Economics
Economics is the study of how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions about scarce resources, and how those decisions aggregate into the patterns of production, trade, employment, and growth that define economic life. It is a discipline that combines rigorous mathematical and statistical methods with a rich body of theory about human behaviour, market structures, and policy effectiveness. In a world shaped by globalisation, technological change, inequality, and climate challenge, the ability to analyse economic problems with precision and communicate the results clearly is genuinely important.
At the University of Bradford, this three-year, full-time programme includes a foundation year for those who need to build the quantitative and conceptual foundations needed for degree-level economics. You will develop skills in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and data analysis, alongside a grounding in the applied dimensions of economic policy that directly affects businesses, governments, and individuals. Bradford's track record in supporting students into competitive internship and placement opportunities with the Government Economic Service, Treasury, and a range of private sector organisations reflects the programme's strong employability focus.
The Government Economic Service placements in particular provide rare access to how economic analysis shapes public policy in practice.
A typical entry tariff of 104 points reflects an accessible admissions threshold for a rigorous quantitative programme. Graduates from economics degrees go on to careers in finance, economic consultancy, the civil service, central banking, international organisations, commercial research, marketing, and management. The analytical skills the degree develops are valued across every sector that depends on data, measurement, and rational decision-making.
Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in economics, finance, data science, or public policy, deepening their specialist expertise before moving into professional roles.