BA (Hons) Business Economics Bachelor's degree at Sheffield Hallam University
BA (Hons) Business Economics at SHU. You'll study the principles and practices that shape modern business, with the flexibility to specialise in areas such as Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, Strategy, International Business, Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain and Consulting.
About this course
<p>Study BA Honours Business Economics at Sheffield Hallam University. Explore course modules, entry requirements, career prospects and apply for this programme.<p> From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Business Economics is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at SHU, based in City Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Economics graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Business & Management, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Data Analysis For Economics And BusinessCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of various quantitative processes for effectively collecting, analysing, managing, interpreting and utilising data within business and economics. You'll gain knowledge and analytical and mathematical skills to successfully tackle advanced material in later years – for instance examining the relationships between variables with scatter diagrams, correlation coefficients and simple linear regression.
Assessment: Coursework ( 100% )
- Maths For EconomicsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The main aim of this module is to examine the key mathematical concepts widely applied in modern business and economics. These include algebraic manipulation, functions, and elementary differential calculus, with particular application to optimisation in economics. It is designed to enable all students, regardless of their mathematical background, to apply mathematical concepts to business and economic problems.
Assessment: Coursework ( 100% )
- Principles Of Micro And Macro EconomicsCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module provides a solid foundation in the fundamental concepts and theories of economics, introducing principles of micro and macroeconomics, market structures and economic systems. We'll equip you with the analytical tools you need to understand and evaluate economic issues and policies in a wide range of contexts – as well as the opportunity to work collaboratively with a client to explore real-world challenges.
Assessment: Coursework ( 100% )
- Understanding People And CulturesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides you with the knowledge and insight to lead, develop and engage with a diverse workforce, operating across varied business contexts. You'll also take part in a simulated international collaboration.
Assessment: Coursework ( 100% )
Year 2 8 modules
- Economic Analysis And PolicyCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module focuses on advanced microeconomic theories and analysis, appreciating how introductory micro economic theories can analyse the choices and constraints facing consumers and producers, while introducing alternatives to the neo-classical economic model. You'll then shift to more advanced macroeconomic theories – areas such as the GDP, inflation, unemployment, the AS-AD model, economic growth models and business cycle fluctuations – and you'll gain experience through immersive work exper
Assessment: Coursework ( 40% ), Exam ( 60% )
- Multinational Enterprises And Foreign Direct InvestmentCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module explores the concepts, theories and issues related to multinational enterprises (MNEs) and foreign direct investment (FDI) – from how MNEs operate and their impact on host countries to how FDI is influenced by economic, political and cultural factors. You'll develop critical thinking skills and analyse the benefits and drawbacks of MNEs and FDI, as well as their effects on the global economy.
Assessment: Coursework ( 100% )
- Principles Of Management Decision MakingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces management decisions within a large-scale business, providing an understanding of the contemporary issues involved and the decision-making process. Using software you'll act as the decision maker in the business, following the consequences of your decisions to either a profitable or unprofitable business, and analysing the outcome to solidify your learning.
Assessment: Coursework ( 100% )
- Alternative Perspectives In EconomicsElective20 credits
Module details
This module presents various heterodox views in economics as alternative approaches to the mainstream economics – a blend between conventional economist wisdom and the opposing heterodox perspectives which treat the social reality as open, processual and implicitly related. You'll be able to link economics to other social disciples, such as philosophy, sociology, psychology and politics.
Assessment: Coursework ( 100% )
- Cyber CrimeElective20 credits
Module details
This module explores the history of electronic crime in an international context, developing your ability to identify common threats and vulnerabilities in organisational information systems – from hacking and virus injections to manual fraud and its detection through AI and Blockchain. Through group sessions and discussions, you'll assess the impact on organisations and individuals of the major types of electronic crime, evaluating the protection and assurances available to minimise the risks o
Assessment: Coursework ( 100% )
- Fraud AnalyticsElective20 credits
Module details
This module develops your skills and knowledge in detecting fraud in accounting records, preparing you for the world of big data. You'll focus on data management skills for importing and analysing data sets in Excel, and data science techniques to identify common types of fraud within organisations.
Assessment: Coursework ( 100% )
- Global Climate EmergencyElective20 credits
Module details
The Global Climate Emergency module aims to enable students to learn in a multi-disciplinary and international environment, focussed on introducing the biggest challenge in the world – the Climate Emergency. The module will develop applied knowledge, skills and values that empower students to understand climate action and act as informed, engaged, responsible and responsive global citizens.
Assessment: Coursework ( 100% )
- Study Abroad - Sheffield Business SchoolElective60 credits
Module details
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University's approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia Australia or Canada. Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture.
Assessment: Coursework ( 100% )
Year 3 1 modules
- Undergraduate Sandwich Placement Applied Professional DiplomaCompulsory
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll usually begin with the foundations of how businesses work: organisation structure and management roles, marketing principles, and the economics and data skills you'll need for analysis. In your second year, a course like this normally moves into operations, supply chain management, organisational behaviour and human resource management, and strategic thinking applied to real cases. By year three, you'll choose specialist options, such as entrepreneurship, international business, digital business, consulting or marketing, and typically undertake an innovation and entrepreneurship module or a capstone project with a real client brief or dissertation that draws together what you've learned across the degree.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're interested in understanding how organisations operate and how economic principles apply to real business decisions. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff among accepted students was 96–111 points. You'll need to be comfortable with analytical thinking and prepared to engage with both theory and practical application across business disciplines.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 87% of Business & Management graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with 60% in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. Graduate earnings across the sector show starting salaries of £24,000–£32,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £26,350–£37,200 after five years. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. Your actual outcomes will depend on your choices, experience and the opportunities you pursue.
University & format
BA (Hons) Business Economics is studied full-time over 3 years at Sheffield Hallam University, a University located on the City Campus. Taught in English, the degree is a recognised UK degree-awarding body qualification with Gold recognition for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 85% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at SHU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Business & Management graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £28,000 | £23,500 – £32,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £27,000 | £21,500 – £37,000 | 50 |
| 5 years after | £35,500 | £26,000 – £51,500 | 50 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate / AnalystOn a scheme or first role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / ManagerOwning an area, marketing, finance, ops · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Head ofLeading a function and a team · 5–10 yrs
- 4Director / FounderRunning a business unit or your own company · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Business & Management nationally
National figures for Business & Management graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Business & Management courses at the same study level.
Compared with 3,421 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
- Business and Financial Project Management ProfessionalsDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 50; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BA (Hons) Business Economics worth it?
Generally yes. On its graduates’ median earnings, BA (Hons) Business Economics is worth about +£85,630 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, a solid return once you net out the fees.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 13.9. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Business & Management graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine reporting and data pulls
- First-draft decks and copy
- Standard forecasts and reconciliations
- Scheduling and admin workflows
More human than ever
- Strategy and judgement under uncertainty
- Leading, negotiating and selling
- Sense-checking and owning what AI produces
- Relationships with clients and teams
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Business & Management graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Consultancies
- Corporate graduate schemes
- Retail & FMCG
- Startups & scale-ups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Business & Management graduates.
Business Director, Marketing ScienceXcedeBusiness ManagerLGPS CentralBusiness Change ManagerIGA Talent SolutionsBusiness Case ManagerPeregrineBusiness DirectorMedialab GroupBusiness Rates SurveyorW TalentIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.5 out of 10: NSS 81.1% · in work or study 85% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Sheffield Hallam University
Business and management across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around City Campus
3,427 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Business & Management right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to SHU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check SHU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with SHU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at SHU
Business & Management at other universities
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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