Economics (Top Up), BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

Please note: This course is for International students only.

For UK applicants, see our main Economics course pages.

An Economics degree can help to unlock a huge variety of careers, from investment banking and management consultancy to politics and management roles in global organisations. 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.

The BSc Economics (Top‑Up) builds on the strong reputation of our established three‑year Economics degree, which has produced successful graduates who have gone on to work for world‑leading organisations such as Barclays, HSBC, and PwC.

Designed to reflect the demands of a modern global economy, the BSc Economics (Top‑Up) is well suited to students who want to advance their academic understanding of economics and develop the skills needed for careers in financial, economic, and analytical sectors. It also provides a strong academic pathway to postgraduate study, offering the quantitative, analytical, and methodological preparation required for MSc programmes in Economics and related fields.

Why Economics (Top Up) 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.

Your Economics (Top Up) 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.

This programme provides you with a strong understanding of modern economic principles and contemporary issues. Early teaching builds a solid foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, before progressing to a more in‑depth study of economic theory. You will also take part in group work, report writing, and data‑based tasks that help you develop practical and collaborative skills.

Throughout this one‑year programme, you will learn how to apply statistical methods and software to analyse economic data, construct clear economic arguments using theories, models and evidence, and build strong critical and analytical thinking skills. The programme also develops your ability to collaborate effectively and undertake independent research. These highly transferable competencies, particularly problem‑solving and data analysis, are in strong demand across industries and applicable to a wide range of professional contexts.

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.

Economics (Top Up) 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.

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.

Economics (Top Up), BSc (Hons)