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Economics, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

Our BSc Economics degree provides a strong foundation in modern economic principles and the key issues shaping today’s global landscape. Teaching at Swansea is research-led, and our academic staff draw on both scholarly expertise and real-world experience, giving you insights that connect economic theory with practice.

You will study core areas of economic theory alongside mathematical and statistical training, developing the analytical tools and technical skills essential for a successful career in economics. Early modules build a broad base of knowledge across microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, finance, accounting, and research methodology. As you progress, you can increasingly tailor your studies through specialist modules in areas such as development economics, international finance and behavioural economics.

Designed to stay relevant to the demands of a modern economy, the BSc (Hons) Economics is well suited whether you aspire to work as a professional economist, explore careers across financial and economic sectors, or pursue postgraduate study.

Why Economics at Swansea?

When you study Economics at Swansea, you become part of a community where students consistently speak highly of their academic experience. You will benefit from exceptional academic support, engaging teaching, and thoughtfully designed learning opportunities that help you progress with confidence. Many students describe the learning environment as positive, motivating, and strongly community‑focused.

This experience is reflected in national rankings, where Economics at Swansea performs exceptionally well across key measures of the student experience:

  • 5th in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 7th in the UK for Learning Opportunities (NSS 2025)
  • 15th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 17th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)

You will be taught by staff who are highly praised for their clarity, expertise, and ability to make complex ideas accessible and engaging. Students frequently highlight how intellectually stimulating the courses are, encouraging curiosity, independent thinking, and deeper understanding. You will be supported and motivated to achieve your best throughout your studies, reflecting our strong culture of academic excellence and student‑centred learning.

At Swansea you can:

  • Tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions by choosing from a wide range of optional modules
  • Learn from lecturers with expertise in both academic research and industry practice
  • Join a diverse and welcoming student community, with peers from around the world

Your Economics Experience

Your degree is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career across a wide range of occupations, from your first interviews to your future professional roles.

You will begin by building a strong foundation through core modules in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, studied across all three years. These are supported by quantitative training in Data Management and Econometrics during your first two years. As you progress, you will benefit from increasing flexibility, choosing from a range of optional modules that allow you to specialise in areas that interest you. In your final year, you can also complete an individual dissertation through a structured two‑semester optional module.

Throughout the degree, you will develop key professional skills, including presentation, teamwork, and communication integrated into your learning from the start. You will work on group projects and presentations in your first and second years, with further opportunities to refine these skills through optional modules in the final year.

Teaching at Swansea is research‑informed, and your lecturers bring a combination of academic expertise and real‑world experience. This means you will benefit from insights that connect economic theory with practical application, helping you understand how your learning fits into today’s global economy.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, spent in locations such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience. 

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Economics Employment Opportunities

An Economics degree opens the door to a wide range of careers, from investment banking and management consulting to policy analysis, finance, and roles within major international organisations. Swansea graduates enjoy an excellent reputation, with many progressing to leading firms such as Barclays, HSBC, and PwC.

A degree in Economics from Swansea equips you with highly valued analytical, numerical, and problem‑solving skills, preparing you for fast‑paced roles in financial markets, policy and government, research, and business analysis. These capabilities make you a strong candidate for competitive graduate opportunities across the public, private, and not‑for‑profit sectors.

Your future career could include roles such as:

  • Economist
  • Analyst, Researcher
  • Government Adviser
  • Management Consultant
  • Derivatives Trader
  • Financial Analyst
  • Econometrician

 

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

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Economics, BSc (Hons)

Economics with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Economics with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Economics with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)