Economics

Economics asks how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions about scarce resources, and what the consequences of those decisions are for markets, society, and the natural environment. It is a discipline that spans the abstract and the applied, the theoretical and the empirical, and it provides analytical tools that are relevant in virtually every sector of the economy and every dimension of public policy. An applied economics degree specifically prepares you to use those tools in practical contexts, connecting theory to the real economic problems faced by organisations, governments, and communities.

At Birmingham City University, this three-year applied programme develops your ability to work as an economist and in a variety of related roles, with an emphasis on understanding the economic forces that shape the world and their impact on society and the natural environment. You will study microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative methods, developing the ability to analyse markets, assess policy impacts, and understand the economic dimensions of environmental and social challenges. The programme includes a sandwich placement year and embedded work placement opportunities, giving you direct professional experience in an economic, governmental, or analytical context.

Economics graduates work across a wide range of industries and sectors. Government, banking, pharmaceuticals, logistics, accounting, manufacturing, construction, and financial services are all common destinations, as the analytical and quantitative skills economics develops are valuable in any data-rich or policy-intensive environment. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in economics, finance, public policy, data science, or an MBA, while others move directly into analytical, research, or management roles in the public or private sectors.