Course overview
Our Economics BSc Honours degree has real-world relevance. The course focuses on developing your quantitative skills and giving you a thorough understanding of global economics. You’ll leave University as a sought-after graduate.
You will focus on the fundamental concepts, analytical tools and quantitative techniques. These will help you understand modern economics.
You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of global economics, studying theory and policy with topics such as:
- international economics
- micro and macro-economic analysis
- development economics
You’ll become a confident economics expert who can identify problems, predict outcomes and evaluate policies. You’ll also gain skills that are highly valued by professionals and industry experts. You’ll graduate ready to pursue your career in economics.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions Â
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.Â
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Stage 1
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Statistical Methods for Economics | 20 |
| Mathematics for Economics | 20 |
| Economic History | 20 |
| Economic Analysis | 30 |
| Economic Applications | 10 |
| Introductory Mathematical Methods for Economics | 0 |
| Academic Tutoring | 0 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Accounting and Finance (for Business School Students) | 20 |
| Introduction to Management and Organisation | 20 |
| Introduction to Marketing | 20 |
| Placement and Study Abroad Info Sessions (Stage 1) | 0 |
Stage 2
Your remaining topics are optional and cover areas such as international economics and ecological economics.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Econometric Analysis | 20 |
| Applied Economics | 10 |
| Microeconomic Analysis | 30 |
| Macroeconomic Analysis | 30 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| International Economics | 10 |
| Economics of Regulation | 10 |
| Economic Evaluation and Investment | 20 |
| Mathematical Economics | 10 |
| Python Programming for Economists | 10 |
| British Economic History, 1780-1979 | 10 |
| Ecological Economics and Environmental Policy | 10 |
| Economics of Inequality and Disadvantage | 10 |
| Placement and Study Abroad Info Sessions (Stage 2) | 0 |
Stage 3
- labour economics
- behavioural economics
- advanced econometric analysis
- public economics
- financial economics
- monetary economics
- industrial economics
You may also complete a dissertation. This gives you the chance to undertake original research and apply your economic knowledge to a topic of particular interest to you.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Microeconomics | 20 |
| Advanced Macroeconomics | 20 |
Optional ModulesÂ
EITHERÂ Â
A 40 credit dissertation consisting of:Â Â
Advanced Econometric Analysis (10 credits) Â
ORÂ
Advanced Time Series Econometrics (10 credits) Â
 Â
Dissertation Part 1Â (10 credits)Â Â
Dissertation Part 2- Independent Research Project (20 credits) Â
Plus 40 credits from the optional list below.Â
 Â
ORÂ
Plus 80 credits from the optional list below (excluding the dissertation modules).
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Labour Economics | 20 |
| Behavioural Economics and Experimental Methods | 20 |
| Economics of Banking | 10 |
| Advanced Econometric Analysis | 10 |
| Monetary Economics | 10 |
| Public Economics | 20 |
| Advanced Time Series Econometrics | 10 |
| Financial Economics | 10 |
| Dissertation Part 1 | 10 |
| Economics of Risk and Uncertainty | 10 |
| Health Economics | 10 |
| Industrial Economics and Policy | 20 |
| Dissertation Part 2- Independent Research Project | 20 |
| Game Theory | 10 |
| Happiness Economics | 10 |
| Development Economics | 10 |
| Environmental Economics | 10 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Your modules are taught via lectures and seminars.
Skills and experience
Research skills
You have the opportunity to undertake an independent research project in your final year. This will allow you to apply the tools of economic analysis you’ve learned throughout your degree.
You’ll apply your economic knowledge to an area you’re particularly interested in. You’ll gain a grasp of cutting-edge research methods in economics, under the supervision of a University member of staff.
Opportunities
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You’ll spend 9 to 12 months working in an organization either in the UK or internationally. You’ll receive University support from our dedicated team to help you apply for work placements. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
Recent placement students are in roles such as:
- consulting intern
- associate
- management trainee
- customer analyst
- research assistant
- student economist
- business analyst
- hedge fund research intern
- credit risk analyst
They are working on the following projects:
- assisting with bespoke economic consultancy projects at Oxford Economics
- providing internal and external audit services to a variety of clients at PwC
- aiding innovation through research and application of solutions for clients at Deloitte
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability and must be sourced by the student.
Find out more about work placements
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You may choose to spend a year abroad as part of your degree in one of our partner institutions. If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.
Find out more about study abroad
Facilities and environment
Facilities
Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:
- regional, national and international leaders
- over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
- leading professionals and practitioners from industry
The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix – an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.
Our facilities include:
- flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
- Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
- four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
- dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
- contemporary café
- employability hub to support your career aspirations
- Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
This is in addition to our Frederick Douglass Centre at Newcastle Helix, which offers further study and learning spaces including a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.
Support
Each degree offers you a stimulating curriculum and a supportive teaching and learning environment.
You will have an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have.
Your future
Our economics students are highly employable when they graduate from Newcastle University.
Our graduates took on roles within the economics and finance sectors, with organisations such as:
- KPMG
- the Financial Conduct Authority
- Deloitte
- Santander
- Hargreaves Lansdown
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Goldman Sachs
Economics careers
Economics graduates are highly employable. As well as a specific understanding of the subject, they have excellent numeracy, analysis and communication skills.
Graduate destinations vary widely in terms of the range of roles, employers, and sectors.
Whilst only a few economics graduates may be expected to become professional economists, many find it an excellent base for entry into a rewarding career in finance – including accounting, insurance, tax and banking, or management.
Careers support
You’ll have access to a wealth of resources and support to enhance your employability, including:
- the annual Future Focus: Careers Conference, tailored to different industry areas
- interwoven employability provision
- access to a dedicated placement officer within the Business School who can help you find a work placement in your area of interest
- specialist careers and business start-up support from the University’s award-winning Careers Service and the Business School’s careers consultants
- career management sessions with a careers consultant
- work experience opportunities while studying with us
- Business School summer internship scheme
We’re also one of 140 business schools worldwide to be accredited by the EQUIS scheme for our managerial and entrepreneurial skills development.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.Â
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
AAB excluding General Studies. While we are willing to consider any combination of A Level subjects (excluding General Studies), we prefer students to be studying two of the following:
GCSE Mathematics grade A or 7 and English Language or Literature grade B or 6 required if not taken at A or AS Level. Please see the ‘Additional information on GCSEs’ section in the drop down below. |
|
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| 34 points. Standard Level Mathematics or Mathematical Studies and English (Language and/or Literature) required at grade 5 if not offered at Higher Level.
Please see the ‘Additional information on GCSEs’ section in the drop down below. |
|
