Economics BSc

Economics BSc at Durham University offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of economic theory, real-world applications, and contemporary issues. The programme is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in economic analysis, quantitative skills, and critical thinking, enabling them to understand and address complex economic challenges faced by governments, businesses, and societies today. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of topics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, development economics, and international trade.

The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with practical insights, encouraging students to analyze economic data, develop model-based approaches, and evaluate policy decisions. Teaching methods include interactive lectures, seminars, case studies, and independent research projects, fostering a dynamic learning environment that promotes analytical rigor and originality. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge resources, databases, and software packages, which support data analysis and empirical research.

Durham's strong links to industry and policy institutions allow students to benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and networking events, enhancing their understanding of the economic landscape and career prospects. The programme also emphasizes the development of transferable skills such as data analysis, statistical programming, teamwork, and communication, which are highly valued across various sectors. Graduates from the Economics BSc programme are well-prepared to pursue careers in finance, consultancy, public policy, academia, or to undertake postgraduate study in related fields.

The programme is structured to accommodate students with diverse interests and backgrounds, offering core courses complemented by optional modules in areas like environmental economics, behavioral economics, and financial economics. The vibrant academic community at Durham provides an enriching environment for discussion, research, and personal growth. With a strong emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, Durham’s Economics BSc aims to produce graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to economic discourse and decision-making processes worldwide.

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Durham University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and contemporary issues in economics. Throughout the programme, students explore a wide range of topics including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, financial economics, development economics, and behavioural economics. The curriculum is designed to develop analytical skills, quantitative methods, and critical thinking abilities necessary to interpret economic data and formulate evidence-based policy recommendations.

In the first year, students are introduced to foundational concepts in economics, mathematics, and statistics, providing essential tools for more advanced study. This foundation prepares students to engage with complex economic theories and models in subsequent years. The second year focuses on intermediate topics, where students analyze individual and market behavior, government interventions, and macroeconomic policies. They also gain practical experience in data analysis through dedicated econometrics modules, enhancing their ability to apply quantitative techniques to real-world economic issues.

The final year offers specialization opportunities, allowing students to choose optional modules that align with their interests, such as international economics, environmental economics, or financial markets. Throughout the programme, students undertake independent research projects, allowing them to explore specific areas of interest in depth. The programme emphasises employability skills, including data analysis, economic forecasting, and policy evaluation, preparing graduates for careers across finance, public policy, consultancy, and further academic study.

Additionally, Durham’s Economics programme benefits from strong links with industry and research institutions, providing students with networking opportunities, guest lectures, and internships. The university’s vibrant academic community fosters an environment of critical debate and innovative research, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to contribute to solving real-world economic challenges. Overall, the programme combines rigorous theoretical coursework with practical applications, aiming to produce graduates with a thorough understanding of economic principles and the ability to apply them effectively in diverse contexts.

A minimum of 360 UK credits is required to complete the BSc Economics degree at Durham University. The core curriculum includes foundational modules such as Principles of Economics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Quantitative Methods, which collectively comprise approximately 120 credits. Students are also expected to undertake specified elective modules, allowing for specialization in areas like Development Economics, Financial Economics, or International Economics, typically totaling around 60 credits. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of economic theories and applications, students must complete modules in Econometrics, Economic History, and Public Economics, among others. The programme emphasizes analytical skills, critical thinking, and quantitative techniques, with assessments including essays, problem sets, examinations, and project reports. In addition to coursework, students must undertake a substantial research project or dissertation, accounting for roughly 30 credits, which involves independent investigation into a selected economic topic under faculty supervision. The curriculum is carefully designed to meet the standards of the Economics and Econometrics higher education frameworks, ensuring graduates possess requisite knowledge and skills for diverse careers or postgraduate study. Students are also required to participate in seminars and workshops that supplement their learning and provide exposure to current research and economic policy debates. The program's progression is structured to build from core principles to more advanced topics, with assessments spaced to allow continuous feedback and improvement. Language proficiency, mathematical competence, and the ability to interpret data are integral to successfully completing the programme requirements. Attendance at lectures, tutorials, and additional learning activities is compulsory, and students must meet the minimum attendance and participation standards outlined by the university. Overall, the programme aims to produce graduates equipped with a rigorous understanding of economic concepts, quantitative analysis, policy evaluation, and research methods, preparing them for careers in finance, government, academia, or international organizations.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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The financing of the Economics undergraduate program at Durham University is primarily sourced through a combination of tuition fees paid by students, government funding, and departmental resources. Domestic students benefit from competitive tuition rates, which are set annually by the university and are subject to adjustments in line with inflation and government policies. International students pay higher tuition fees, which are also determined annually and help support the overall budget of the program. Durham University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to assist with the financial burden of studying, including merit-based awards, need-based grants, and awards specific to Economics students. These financial aid options are designed to attract talented students from diverse backgrounds and help ensure that financial barriers do not prevent capable applicants from enrolling.

The university's funding is also supplemented by government grants such as the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) and research grants that support curriculum development and faculty research activities, which indirectly benefit undergraduate students. The Economics department at Durham invests in its infrastructure, including faculty, research resources, and teaching facilities, financed through university-wide budgets, external research grants, and partnerships with industry and government agencies. The program’s financial sustainability is maintained through strategic planning and annual budget allocations, which ensure the availability of state-of-the-art resources and qualified teaching staff. Additionally, the university encourages student engagement in paid internships and placement opportunities, which can help students offset part of their educational expenses while gaining practical experience.

The program also benefits from the broader financial ecosystem of Durham University Business School, which attracts research funding and collaborations that support the Economics curriculum. The university's commitment to providing accessible education is reflected in financial support packages, including installment payment plans and emergency hardship funds. Overall, the financing model of the Durham University Economics program combines institutional funding, student contributions, external grants, and targeted financial aid initiatives to ensure program quality and accessibility for a diverse student body.

The Economics program at Durham University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theory, quantitative analysis, and real-world applications. The programme is designed to equip students with essential skills to analyze economic issues at both microeconomic and macroeconomic levels, preparing them for careers in finance, policy-making, consultancy, and beyond. Students will explore core topics such as supply and demand, market structures, fiscal and monetary policy, as well as international trade and development. The curriculum emphasizes the development of analytical skills, numerical proficiency, and a critical understanding of economic models and their limitations.

Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to enhance their understanding through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. They will engage with contemporary economic challenges, including globalization, economic inequality, and environmental sustainability. Durham University’s Economics program often includes opportunities for internships, work placements, or study abroad exchanges, allowing students to gain valuable practical experience and global perspectives.

The university’s faculty comprises experienced economists who are active researchers, contributing to high-impact publications and policy discussions. This ensures that teaching is informed by the latest developments in the field, providing students with current and relevant knowledge. Assessment methods typically include coursework, presentations, and examinations, with an emphasis on developing clear communication skills and quantitative analysis.

Students benefit from access to Durham’s extensive academic resources, including the Globe Law and Business School, the Durham University Business School, and various online databases and economic journals. The program prepares graduates to pursue further study such as MSc or PhD degrees, or to enter professional roles in finance, government, or international organizations. The university’s supportive academic environment, combined with its historic campus and vibrant student community, offers a well-rounded experience for those studying Economics at Durham.