BSc Economics with South Asia Studies

The BSc Economics with South Asia Studies at SOAS University of London offers a unique interdisciplinary programme that combines rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative methods with an in-depth exploration of South Asia's diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary issues. This degree is designed for students who wish to develop a solid foundation in economics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and development economics, while also gaining a comprehensive understanding of South Asia’s political, social, and economic landscape.

Students will engage with a broad array of modules that cover key economic principles, policy analysis, and econometric techniques, equipping them with the analytical skills necessary for careers in international development, government, business, or academia. Complementing the economic coursework, the South Asia Studies component immerses students in the languages, histories, and cultures of countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. This interdisciplinary approach enhances students’ global awareness and cultural competency, preparing them for professional roles that require regional expertise and cross-cultural understanding.

The programme benefits from SOAS’s exceptional resources, including access to extensive archives, language training, and influential academic staff specializing in Asian studies, development economics, and regional politics. Students have opportunities for practical experience through internships, fieldwork, and research projects focused on South Asia’s economic development, social challenges, or policy issues. The course encourages critical thinking, analytical problem-solving, and interdisciplinary research, fostering graduates who are well-equipped to contribute to policy making, international organizations, NGOs, academia, or private sectors.

Graduates of this programme will possess a distinctive combination of economic expertise and regional knowledge, making them highly attractive to employers seeking professionals with both technical skills and regional insights. The BSc Economics with South Asia Studies aims to produce graduates capable of understanding complex economic phenomena within their cultural and geopolitical contexts, enabling them to address global challenges with regional nuance and informed perspectives.

The BA Economics programme at SOAS University of London offers a comprehensive exploration of economic theories, principles, and policies with a particular focus on South Asian economies and global economic dynamics. The programme is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics, development economics, and international economics, emphasizing their relevance within the context of South Asia’s diverse economies. Students will examine the structural factors that influence economic growth, income distribution, and development challenges faced by South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Throughout the course, students engage with key topics such as economic history, quantitative methods, and policy analysis, utilizing a range of empirical and theoretical approaches. The curriculum is structured to develop critical thinking skills, enabling students to analyze contemporary economic issues, assess policy implications, and propose innovative solutions tailored to the socio-economic realities of South Asia. Special modules may include trade, finance, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability within the South Asian context, highlighting regional disparities and opportunities for sustainable development.

The programme also emphasizes the importance of understanding global economic trends and their impact on South Asian economies. Students learn about international trade theories, monetary and fiscal policy frameworks, and the role of international institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in shaping economic strategies. Interdisciplinary insights from political economy, history, and regional studies equip students to critically evaluate economic policies and their socio-political ramifications.

Apart from theoretical knowledge, the programme fosters practical skills through data analysis, research projects, and internships, preparing graduates for careers in policy analysis, research, international development, banking, and consultancy. The diverse faculty, with expertise in South Asian economies, ensures that students receive an education grounded in regional realities and global perspectives.

Overall, the BA Economics at SOAS is ideal for students passionate about understanding the economic transformations within South Asia and interested in contributing to policy-making, research, and development initiatives that promote inclusive and sustainable growth across the region.

Course Requirements for BSc Economics (South Asia Focus) at SOAS University of London include a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop students' understanding of economic theories and their application to South Asian economies. Students are expected to complete core modules such as Principles of Economics, Quantitative Methods, and Development Economics, which provide foundational knowledge in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and development issues specific to the South Asian context. In addition to compulsory modules, students choose from a range of optional courses including International Trade, Political Economy, and South Asian Economic Development, enabling specialization in areas of interest. The programme emphasizes analytical skills, critical thinking, and empirical research, requiring students to undertake independent projects and data analysis work. Students also participate in seminars, tutorials, and workshops that foster interactive learning and engagement with contemporary economic debates relevant to South Asia. Practical assessments include essays, data analysis reports, presentations, and examinations to evaluate understanding and application of economic principles. To graduate, students must accumulate a specified number of credits from taught modules, successfully complete a dissertation on a topic related to South Asian economics, and demonstrate proficiency in quantitative methods. The programme encourages cross-disciplinary learning and often integrates political, social, and cultural perspectives pertinent to South Asian economic development. These requirements are designed to prepare students for careers in research, policy analysis, international organizations, or further academic study, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills tailored to the economic challenges and opportunities within South Asia.

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• ✔️ 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 studies of the Economics programme at SOAS University of London are designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of the financial aspects relevant to economic analysis and policy-making within the South Asian context. The programme covers a wide range of topics including financial markets, banking systems, monetary policy, fiscal policy, investment analysis, and international finance. Students will explore how financial systems operate in South Asian countries, the role of financial institutions, and the impact of financial regulations on economic development. The curriculum emphasizes practical understanding through case studies, data analysis, and policy debates that are pertinent to the region’s unique economic environment.

Financial aspects are integrated into core modules such as Development Economics, Global Economic Processes, and Comparative Economics of Asia, ensuring that students understand the interplay between finance and broader economic issues. The programme also offers specialised modules on Banking and Finance, and Financial Markets in South Asia, which delve into regional financial structures, challenges faced by financial institutions, and emerging trends such as digital finance and fintech innovations. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research projects focusing on financial issues in South Asia, enhancing their analytical and critical thinking skills.

The programme aims to equip graduates with the ability to analyse financial data, evaluate economic policies, and formulate innovative solutions to financial challenges faced by South Asian economies. Opportunities for internships, workshops, and collaboration with financial institutions are also incorporated into the curriculum, providing practical exposure. Graduates of the programme are prepared for careers in financial analysis, banking, economic policy advisory, development agencies, and international financial institutions operating in or focused on South Asia. The coursework is designed to foster a deep understanding of regional financial systems, enabling students to contribute effectively to the financial development and stability of South Asian economies.

The BA Economics with South Asia is a comprehensive undergraduate program offered by SOAS University of London, designed to provide students with a deep understanding of economic principles alongside a focused regional specialization in South Asia. This program combines rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative economic analysis with regional studies, enabling students to explore the economic development, policy-making, and socio-economic issues pertinent to South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from politics, history, society, and culture to foster a well-rounded perspective on economic phenomena within the South Asian context.

Throughout the course, students gain a solid foundation in core economic theories, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, development economics, and international economics. These are complemented by regional modules, which cover topics such as South Asian economic history, regional integration, trade relations, and development strategies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and empirical research methods, preparing graduates for careers in international development, policy analysis, consulting, research institutions, and governmental agencies focused on South Asian economies.

Students also have opportunities to engage in fieldwork, internships, and language studies, enriching their understanding of local contexts and enhancing employability. The program fosters an awareness of global economic challenges, such as inequality, climate change, and technological change, as they relate specifically to South Asian societies. With a diverse faculty specializing in economics and regional studies, students benefit from expert instruction and access to extensive resources including libraries, databases, and research centers dedicated to South Asia.

Graduates of the BA Economics with South Asia are equipped with the analytical skills and regional expertise necessary to contribute to policymaking, economic development projects, or further academic research. The flexible structure of the program allows students to tailor their studies towards particular interests, such as urban economics, agricultural development, or financial markets within the region. Overall, this program offers a unique combination of regional specialization and socio-economic analysis, preparing students for impactful careers across the globe, particularly within organizations and institutions focusing on South Asian economic affairs.