Economics

Economics is the discipline that studies how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions about the allocation of scarce resources, and what the consequences of those decisions are for production, distribution, employment, and growth. It has developed increasingly sophisticated quantitative tools over the past century, and modern economics is as much about working with data and building models as it is about theoretical reasoning. Graduates who can do both are consistently sought after across a wide range of sectors.

At the University of Sussex, this four-year full-time BSc includes both a foundation year and a professional placement year, making it accessible to a wider range of students while also building in substantial professional experience. The foundation year gives you the academic and quantitative foundations you need before the degree proper begins, and the placement year places you in a professional economics environment for an extended period, giving you practical experience that directly complements your academic training. Throughout the programme you will develop a quantitative and empirical approach to economics, studying econometrics and mathematical economics alongside microeconomic and macroeconomic theory.

You will build data coding and visualisation skills using statistical tools and industry-standard software, developing the ability to work with large datasets and communicate economic findings clearly.

Sussex's programme explicitly emphasises the ability to communicate economic ideas and concepts to wide audiences, which is a skill that distinguishes practically effective economists from those who can only speak to specialists.

Graduates move into careers in economic consultancy, financial services, the Government Economic Service, central banking, research, data analysis, international development, and business analysis. The placement year often leads directly to employment or a strong job offer, and the quantitative and communication skills the programme develops are valued across sectors where evidence-based decision-making matters. Postgraduate study in economics, finance, or data science is also a natural pathway.