Economics and Business, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

Our Economics and Business degree provides a strong foundation in key economic theories and quantitative analytical tools, complemented by a portfolio of courses in modern management practice. The programme is designed for students who want to approach business strategy and organisational practice from a broad perspective, and who wish to apply rigorous quantitative tools to understand their implications for the economy, the environment, and society.

On this course, you will study core economic theory alongside mathematical and statistical methods, helping you develop a sound analytical skill set for understanding how economies function and the role that businesses play within them. This is complemented by your business and management modules, where you will build a deep understanding of how organisations operate, compete, and adapt in a rapidly changing world.

Designed to meet the expectations of employers in finance, consulting, policy, and research, the BSc Economics and Business supports a wide range of career ambitions, whether you aspire to work as an entrepreneur, pursue a career in consulting, or whether you intend to continue into postgraduate study. An Economics and Business degree opens doors to diverse professional paths, from investment banking and management consulting to roles in major international organisations. 

Why Economics and Business at Swansea?

Economics and Business at Swansea is ranked:

  • 4th in the UK for Academic Support (NSS 2025)
  • 7th in the UK for Outstanding Learning Opportunities (NSS 2025)
  • 9th  in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025)
  • 17th  for Student Satisfaction (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 and Business Experience

Our degree combines the core elements of economics and business, it gives a solid theoretical and practical understanding of economic principles in relation to business environments, as well as the analytical techniques employed in business decision-making and strategy.

In your first year, you will develop the foundational skills in the principles of economics through modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and research methodology. You will also be introduced to the business and management landscape through a module exploring the links between organisations, the environment, society, and future generations.

As you progress, you will strengthen your command of quantitative and analytical tools in economics while engaging with increasingly hands-on management courses. You will learn how modern organisations manage people and projects, how to assess firms’ internal strengths and external environments, and how strategic decisions and new technologies shape successful businesses. At the same time, you will gain greater flexibility to tailor your own studies through the Business Consultancy Project, where you will apply your skills to a live client real-world challenge.

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, Australia, Europe, and Asia enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience. 

This programme 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.

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc.

Economics and Business Employment Opportunities

Our BSc Economics and Business degree has an excellent reputation for producing high performing graduates. 

Graduates are ready for financially rewarding and mentally challenging employment opportunities from the offset. Whether you have aspirations of an entrepreneurial career, the pressured energy of a trading floor, or the credibility of becoming an authority on business trends, this degree will make you a strong candidate to any graduate employer.

Your future career could include roles such as:

  • Economist Advisor
  • Research Analyst
  • Project Manager
  • Management Consultant
  • Econometrician
  • Entrepreneur

Swansea graduates enjoy an excellent reputation, with many progressing to positions at world-leading firms such as Barclays, HSBC, and PwC.

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.

Economics and Business, BSc (Hons)

Economics and Business with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Economics and Business with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Economics and Business with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)