BA (Hons) Economics Bachelor's degree at SOAS University of London
BA (Hons) Economics at SUL combines core economic theory with research methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
See undergraduate entry requirements and English language requirements for international and alternative entry requirements. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Economics is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at SUL, based in Bloomsbury Campus (main). It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Economics graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £33,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Economics, 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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 100% (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 16 modules
- Economic Principles (Macro)Core15 credits
Module details
Introduction to macroeconomics, focusing on how economies function at the aggregate level and how macroeconomic outcomes such as output, employment, inflation, inequality, and growth are shaped by economic structures, institutions, and public policy.
- Economic Principles (Micro)Core15 credits
Module details
Introduction to foundational principles of microeconomics, focusing on how societies allocate resources and organise production through market prices, examining economic behaviour of firms, individuals, and institutions.
- Essay Writing Workshop - Undergraduate EconomicsCompulsory
Module details
Practical guidance on essay writing for undergraduate students in economics, covering selection and reading of sources, structuring arguments, and writing with clarity and precision.
- Elementary StatisticsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Introduction to core statistical and probability concepts used in economics, alongside practical skills for working with economic data, including data summarisation, analysis, interpretation, and visualisation.
- Introductory Mathematics for Economists ICompulsory15 credits
Module details
Introduction to essential mathematical techniques for students without A-level Mathematics, developing foundational skills in algebra, equation solving, logarithms, exponentials, and principles of differentiation.
- StatisticsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Range of statistical techniques relevant to economists, covering data description, probability, inference, and regression, developing ability to analyse and interpret quantitative evidence.
- Introductory Mathematics for Economists IICompulsory15 credits
Module details
Builds on Introductory Mathematics for Economics I, developing key analytical techniques including differentiation, unconstrained and constrained optimisation, and integration with application to economic problems.
- Financial Accounting 1Optional15 credits
Module details
Detailed analysis of company financial accounts and reports, introducing students to different elements of financial accounts with critical analysis of purpose, main concepts and measures, and underlying methodology.
- Financial Accounting 2Optional15 credits
Module details
Extension of knowledge from Introduction to Accounting, providing solid background in financial accounting and preparation for further studies such as ACCA and CPA professional qualifications.
- Management and SocietyOptional15 credits
Module details
Explores contemporary issues such as environmental management and climate change, technological disruption, and political economy and how it shapes the relationship between business and society.
- Applied Economic Issues in the Global EconomyOptional15 credits
Module details
Critical and applied introduction to key economic issues shaping growth, development, and instability in the global economy, examining global forces such as trade, finance, technological change, and state policy.
- Global Development ApproachesOptional15 credits
Module details
Introduction to key development theories and approaches, considering major shifts from colonial intervention, modernisation, dependency theory, neoliberalism, to feminist, participatory, decolonial and post-development perspectives.
- Global Development IssuesOptional15 credits
Module details
Examination of key contemporary issues in development including poverty and inequality, climate change, violence and conflict, rural livelihoods, labour and social justice, migration and displacement, and aid interventions.
- Introduction to Global History 1Optional15 credits
Module details
Broad understanding of development of the modern world system beginning with 1492, tracing global integration and connection, covering phenomena including empire, slavery, colonialism and revolution through primary and secondary sources.
- Introduction to Global History 2Optional15 credits
Module details
Broad understanding of development of contemporary world system, tracing moments of global crisis and instability in twentieth and twenty-first centuries, covering topics including women's emancipation, fascism, decolonisation, and energy crisis.
- Introduction to Political Economy 1Optional15 credits
Module details
First of two modules offering introduction to the multidisciplinary field of political economy, shedding light on complexity of international capitalism including its structures, processes, and outcomes.
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 study economics from first principles through to specialist research. A course like this usually starts with microeconomics (consumers, firms and markets), macroeconomics (growth, inflation, employment), and the mathematics and statistics that underpin the discipline. In Year 2, you'll move to intermediate micro and macro theory, then apply that learning through econometrics, regression and causal inference with real datasets, and applied economics modules that tackle policy questions in labour, health and the environment. In Year 3, you'll choose specialist options such as behavioural economics, development, financial economics, econometrics and data, public policy, or international trade, alongside advanced econometrics or economic policy modules. You'll finish with an independent research dissertation, empirical or theoretical.
Who it's for
This course suits students with strong analytical skills and curiosity about how economies function. Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications; recent accepted students typically had UCAS tariffs between 96 and 111 points. You should be prepared for rigorous study combining theory and application, and willing to develop independent research capability alongside collaborative learning.
Careers & job market
Across Economics courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with 75% of working graduates in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries of £26,500–£35,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £26,775–£37,800 after three years and £36,125–£51,000 after five years. These figures reflect the broader graduate labour market rather than outcomes specific to this institution. The course equips you with quantitative and analytical skills applicable across finance, policy, research, and business sectors.
University & format
SOAS University of London is a public university in Bloomsbury, central London. The BA (Hons) Economics is a full-time, 3-year degree taught in English. SOAS is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; your degree will be nationally recognised. The university holds Silver status in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (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.
Year in industry. 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 | 95% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
| another higher-education qualification | 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 SUL →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 Economics 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 | £33,000 | £28,000 – £40,000 | 30 |
| 3 years after | £35,000 | £31,000 – £38,500 | 60 |
| 5 years after | £45,000 | £35,500 – £62,000 | 65 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in economics · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Economics nationally
National figures for Economics 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. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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 Economics courses at the same study level.
Compared with 594 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
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
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: 120; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BA (Hons) Economics worth it?
Yes, for most students BA (Hons) Economics is well worth it. On its graduates’ median earnings, the course is worth about +£180,630 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, after the fees you pay.
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 9.4. 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 Economics 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 information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Economics 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
- Banks & consultancies
- Bank of England
- Government Economic Service
- Think tanks
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Economics graduates.
Economics Associate / Director - ManchesterPegasus GroupEconomics Graduate AssistantSt Edward's School, OxfordEconomics ExaminersEduqasEconomics SpecialistVella RecruitmentEconomics AnalystOFWATEconomics PhD Scholarship (ESRC-Funded)Royal Holloway, University of LondonIs 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
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £33,000. 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 75.3% · in work or study 80% · continued 100%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
SOAS University of London
Social sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Bloomsbury Campus (main)
14,146 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 Economics right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to SUL from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by SUL; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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 SUL’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 SUL and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at SUL
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BA (Hons) Economics
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.