Economics (BSc) with Year in Industry

Economics at its core asks how individuals, firms, and governments make choices under conditions of scarcity, and what the consequences of those choices are for welfare, inequality, growth, and the distribution of resources. It is a discipline that applies mathematical and statistical rigour to social and political questions, and it equips graduates with the analytical tools to engage credibly with some of the most important questions of our time. A year in industry adds a dimension that purely academic study cannot provide, embedding you in a professional environment where economic thinking has direct practical application.

At SOAS, this BSc programme combines a thorough training in economic theory and quantitative methods, including programming in the statistical language R, with a professional placement module that connects academic learning to real-world practice. The inclusion of a foundation year for students who benefit from additional preparation makes the full programme five years, including the industry year. The course uses a diverse range of assessment types and develops not only analytical skill but the ability to communicate economic findings clearly and effectively.

The programme runs full-time.

Graduates of economics programmes with industry experience are well placed for careers in economic consultancy, the civil service, financial services, international development, policy research, and management. The quantitative and modelling skills developed on the programme open pathways in data science and analytics as well as more traditional economics roles. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in economics, public policy, finance, or related disciplines, and the professional experience acquired during the industry year is a genuine asset in competitive postgraduate applications and graduate employment alike.