BSc (Hons) Economics Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth
BSc (Hons) Economics at University of Plymouth covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
High-level employability and research skills are the cornerstone of BSc (Hons) Economics. You'll develop the ability to analyse economic information through theoretical and practical research-based modules and gain analytical and numerical skills. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Economics is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Plymouth, based in University of Plymouth Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (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: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. 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 80% (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 6 modules
- Economics in SocietyCore20 credits
Module details
In this module you will consider a range of contemporary issues within society and explores how the basic tools of economic analysis can be used to gain insight and understanding of those issues.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Microeconomics and MacroeconomicsCore20 credits
Module details
This module will provide you with an introduction to the theories and concepts of modern microeconomics and macroeconomics techniques, applying them to a range of contemporary issues.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Preparing for the Professional WorldCore
Module details
You will be introduced to the professions of accountancy, economics and finance, focusing on developing essential academic, digital and employability skills whilst exploring graduate roles in business and other organisations. Through teamwork, reflection and real-world case studies, you will build your professional identity and understand how the discipline contributes to organisational and economic decision-making.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practicals
- Principles of FinanceCore
Module details
This module introduces finance and provides insight into the world of finance, from financial markets and instruments to risk and return. This module introduces the tools and concepts used by investors and businesses to make informed financial decisions and manage financial risk.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Practicals
- Principles of EconomicsCore
Module details
This module introduces key principles of economic thinking, including how economies function and how decisions respond to scarcity and incentives. You will study core micro- and macroeconomic concepts, apply models to real-world situations, and build analytical skills through problem-solving, data analysis, and use of mathematical techniques.
Assessment: 100% Examinations
- Data Analytics: From Data to DecisionsCore
Module details
This module introduces data analytics and its practical application in business decision-making. Students will learn to use accounting, economic, and financial data with analytical frameworks to inform managerial choices. Emphasis is placed on applying decision-making processes, models, and introductory statistical techniques to real-world business and investment decisions.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
Year 2 9 modules
- Careers and Professional DevelopmentCore
Module details
This module is aimed at enhancing students employability skills and knowledge especially those who will be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their degree. It is designed to build on skills learned in Stage 1 and helps students in their search for a placement, and in their preparation for the placement itself.
- Intermediate MicroeconomicsCore
Module details
You will explore the concepts and theories of microeconomics at an intermediate level and apply them to the analysis of real world issues such as education choice, imperfect competition and industrial strategy, and risk and insurance. In this context, you will analyse the effects of policy interventions.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Intermediate MacroeconomicsCore
Module details
You will explore the concepts and theories of macroeconomics at an intermediate level and apply them to the analysis of real-world issues including monetary policy, fiscal policy, central banking, macroeconomic stability and financial crises.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Research Methods and Artificial Intelligence in EconomicsCore
Module details
This module covers the philosophical foundations of social science research, contextualising to different schools of economic thought. It critically examines the research methods of both orthodox and heterodox economists, with a particular emphasis on how AI is transforming research tools, highlighting benefits, ethical concerns, and limitations. Practical uses of AI in economics research are considered.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Econometrics and Data AnalyticsCore
Module details
This module introduces students to the field of econometrics and data analytics. The emphasis is on learning through the application of econometric and data analytic techniques to real world problems and data. The module considers how AI can facilitate and extend the application of traditional econometric approaches.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Sustainable Futures in Economics and FinanceCore
Module details
This module explores the challenges of responsible management and ethics in economics, accounting and finance. You will examine sustainable business and finance through applied case studies, developing critical skills to make responsible, evidence-based decisions that balance growth, equity and environmental protection, while considering regulation, governance and ethical professional practice.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Financial Markets and Decision MakingOptional20 credits
Module details
The objective of this module is to give you an understanding of the structural organisation of financial markets, and the role they play in the economy and to introduce the basic concepts in modern finance. You will undertake a detailed study of financial markets, e.g. the stock market, the bond market, the derivative markets and analyses financial decision-making through different models of stock and bond valuation and uses of financial derivatives. You will examine different ways of assessing
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Remotely delivered assessments
- International Economics: Trade and FinanceOptional20 credits
Module details
In this module you will explore the economic implications of globalisation by investigating current trends in international trade and international finance.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- The Economics of Business OrganisationsOptional
Module details
Elevate your business acumen by analysing firm behaviour, market structures and strategic decision-making in a complex economic landscape. This module strengthens your ability to apply microeconomic theory, assess diverse information and form evidence-based judgements. You'll develop analytical skills to evaluate business strategies and the economic factors influencing them, preparing you for professional success.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
Year 3 (Optional) 1 modules
- Placement YearCore
Module details
The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.
Year 3 5 modules
- Advanced Economic Theory and PolicyCore20 credits
Module details
This module explores the application of advanced economics to a range of contemporary theoretical and applied policy related issues in economics.
Assessment: 65% Coursework 35% Examinations
- Game Theory and Strategic BehaviourCore20 credits
Module details
In this module you will explore ideas in game theory, applying them to the analysis of strategic behaviour and decision making in contemporary economic, business, political and social life. You will also investigate the challenges that arise from strategic interactions and potential solutions.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Continued Careers and Professional DevelopmentCore
Module details
The Continued Career and Professional Development module is a development scheme designed to enhance students' employability and builds on the stage 2 module. The stage 3 module focuses on providing students with information on graduate options and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for articulating and recording achievement and applying for graduate positions. The module also includes a number of workshops and events designed to develop students' skills and knowledge, with the
- Final Year DissertationCore
Module details
The module builds upon research and study skills developed in earlier modules. Students are required to undertake supervised independent research into a field of their choice that is relevant to their degree. Use should be made of appropriate research qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Professional Practice for EconomistsCore
Module details
Through project-based work, you'll step into the role of an economist tackling real-world problem. Using a recognised methodology, you'll gather and analyse data and turn qualitative and/or quantitative information into actionable insights. Along the way, you'll refine the development of your professional communication and reporting skills.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
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
This course emphasises employability and research skills through theoretical and practical, research-based study. You'll develop the ability to analyse economic information and gain strong analytical and numerical capabilities. Year 1 covers foundations: microeconomics and macroeconomics introduce consumers, firms, markets, growth and policy; mathematics and statistics build the quantitative toolkit. Year 2 moves to intermediate theory, formal models of behaviour and the aggregate economy, and introduces econometrics for regression and causal inference with real data, alongside applied economics on policy questions in labour, health and environment. Year 3 offers specialist options, such as behavioural economics, development, financial economics, econometrics and data, public policy, and international trade, combined with advanced econometrics or economic policy and an independent empirical or theoretical dissertation project.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in understanding economic systems, markets, and policy. You'll need to demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative skills. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical UCAS tariff scores of 80–95 points. The course is suitable for those considering careers in finance, policy, business analysis, or research, as well as those planning postgraduate study.
Careers & job market
Across Economics courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. National earnings data shows graduates earn £26,500–£35,000 at the 15-month stage, rising to £26,775–£37,800 after three years and £36,125–£51,000 after five years. These figures reflect typical outcomes; individual circumstances vary. Check the university's funding pages for bursaries and scholarships.
University & format
The BSc (Hons) Economics is a 3-year full-time degree at the University of Plymouth, a University in the UK. Teaching is in English. The degree is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body and is nationally recognised. The University received Gold 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.
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 | 60% |
| another higher-education qualification | 25% |
| a previous degree | 10% |
| a Baccalaureate | 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 University of Plymouth →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 | £25,000 | £23,000 – £33,000 | 60 |
| 3 years after | £24,500 | £19,500 – £30,500 | 450 |
| 5 years after | £29,500 | £22,500 – £37,500 | 475 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
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: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. 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.
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction ProfessionalsSOC 2020 245 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £45,972
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: 25; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
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
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. 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 £25,000. 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 8.1 out of 10: NSS 83% · in work or study 80% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Plymouth
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 University of Plymouth Campus
3,218 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 University of Plymouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £9,790 / 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 University of Plymouth’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 University of Plymouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Plymouth
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 BSc (Hons) Economics
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.