Economics and Finance

Economics and finance together provide a thorough grounding in the theoretical and applied dimensions of how money, markets and economic systems work. Economics gives you the frameworks for understanding why markets produce the outcomes they do, how governments can intervene to correct failures, and how economies grow, cycle and respond to shocks. Finance focuses on how those insights translate into decisions about investment, risk, capital allocation and the management of financial institutions.

The two disciplines reinforce each other: financial decisions cannot be understood without economic context, and economic analysis is enriched by understanding how financial markets actually function.

At the University of Bedfordshire, the three-year full-time programme covers the core areas of both disciplines, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, corporate finance, investment analysis, financial markets and quantitative methods. The degree develops your analytical skills and your ability to work with data, alongside the theoretical knowledge that underpins professional practice in both fields. Bedfordshire's finance courses have performed strongly in national student surveys for learning opportunities, reflecting the quality of teaching and the practical relevance of the curriculum.

The combination of economics and finance is among the most versatile and employable degree combinations available, opening doors across a wide range of sectors. Finance is an obvious destination, including roles in banking, investment management, financial analysis and insurance. Economics and finance graduates also work in consultancy, the civil service, international development and corporate finance functions across all industries.

For those who want to develop professional qualifications, the degree provides a strong foundation for examinations with bodies such as the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute or the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. Postgraduate study in economics, finance, accounting or business is a natural continuation for those who want to specialise or progress to senior roles.