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Economics and Accounting BSc

Key Information

Course code

LN14

NL41 with placement

Start date

September

Placement available

Mode of study

3 years full-time

4 years full-time with placement

Fees

2024/25

UK £9,250

International £19,430

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Entry requirements

2024/5

AAB - BBB (A-level)

DDM (BTEC)

30 (IB)

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Overview

The Brunel Economics and Accounting BSc gives students the theoretical and practical skills necessary to understand and analyse economic and accounting issues that arise in business, industrial, financial or government environments.

You’ll learn the fundamental analytical techniques of micro and macroeconomics and gain a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of financial and management accounting.

You’ll also study econometrics and develop sought-after skills in data modelling and get training in analytical packages widely used by business and financial institutions such as SAS, EViews, Bloomberg, Reuters and STATA.

We offer two study options. You can choose three years full-time or four years full-time with a one-year professional placement between years two and three that will give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned to real-life situations

In your final year, you can tailor your course to specialist areas including auditing, taxation, behavioural economics and finance and the economics of labour markets.

The degree is accredited the ACCA, CIMA and ICAEW which means you’ll gain exemptions from certain professional qualifying exams.

As business and finance become more complex and global, employers are on the look-out for job candidates with the analytical and technical skills needed to keep pace with the changes. Your Brunel Economy and Accounting BSc, with its focus on economic analysis, will make you a preferred prospect in the fields of accounting, business management, financial markets and corporate finance. 

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Course content

Compulsory

  • Statistics and Data Analysis

    This module is designed to improve numerical and data analysis aptitude of students. It aims to provide an understanding of key statistical concepts and methods, such as descriptive statistics, probability theory, inference, testing and sampling. Students will be given the opportunity to work on data sets, develop theoretical, technical and software related skill, which are in high demand in industry.

  • Mathematics for Economics and Finance

    This module is designed to provide students with the mathematical skills and techniques necessary for further study in Economics, Finance and Accountancy. Students will develop their understanding of basic algebra and differential calculus and the way they are applied in Economics, Finance and Accountancy.

  • Microeconomic Principles

    The aim of this module is to introduce students to core concepts, methods and techniques of modern microeconomics. The course prepares students for more advanced topics to be studied in following years.

  • Introduction to Financial Accounting

    This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles and concepts relating to financial accounting and technical proficiency in the use of double-entry accounting techniques including the preparation of basic financial statements.

  • Financial Markets

    This module aims to give students an understanding of the roles and functions of financial markets and an awareness of the financial system, in order to provide a necessary basis for further study.

  • Macroeconomic Principles

    This module provides students with a firm foundation in the principles of macroeconomics at the theoretical level, which will provide the basis for further core modules at level 2 and level 3. It aims to demonstrate the application of theory to current issues in macroeconomics.

Compulsory

  • Intermediate Microeconomics

    The objective of the course is to provide students with insights from economic theory which are relevant to a variety of real world decisions. The emphasis is on applying microeconomics ideas to solve problems.

  • Intermediate Macroeconomics

    The main aims of the module are to familiarise students with the assumptions, operation and predictions of the principal macroeconomic models. Enable students to understand current debate amongst Macroeconomists by examining the major theoretical controversies. And to explore policy implications relating to current macroeconomic performance.

  • Financial Accounting and Statement Analysis

    This module aims to develop knowledge and skills in understanding and applying accounting standards and the theoretical framework in the preparation of financial statements of entities.

  • Company Law and Regulation

    This module aims to explore the nature and scope of the general legal system in the UK and its major laws related to business and companies, to provide a critical understanding of the legal framework within which companies operate, to investigate legal obligations and the effects of the law on key factors in relation to company formation, day-to-day administration and failure, and to develop knowledge and analytical skills on evaluation of issues related to obligation of companies and their directors.

  • Management Accounting

    This module aims to develop knowledge and skills in the application of management accounting techniques to quantitative and qualitative information for purposes of planning, decision-making, performance evaluation, and control.

Optional

  • Ethics and Accountancy Research Methods

    The aim of the course is to provide students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to understand and analyse main characteristics of financial and accounting data. Develop an understanding of relevant knowledge and skills related to the exercise of professional judgement in carrying out the role of the accountant in the areas of governance, internal control, compliance and the management of risk in an organisation, within the context of an overall ethical framework.

  • Quantitative Methods

    The aim of the course is to provide students with a review of statistical methods applied in economic analysis, the theoretical skills needed to understand and analyse data and the practical skills needed to construct and estimate relevant models. Students will learn about and practice techniques in performing and discussing data analysis.

Compulsory

  • Advanced Financial Reporting

    This module aims to develop knowledge and skills in understanding and applying accounting standards and the theoretical framework in the preparation of financial statements of entities, including groups and how to analyse and interpret those financial statements.

Optional

  • Applied Research in Accountancy

    The module is aimed to provide final-year undergraduates with the opportunity to provide evidence of their ability to independently pursue research in the area of accountancy chosen by them, with the assistance of, and the recommendation by, members of the Department. Students will be expected to develop their analytical ability and skills to conduct a general investigation into issues relating to accountancy.

  • Taxation

    The module aims to enable students to examine the conceptual and computational principles of the UK taxation system as they affect businesses and individuals. Develop skills of using a computerised accounting system to execute and manage typical accounting processes of business organisations and acquire a critical understanding of the role that modern technology plays in making accounting procedures and practices more effective and efficient.  

  • Audit and Assurance

    This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the process of carrying out the assurance engagement and its application in the context of best practice and current developments.

  • Comparative and Contemporary Issues in Accountancy

    The aim of this module is to develop awareness of various aspects of the international financial accounting environment, to provide an overview of the international differences in financial reporting, examines harmonisation and classification and assesses the obstacles to and progress of the adoption of international standards in major countries. The module also provides a critical understanding of theories and contemporary approaches to ethics, corporate social responsibility and governance and the challenges of sustainable development and responses to it.

  • Sustainability in Accounting

    The module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development, as they apply to the accountancy and auditing professions, and how they inform future accounting/auditing practice.

  • Public Sector Accounting

    This module aims to develop an understanding of the basic principles of public sector accounting, appreciate differences and similarities between public and private sector accounting and enable students to appreciate the significance of accountability in the public sector.

  • Applied Research in Economics, Banking and Finance

    The module aims to provide final-year undergraduates with the opportunity to provide evidence of their ability to independently pursue research in the area of the topics chosen by them, with the assistance of, and the recommendation by, members of the Department. Students will be expected to develop their analytical ability and skills to conduct a general investigation into issues relating to economics and finance.

  • Managerial and Industrial Economics

    This module introduces students to the latest theories on the organisation of the firms and industries. Practical examples will illustrate the role of each theory in current policy debates. The focus is on recent developments in the theory of oligopoly, including the study of cooperative and non-cooperative oligopoly behaviour based on game theory. In addition, the course covers some advanced topics in pricing and strategic behaviour. Case studies will indicate how and why industrial economics models are valuable tools for competition policy and antitrust activity.

  • The Economics of Labour Markets

    The aims of this course are to survey the broad area of Labour Economics and to analyse how individuals, families, firms and governments operate within a contemporary labour market. The approach is a two-fold one: a theoretical survey with the incorporation of empirical evidence from several developed countries.

  • Data Analysis for Microeconomic Policies

    This module will provide the theoretical and methodological tools to identify the causal impact of an event or policy on outcomes of interest. The module will introduce students to the potential outcome framework and the casual effects of interests, then study the ideal scenario: randomized control experiments, linking them to regression techniques. The module will also cover mainstream methods to overcome selection issues, such as instrumental variables and difference-in-difference. Economically relevant applications will be provided throughout the course.

  • International Money and Finance

    The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the key issues in International Money, International Macroeconomics, and International Finance.

  • Economic History and Thought

    The course will provide a broad outline of the history of the British economy through the last few centuries, and some additional understanding of the European economy. It will discuss many of the ideas about Economics that have been held by Economists in the past, and their contemporary relevance. The link between Economic Theory and Economic Policy will be discussed. There will be an evaluation of how Economic Policy affected the Economy, and how discussion about policy informed Economic theory.

  • Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

    This module aims to provide an understanding of the behaviour and interconnections between economic agents, markets and the environment, to apply economic tools and theory to problems relating to the environment and natural resources and interpret their findings. It also engages students in critical evaluation of these tools and theories against real-world phenomena.


This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.

This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.


Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Careers and your future

Our aim is to teach you ‘employable knowledge’, which can be applied to real-world situations giving you the skills you need to find the right role after you graduate.  Therefore, you’ll be well prepared for work, especially if you undertake a work placement. Securing economics and finance degree jobs is highly competitive so we’ll support you to gain a strong foundation in the skills employers are looking for.  We offer opportunities within the Department of Economics and Finance as well as through the University’s Professional Development Centre (PDC) to help you build skills and experience.

Our graduates are employed in many fields, with roles at NatWest (Financing Futures), PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG, the Treasury and Bank of England. Within industry, graduates are working at businesses like BP, Xerox and Marks and Spencer.

UK entry requirements

2024/25 entry

  • GCE A-level AAB-BBB (all subjects considered excluding General Studies).
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in a related subject.
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma DM in a related subject and an A-level at grade B.
  • BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in a related subject and A-levels grade BC.
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points, including 5 in Standard Maths or 4 in Higher Maths.
  • Obtain a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points in the  Access to HE Diploma (Business/Computing/Engineering/Humanities & Social Science/Law) with 45 credits at Level 3.
  • T levels : Merit overall

A minimum of five GCSEs are required, including GCSE Mathematics grade B or grade 5 and GCSE English Language grade C or grade 4 or GCSE English Literature grade B or grade 5.

Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.

EU and International entry requirements

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 (min 5.5 in all areas)
  • Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
  • BrunELT: 63% (min 55% in all areas)
  • TOEFL: 90 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)  

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2024/25 entry

UK

£9,250 full-time

£1,385 placement year

International

£19,430 full-time

£1,385 placement year

Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.

More information on any additional course-related costs.

See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.

Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.

Teaching and learning

We expect that all lecture sessions for all modules will be delivered on campus, with recording software used to make recordings available afterwards. To enable lecture sessions to be interactive, where this is appropriate, some of the Level 4 lecture sessions will be repeated to reduce their individual size.

We expect that all seminars/workshops/labs will also be held on campus in person. We anticipate class sizes of around 40 students in these sessions at Level 4 and Level 5, and around 30 students at Level 6.

We believe that you'll learn most successfully as an active participant in your learning among a community of scholars, and our decision to return fully to campus is motivated by this. We expect you to return to campus and to actively engage with their learning programmes in real-time. Course materials will be made available on our virtual learning platform ahead of many teaching sessions so that you can prepare well prior to coming to class.

The timetable is being constructed to produce the most efficient allocation of time for students both when they are on campus, and when they are off campus.

Placements are available by taking a year out of full-time study between Level 5 and Level 6.

Personal Tutoring

Your Personal Tutor is responsible for monitoring and supporting your academic and personal development both in your transition to university and between years. It's someone you can discuss, in confidence, your academic progress with or any special requirements you may need.

We provide both - group tutoring sessions and (if you want), a one-to-one session. You can book this with your tutor at a time suitable for you. We provide online options for this too through some video conferencing platforms.

The tutoring relationship is introduced in induction and cemented by the guided essay that all L4 students compose in Term 1 of the EC1601 Professional Development and Statistics module.

Assessment

It's expected that examination-style assessments, excepting some computer-based tests, will be held on campus, and you'll be expected to attend their examination sessions. Assessment formats will include a mix of formal examination, coursework (problems, exercises and essays), computer-based tests, presentations, reports, individual projects and group projects, designed to meet the varied learning outcomes and develop a range of transferable skills.

Assessments for modules that lead to exam accreditations for ACCA, ICAEW and CIMA will be guided by the requirements of those professional bodies.

Feedback and Consultation

We provide set times where you can talk to your lecturers and module leaders, either in person or via phone or video conference, to discuss academic matters relating to your course. You can also use these opportunities to obtain and discuss feedback on an assessment and exams. These hours can be found on the virtual learning platform and at the Taught Programmes Office. 

Please email your lecturer or drop by their office to make your booking and we'll find a time convenient for both of you.

Departmental Communication

You can keep up with subject and module updates through our virtual learning platform. We'll also send important updates to your student email account, so please keep an eye on those.

Co-curricula

We arrange and host many events designed to support your personal development and career path. We'll email you about these opportunities at the start of each term and send a reminder before the event. Some of these events will be on campus and some will be live-streamed, according to the requirements of the topic, the location of the speaker and what has worked most successfully in the past.

Students are strongly advised to purchase core texts from module reading lists, although copies are also available via Brunel Library.

Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.

We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.

Our staff have national and international reputations for their research, publications and applied work. This means that your education will be innovative, inspiring and cover the most up-to-date industry knowledge.

Your economics and accounting course will consist of lectures, workshops, seminars, one-to-one supervision, guest speakers from industry and site visits.

You'll have 12 to 14 hours of directed study a week in Level 1. This number decreases in Levels 2 and 3. Students are also expected to undertake substantial independent study.

Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.

Assessment and feedback

Modules are assessed by combinations of coursework and examinations. In the final year you are also required to write a dissertation.

The proportion of exam to coursework is approximately 75% to 25%, with some courses having a higher proportion of continuous assessment. Level 1 does not count towards your final degree mark. Level 2 is worth a third, and Level 3 is worth the rest. The final year dissertation is worth a third of Level 3 marks.