environmental economics; or for international economics, trade or development economics; or for competition economics, labour economics, behavioural economics, or the economics of sport; or indeed for the history of economic thought or for any one of many other offered specialisms. You'll explore all areas of the economy, from microeconomic and macroeconomic perspectives. You'll learn to use economic models and real-world data to gain deep insights about business, politics and markets.
Combining BSc Economics with a year abroad, in your third year you'll spend a year abroad at one of our many partner universities across the world. This is your chance to study your degree while immersed in a completely different culture – giving you the academic and personal experience of a lifetime.
Based in the School of Economics, you’ll be taught by a lively, friendly, research-oriented team, committed to teaching excellence and focused on facilitating your growth and success. Our School is globally respected, especially for its pioneering and world-leading work in behavioural economics. Our active research areas also include macroeconomics, competition economics, environmental policy, conflict theory, finance, and labour market studies in education, family and welfare.
You’ll be joining a vibrant and diverse community. Our student-led Economics Society is the perfect place to network and socialise with fellow students with shared interests. The Norwich Economic Papers, run by a Student Editorial Board, and the ECO Blog are outlets within which you can publish your work. Our within-school internships enable you to participate directly in frontier research. And our Staff Student Liaison Committee gives you a say in the future direction and every day running of the school.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Study and Modules
Structure
In this four-year course you’ll explore the diversity of economics and direct your own learning journey through a varied choice of modules.
In your first year, you’ll get to grips with key concepts in the year-long modules Introductory Macroeconomics and Introductory Microeconomics. You’ll also take mathematics and statistics modules, which introduce you to basic modelling and statistical techniques economists use.
The module Current Economic Affairs explores contemporary economic issues, and you will choose one further module from either the School of Economics, or from a selection available from the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)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
In your first year, lectures mainly take place in a large-group setting and are often used to introduce new concepts, ideas and arguments. But they are also highly interactive. Audience response systems and other technologies will be keeping you engaged and keeping the lecturer informed about your confidence at every step. There’ll be regular breaks for peer-group discussion. Then, in workshops, you’ll be given a more hands-on experience: working in groups, with your teachers by your side, practicing and applying the new methods you’ve learned. You’ll also meet regularly in small group environments, led by an academic but within which you’ll be able to discuss, debate and explore ideas with a freer rein. In Year 1, these events are also complemented by additional study skills and support sessions.
Your curriculum is designed with employability also in mind. In Year 1, for example, your statistics module will be taught using Excel, to ensure you develop essential transferable skills.
Throughout your studies, we provide the very best support and guidance. A personal adviser and an in-school student support scheme is always available to offer you programme-specific help. A university-wide Learning Enhancement team, based in Student Support Services, is on hand to help with study, writing, research, critical-thinking, revision, examination and time management skills. If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, our Student Support Services can help ensure we cater appropriately for these needs.
Assessment
Each piece of assessment plays a role both in checking your progress, and in supporting your continued learning. Assessment is moreover an opportunity to develop your employability. We aim constantly to provide you both with the broadest workplace skills, and with the evidence you need to showcase these skills to employers.
Structure
Your second year gives you the opportunity to tailor your course according to your own interests, studying areas that you find particularly relevant for your future career or further studies.
Whether you’re fascinated by corporate finance, international trade, the European economy, strategy, behavioural economics, economic thought or mathematical economics – you’ll find modules to suit you.
You’ll also continue developing your understanding of macro and microeconomics, whilst gaining skills in the collection and analysis of data. In Introductory Econometrics you'll build your statistical skills. In the module Econometrics Research Project you’ll then apply those skills to a practical project addressing a research question.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)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
In your second year, you’ll start to experience an even greater diversity of teaching styles and settings. Whilst some core modules are still taken by the whole year-group, you’ll also be embarking on more specialised modules, in smaller groups, as you begin to establish and pursue your own goals and interests.
In this year, you’ll be introduced to more specialised statistical software, and you’ll undertake a data-driven research project of your own.
Some of our modules include contributed content and guest lectures from graduate employers. Also, in this year, you’ll be given ample opportunity to develop your own career strategy, through a rich programme of employability events tailored for economics students.
Assessment
Structure
You’ll spend your third year at one of over 25 partner universities across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.
While you’re away you will be encouraged to take modules related to your personal interests and career goals. They could be in economics or in other disciplines.
Compulsory Modules
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
During your year abroad, you’ll be able to study a variety of subjects, depending on your topic area and the modules offered by the host university.
Assessment
During your year abroad, you will take part in the assessments linked to the modules you attend. You’ll need to obtain a pass on your year abroad, but your marks won’t count towards your final degree classification.
Structure
Your final year brings with it an even wider range of optional modules – and we will encourage you to follow your own interests.
You'll have the opportunity to continue your study of macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics. You’ll decide whether you would like to write a dissertation. And you’ll choose further optional modules in economics and finance – covering areas such as industrial organisation, labour, public policy, financial markets, derivatives, risk management, history of economic thought, inequality, economics and business of sport, alternative investments, and environmental economics.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 100)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
Assessment
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services and Science.
- BTEC
- DDD excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2 , 2 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 33
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics at a minimum of Grade B or Grade 5 or above and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum X.X in all components) for year 1 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
- This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your 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.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA 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:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences (for year 1 entry to UEA)
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
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 for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You are eligible for reduced fees during your year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee webpage.
There will be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
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:
Employability
After the Course
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Career destinations related to your degree include:
- Economics analyst
- Consulting
- Policy advising
- Investment Banking and Risk analysis
- Financial services
- Data research