BA (Honours) Business Economics
UCAS code
L100Attendance
Full-time
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-timeAt a glance
Gain an in-depth understanding of business economics. Develop theoretical knowledge and skills that are crucial in roles that support business planning and analysis and contribute to strategic decision-making. You can put these skills into practice by completing a one year work placement with a national or international organisation.
Key points
Study a course that emphasises the real world application of economic theory.
Develop your personal employability skills to help you secure employment.
Gain professional insight and experience through a one year placement.
You have the option to learn a language as part of the course.
What is business economics?
Business economics explores the interaction of organisations and their environment, the allocation of resources, and the consequences of business decisions for individual organisations and the economy as a whole. It enables you to develop an analytical approach to the issues and problems experienced by organisations, and it provides you with the tools and techniques you require to make informed contributions to debates and decision-making.
About this course
Studying business economics provides you with the knowledge and skills to understand business behaviour and issues in the wider economy.
You learn the concepts and analytical skills required to understand a broad range of themes in business and economics, including the functioning of markets for products, services and labour strategy and decision making within firms industry structure international trade globalisation finance macroeconomic policy.
During year three, you can complete a paid one year work placement in the UK or abroad. Placements give you a practical insight into the working life of an organisation and the opportunity to apply and develop your new knowledge and skills in real life situations.
Our students have recently completed work placements with a wide range of national and international organisations, including Adidas UK Airbus UK AXA Bosch Coca Cola Enterprises General Motors Lloyds Banking Group Marks and Spencer Metropolitan Police Microsoft UK Royal Bank of Scotland Walt Disney Company.
If you do not take a work placement, you can still gain valuable work experience through our work-based learning module.
As a student, you have an academic and professional adviser in each year of your course to support your overall progress and help you develop your academic skills.
You can also join the student-led International Business and Economics Society to meet others and discuss and debate current events in the economy and business world. The society also arranges guest lectures by academic experts and industry practitioners, allowing students to gain insights from those at the forefront of knowledge.
Key areas of study
You develop specialist expertise in business economics by studying topics such as business analysis macroeconomics microeconomics industrial economics statistics and econometrics.
You also have the opportunity to study related topics such as finance, business management and international business.
Associated careers
This course prepares you for a wide range of economics-related careers in private and public sector organisations, in roles such as business analysis, consultancy, market regulation and policy development.
It also enables you to pursue business careers in areas such as business development, finance or general management. Our recent graduates have found employment with organisations such as Lloyds Banking Group and PwC.
Course content
Year one core modules
maths for economics business economics business analysis financial and management information managing resources
Year one options
One from perspectives in international business foreign language
Year two core modules
macroeconomics microeconomics managing finance multinational enterprises and inward investment understanding and managing organisations
Year two options
One from managing decisions statistical methods for business economics foreign language
Year three
optional work placement
Final year core modules
strategic management industrial economics contemporary issues in macroeconomics work-based learning (three year route only) career management and professional development (four year route only)
Final year options
Two from a wide choice including international financial markets contemporary issues in international business business ethics corporate finance global supply chain management applied business economics and econometrics* foreign language
* To study this module you must have studied quantitative economics in year two.
Assessment
coursework examinations
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
We expect you to demonstrate through your personal statement an interest in and awareness of business/economics or some level of practical experience.
Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus one of the following
300 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications or one AVCE double award. We accept general studies. Points from Key Skills level 3 do not count towards this points total.
Access an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.
If you do not have any of the qualifications above, but have relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.
2013 entry requirements
We expect applicants to demonstrate, through their personal statement, an interest in and awareness of business/economics or some level of practical experience.
Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus one of the following
300 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications or one AVCE double award. We accept general studies. Points from Key Skills level 3 do not count towards this points total.
Fees
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £11,880 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,880 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 4023, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk