Overview
The Brunel Economics BSc combines a thorough grounding in economic theory with the practical skills needed to apply that knowledge to business, industrial, financial or government environments.
You’ll learn how economic exchange shapes the way societies function. You’ll develop the analytical, quantitative, statistical and computing skills used to predict how societies, governments, businesses and households respond to events, trends and market behaviour.
You'll study statistics and econometrics and develop skills in data presentation, analysis and modelling. This training will use analytical packages, such as R and Python, which are widely used by business and financial institutions.
Our economics faculty bring a wealth of research and teaching expertise across a wide spectrum of fields, including economic theory, labour economics, development economics, gender economics, the economics of crime, the economics of innovation and growth, political economy, the economics of immigration, monetary and financial economics, behavioural economics, environmental economics and econometrics.
We have particular strength in the study of inequality - examining disparities in income, wealth, and gender, making our curriculum especially relevant to today’s most pressing societal challenges. As a result, you’ll have access to a diverse range of thought-provoking modules that explore the economic forces shaping policymaking, society, and the modern workplace.
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 hands-on experience in a real-life working environment. You can also tailor the final year of your course to specialise in an area of particular interest.
Our diverse and dynamic academic staff are not only experts in their fields, they’re passionate educators committed to inspiring the next generation of economists. We embrace innovative and inclusive teaching methods that encourage free thinking, creativity, and the open exchange of ideas in every classroom.
This dedication to high-quality teaching is reflected in our student feedback. According to the National Student Survey (NSS), 71% of students on the Economics BSc (Hons) programme agreed that Brunel staff are effective at explaining complex concepts and that the courses are intellectually stimulating. Additionally, 88% felt the programme successfully introduces new subjects and skills in ways that build on prior knowledge. Overall, three-quarters of students are positive about the support provided by our teaching staff.
Here at Brunel, we're very proud of our continuation rates and the job prospects of our graduates. After one year, 90% of Economics BSc students are still on the course or have successfully completed it.
Our economics undergraduate degree is accredited by ACCA and CIMA, and graduates will receive exemptions from professional papers should you wish to continue your study to become a chartered accountant.
As a proud member of the University of London federation, Brunel offers you a degree that's respected and recognised both nationally and internationally - enhancing your academic profile and boosting your career prospects worldwide. As a Brunel student, you’ll gain access to Senate House Library - one of the UK’s premier academic libraries for the arts, humanities, and social sciences, along with a network of libraries across the University of London. These exceptional resources support your learning and research throughout your studies.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
This course is designed to give you a solid understanding of economic theory, statistics, econometrics and finance as well as the practical and transferable skills needed to apply your knowledge to real-world problems.
Our Economics BSc consists of compulsory and optional modules. In the final year students can furthermore choose whether to write a dissertation or take additional modules instead. The optional dissertation project is a year-long project students write under close supervision by a dedicated academic supervisor in one-on-one meetings.
Compulsory
- EC1602 - Mathematics for Economics and Finance
This module is designed to provide students of all academic backgrounds with strong mathematical foundations necessary for further study in Economics, Finance and Accountancy. Students will strengthen their understanding of basic algebra and differential calculus and the way they are applied in Economics, Finance and Accountancy.
- EC1603 - 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.
- EC1605 - Statistics and Data Analysis
This module is designed to build numerical and data analysis skills which are in high demand in industry. It aims to provide an understanding of key statistical concepts and methods, such as descriptive statistics, probability theory, inference, testing and sampling. Students will have the chance to develop hands-on expertise with analysing data sets and utilising software tools to draw meaningful insights from real-world data.
- EC1606 - 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.
- EC1607 - 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.
- MG1606 - Introduction to Accounting and Financial Management
The module introduces students to the essential concepts of accounting and financial management. As the foundation of all other accounting modules, you will study how financial information is prepared, communicated and used. You will develop skills in critically evaluating and appreciating the importance of the accounting and finance function within organisations particularly in connection with business decision-making.
Students will learn how to: prepare a set of essential financial statements for a business, prepare information for business planning - such as budgets, prepare information for decision-making using techniques such as cost, volume, profit analysis and investment appraisal techniques.
Compulsory
- EC2AAA - 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 problems and decisions. It builds on the foundations of microeconomics taught at level 4. The emphasis is on applying microeconomic methods to solve problems.
- EC2MMM - Intermediate Macroeconomics
The main aims of the module are to:
- Familiarise students with the assumptions, operation and predictions of the principal macroeconomic models.
- Identify the role of banks, financial markets, and unemployment, their interaction as well as the role of globalisation for the economy.
- Explore the role of central banks and policy implications relating to current macroeconomic performance.
- EC2611 - Mathematical Economics
This module aims to demonstrate the importance of mathematical modelling in economics and finance and introduce students to further mathematical tools needed to analyse problems in the field.
- EC2615 - Money and Banking
This module aims to provide students with a good grasp of both the theoretical and practical issues related to the modern financial markets and intermediaries. The topics covered include financial system, banking, financial institutions and money. Special attention will be given to the topics of financial crisis and the need and role of regulation.
- EC2610 - 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. This modules is recommended for students who wish to write a dissertation in Economics.
- EC2612 - Introduction to Econometrics
The aim of this module is to provide students with the theoretical skills needed to understand and analyse econometric studies and the practical skills needed to construct and estimate such models.
- EC2616 - Monetary Economics
The main aims of the module are to familiarise students with functions of money, interaction of money supply and demand, operations of financial intermediaries and banks, to enable students to understand the effect of monetary policy on welfare, business cycles, inflation and other macroeconomic variables in the short- and long-run and to explore inconsistencies and uncertainties in relation to monetary economics.
Optional
- EC2607 - Corporate Finance
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the financing decisions and policy of modern corporations.
- EC2609 - 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.
Optional
- EC3QQQ - Game Theory
The aim of this module is to equip students with the advanced knowledge and analytical skills associated with game theory and its economic applications.
- EC3HHH - Applied Econometrics and Data Analytics
- EC3WWW - Advanced Macroeconomics
The main aims of the module are to familiarise students with an exposition of modern micro-founded macroeconomics, to enable students to understand decisions made by representative consumers and producers and to explore the role of government policies on the economy.
- EC3OOO - Economics, Finance, and Accounting Project
- EC3DDD - 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.
- EC3EEE - Behavioural Economics
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the principles of behavioural economics, to apply behavioural economics tools to public policy and private sector business decision-making and to interpret their findings and to engage students in critically evaluating the theories and tools of behavioural economics and finance.
- EC3NNN - Behavioural Finance
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the principles of behavioural finance and to apply behavioural finance tools to financial decision-making and to interpret their findings. Students will engage in critically evaluating the theories and tools of behavioural finance.
- EC3RRR - Development Economics
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the main features of developing economies. Looking at how developing economies function, the constraints and opportunities of the development process, and the causes and consequences of extreme poverty and vulnerability. It will also explore how markets and institutions operate in developing economies, the role of the household, ethnic and other networks, rural-urban migration, as well as international aspects of development such as international trade, aid and investment in the context of globalisation.
- EC3JJJ - Economics of Information
This module aims to introduce students to the economics of information, provide students with the conceptual and analytical tools to analyse the role of asymmetric information in the determination of market outcomes, the design of contracts, and the provision of incentives, and enable students to use these tools to analyse real world observations and practical economic problems related to the design of contracts, compensation schemes, pricing menus, and more.
- AF3KKK - Economics of Banking
This module focuses on banking trends and operations in a microeconomic context, incorporating theoretical material with practical aspects of banking. It helps students evaluate, in a structured manner, the effects of asymmetric information on financial markets and the economy at large. The module will employ the Fitch-Connect database as a teaching tool as appropriate.
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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. 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 Student Professional Development (SPD) to help you build skills and experience.
The analytical, quantitative and transferable skills you’ll gain from your Brunel degree are highly valued by employers and will prepare you for a wide range of career and postgraduate study options in the areas of economics, business and finance. 15 months after completing the BSc Economics (Hons), two thirds of students are employed and/or engaging in further study. After five years, students on the course earn, on average £41,000 a year.
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
2026/7 entry
For Brunel Foundation of Economics and Maths with Integrated Foundation Year progression requirements, see the course page.
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.
A minimum of five GCSEs (grade C/4 or above) are required including GCSE Mathematics (grade B/5), and either GCSE English Language (grade C/4) or GCSE English Literature (grade B/5).
Standard Offer: GCE A level ABB
Contextual Offer: GCE A level BBB
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DDM in a related subject (Applied Science; Business; Computing; Engineering (all); Enterprise & Entrepreneurship; Environmental Sustainability; Information Technology; Marketing; Travel & Tourism)
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DMM in a related subject (Applied Science; Business; Computing; Engineering (all); Enterprise & Entrepreneurship; Environmental Sustainability; Information Technology; Marketing; Travel & Tourism)
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DD in a related subject (Applied Science; Business; Computing; Engineering (all); Enterprise & Entrepreneurship; Environmental Sustainability; Information Technology; Marketing; Travel & Tourism) and an A Level grade B in any subject
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DM in a related subject (Applied Science; Business; Computing; Engineering (all); Enterprise & Entrepreneurship; Environmental Sustainability; Information Technology; Marketing; Travel & Tourism) and an A Level grade B in any subject
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Distinction in a related subject (Applied Science; Business; Computing; Engineering (all); Enterprise & Entrepreneurship; Environmental Sustainability; Information Technology; Marketing; Travel & Tourism), with A level grades BB
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Merit in a related subject (Applied Science; Business; Computing; Engineering (all); Enterprise & Entrepreneurship; Environmental Sustainability; Information Technology; Marketing; Travel & Tourism), with A level grades BB
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 31 points. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 2 or HL 2
Contextual Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 2 or HL 2
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: Obtain a minimum of 128 tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 in a related subject (Business; Computing; Economics, Finance and Maths; Engineering; Humanities and Social Science; Law)
Contextual Offer: Obtain a minimum of 120 tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 in a related subject (Business; Computing; Economics, Finance and Maths; Engineering; Humanities and Social Science; Law)
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Merit overall in a related subject (Management and Administration; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; Digital Production, Design and Development; Digital Business Services; Digital Support Services; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Science; Finance; Accounting)
If your qualification isn't listed above, please contact the Admissions Office by emailing admissions@brunel.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1895 265265 to check whether it's accepted and to find out what a typical offer might be.
Brunel's committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We'll 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
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
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: 5 (min 4 in all subscores)
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
2026/27 entry
UK
£9,535 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£17,400 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 £9,535 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy.
For the 2026/27 academic year, tuition fees for home students will be £9,790, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28 (subject to Parliamentary approval).
From 2028 onwards, the fee cap is expected to rise annually in line with inflation. This means your tuition fees in future years may increase to reflect these changes.
International fees may change 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. Our modules are delivered through engaging lectures, and in most modules, through seminars that allow for interactions in smaller groups.
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, except for 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 courses 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 80% to 20%, with some courses having a higher proportion of continuous assessment. Year 1 does not count towards your final degree mark. Year 2 is worth a third, and Year 3 is worth the rest. The final year dissertation is worth a third of your Year 3 marks.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.
