- UCAS Code: NL11
- Level: Undergraduate
- Starting: September 2021
- Study mode: Full Time (3 Years), Full Time (4 Years with Professional Placement), Part Time (5 Years)
- Location: City Centre
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
This course has recently been updated. Please download the course specification for the up to date information.
The applied nature of our BA (Hons) Business Economics degree prepares you to work across all areas of the economy, especially the private sector.
Specifically, your degree combines the study of economics, with a wide variety of applicable business-related theories/models such as E-business, sustainability and innovation among others.
In this course the focus lies on three key pillars: it is applied enabling you to make sense of the impact of policies; it centres on enhancing your employability; finally, it provides you with a global outlook critical to sustainable growth within an organisation. The international focus of the course is derived through a variety of means including the student body, the teaching team and the use of international teaching materials. In addition to this you’ll also have the opportunity to gain industry experience by going on a professional placement, or to travel overseas to study abroad at one of our partner universities.
Economics is a major social science which studies the economy and its impact on society and the natural environment. Economics draws on and influences other social sciences and it is also a core business discipline, which is integral to understanding organisational behaviour, strategy and corporate performance. This course will equip you with a firm foundation of economics through a unique pluralist approach, which will bring to life diverse economic ideas and empower you to understand the relevance of competing economic theories and their application to business decision-making.
In order to do this effectively, this course equips you with a vast analytical toolkit, which includes mathematical and statistical analysis, critical thinking and the use of business tools and techniques to provide a richer understanding of the challenges contemporary businesses face within both the UK and International economies. During your study here you will have the chance to access to our Trading room and to work on a live client project with our Business Advice Centre. Finally, you will also gain critical communication and IT skills with our expert teaching team that has industry experience.
As Business Economists work in a number of settings: you will be prepared for a wide-ranging data-driven career in both the public and private sector, therefore, providing you with a range of options dependent on the graduate role you subsequently seek. The technical skills within this course, alongside your engagement with our Graduate+ employability programme and extra-curricular awards, will further enhance your development as a work-ready graduate.
“A learning environment that gives a vast amount of communication between the students and lecturers. This has helped reduce my difficulties with assignments liaising, involvement opportunities and much more. More than a teacher/learner relationship.” Sukaina Al-Husseiny
Why Choose Us?
- You will pursue a distinct pluralistic program, which aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of real life economic challenges from the point of view of a variety of approaches to economic theory and practice.
- On all of our courses you will gain a professional focus and real world experience of economics, ensuring you are equipped to make an immediate impact in the business world. You have the opportunity to embark on a year-long professional placement as part of your degree course. Many of our previous placement students have worked at big name companies such as BMW, Rolls Royce, Mercedes, Intel, IBM and Disney.
- Recognising the global scope of business, all our courses have an international focus. This is embedded throughout the curriculum, giving you the opportunity to transform your experience with us into a global one. There are a variety of exciting possibilities open to you, including our many overseas study exchange programmes.
- As a student on one of our undergraduate degrees, you will be able to benefit from our Graduate+ initiative. This three-year award course enables you to gain award levels for all the extra-curricular activities you undertake so that you can stand out from the crowd on graduation.
- You’ll have the opportunity to work in our ‘CITY Trading Room’ using the same investment analysis software as traders, financial analysts and decision makers in the investment industry.
- Don't meet the entry criteria? Our Foundation Year courses offer a route to a full undergraduate degree at a lower entry tariff.
- Birmingham City University has just launched the UK's first Centre for Brexit Studies, researching all aspects of the UK's vote to leave the EU, including the impact it has on British and European economies.
- The Economics team at Birmingham City University have a wide range of experiences in industry and these will be enhanced by the unique contributions which colleagues in strategy, finance and enterprise can offer.
- You will develop the relevant subject-specific and key transferable skills you need to excel in a wide variety of sectors and roles.
- Your course will foster your intellectual development and encourage your personal commitment with the purpose of preparing you for work as an economist, both locally and abroad thanks to our international focus.
- We will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills base from which you can proceed to further studies in economics or in multidisciplinary areas that involve economics.
- You will study in our state-of-the-art City Centre Campus, ideally located for you to take advantage of our links to industry in the UK’s second city.
- You will be able to work on exciting projects for real-life clients through our Business Advice Centre, giving you exposure to the challenges and issues faced by businesses as well as the chance to develop successful solutions. Opportunities are available with local, regional, national and even global businesses such as BMW.
- The Centre also offers expert support for your own entrepreneurial ideas, so you can start planning your own start-up or take your existing business to the next level. Following graduation, you will have the opportunity to apply for STEAMhouse Business Incubator membership.
Find out more
Open Days
Our next Open Day is taking place in Summer 2021. It's the perfect opportunity to tour our facilities, hear from some of our staff and get a feel of what it's like to study at BCU.
Register your interest
This course is open to International students
Where our students go
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
- Royal Mail
- BCD Travel
And in jobs such as:
- Graduate Operations
- Sales Executive
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from a maximum of 3 subjects. |
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| GCSE |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| AAT Diploma in Accounting (QCF) |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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IBO Certificate in Higher Level |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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IFS / LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Applied General Certificate in Health and Social Care |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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Scottish Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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| Other Qualifications | ||
| If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
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Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 112 points are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
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6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page | |
From A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels
Worried about teacher assessments?
However you're being assessed this Summer, it can be a stressful time. We've got a load of tips on revision skills and time management to help you feel as prepared as possible.
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
- UK students
- International students
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
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Temporarily unavailable
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 4 Years with Professional Placement
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Temporarily unavailable
- Apply via UCAS
- Part Time
- 5 Years
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Temporarily unavailable
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
-
Temporarily unavailable
- Full Time
- 4 Years with Professional Placement
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Temporarily unavailable
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Fees for part time students
If you study this course part-time or via distance learning, you will be charged on a pro-rata basis. This means your fee will be calculated per module.
Worried about personal statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
Financial Support
We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.
Final Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits).
In order to complete this course a student must choose ONE of the following core project routes (totalling 40 credits):
In order to complete this course, a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
Course Structure
A variety of delivery approaches will be utilised throughout the course to managing the learning process, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, peer teaching and learning, project-based learning, experiments, games and technology-enabled learning.
For example, blended learning is adopted, using a mix of face-to-face with online and independent study approach. While face-to-face sessions will vary in format, you will be expected to arrive to sessions fully prepared throughout. The application of key concepts during lectures and workshops are explored further during seminars and self-directed study.
A wide variety of assessment methods are used, and throughout the course you will be expected to deliver both individually and in groups, reports, presentations, essays, project plans, exams (case-based, open-book and closed-book; computer-based and essay-based) and proposals.
Trips and visits
You will have the opportunity to visit a number of leading businesses during your studies, both locally and across the country. Recently, students visited leading brewery company Sadler’s Ales, gaining an innovative insight into how a successful business runs.
Further Study
As an economics graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to progress to one of our MSc Management courses. We’ll provide advice and support to help you to decide what path is right for you based on your interests and career goals.
What our students say
"The knowledge I have gained during second year has been incredible and learning about the economy and how it is works is fascinating. The lecturers have been so supportive and their passion for the subject has driven me to pursue my career early during my placement year at Collins Aerospace. I wouldn’t have been able to get this amazing opportunity without the knowledge and support I have been given this year."
Rebecca Fazi, Business Economics student
Enhancing employability skills
Our Business Economics programmes undertake co-curriculum activities such as study trips, internships and placements. These provide you with the opportunity to work with a wide variety of organisations, enhancing your employability, confidence and learning.
Throughout the programme, you will receive assistance for your own development through co-curriculum activities, including our dedicated Employability Challenge Weeks and extended induction programmes.
Placements
There’ll be opportunities to try out different graduate roles with a wide variety of placements and internships on offer to complement your studies.
Past students have undertaken placements in companies such as Bosch, Network Rail, the NHS and Emirates.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Business Advice Centre
The Business Advice Centre (BAC) is the Business School's hub that offers a range of support services to you throughout each stage of your student learning experience.
We have a range of support solutions for students as well as opportunities to enhance your employability and entrepreneurial qualities.
Whether you are considering starting your business, connecting with real companies or enhancing your graduate opportunities, the Business Advice Centre can help you.
BCU Graduate+
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
More about Graduate+
Graduate jobs
Our graduates have secured jobs as personal advisors and account executives – as well as more diverse roles such as company directors, data analysts and recruitment consultants. They work for companies such as Barclays Bank, Nationwide, N Power, Arcadia Group Ltd and Royal Bank of Scotland.
What our students say
"The 4 years of study here at Birmingham City University has been fundamental for my personal and professional development. The practical emphasis the university offers with its degree programmes truly helps prepare one for the world of work. I would strongly recommend everyone makes full use of the support offered by the university such as the Careers team and Centre for Academic Success, and takes a Sandwich Year. Such support can really enhance your overall university experience."
Safina Bibi, Business Economics student
Welcome to the Birmingham City Business School, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!
Birmingham City Business School is one of the UK’s largest, most established and most respected business schools. Our programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.
We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.
International ServicesOur international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
China
Hong Kong
Iraq
Kuwait
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law, Business and English students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the recently opened Parkside Building and Millennium Point
"Studying economics at BCU will equip you with practical skills and sound knowledge from a plurality of perspectives to understand and address real-life economic challenges for businesses and society."
Dr Eleni Papagiannaki, Course Leader
Dr Bruce Philp
Head of Business School Research and Enterprise Activity
Having left school after his O-levels, Bruce Philp worked in the pharmaceutical industry before returning to education. After roles at several Universities, he is now the Head of Business School Research and Enterprise Activity at Birmingham City University.
Dr Eleni Papagiannaki
Lecturer and Course Leader for BA (Hons) Business Economics
Dr Elena Papagiannaki has completed her Phd in Economics and Operational Research at Aston University. Her special focus is on labour economics and particularly the contribution of unpaid overtime in the UK industries’ output.
Steve Harris
Senior Lecturer Business Operations and Strategy
Steve Harris has previously worked for Lafarge as both a design draughtsman and quality controller in their manufacturing plant, and then went on to work as an aircraft engineering manager within the Royal Air Force. His research interests currently include business sustainable enterprise and leadership identity.
Hanna Szymborska
Senior Lecturer in Economics and Course Leader for BA Economics
Dr Hanna Szymborska joined Birmingham City Business School in 2019. Prior to this, she worked as a lecturer in economics at the Open University.
Dr Stefania Paladini
Reader in Economics and Global Security
Dr. Stefania Paladini is a Reader in Economics & Global Security at Birmingham City University. Before joining academia in 2008, she has worked for the Italian central government for fifteen years, seven of which spent in East Asia as a trade commissioner. She obtained her PhD in International Relations and Security Studies from City University of Hong Kong.
Dr Erez Yerushalmi
Senior Lecturer in Economics
Dr Erez Yerushalmi joined Birmingham City Business School as lecturer in Economics and Business in 2017. Prior to joining Birmingham City University, he worked as a Research Fellow in the Institute for Employment (IER) at the University of Warwick from 2012, as well as lecturing in Warwick Business School.
Francis McGonigal
Senior Lecturer, Mathematics and Statistics
Francis McGonigal held several positions in industry as a programmer and systems analyst specialising in applying mathematical, statistical and operational research techniques. He has worked at Birmingham City University and its predecessor organisations since 1987, joining the Business School in 2010.
Anna Yartseva
Senior Lecturer in Economics, Programme Leader for BA Economics
Anna Yartseva main area of academic expertise is macroeconomics and economic policy. Most of the research she has done so far is related to various macroeconomic phenomena.
Dr Paul Heap
Senior Lecturer in Economics
After completing his DPhil ‘General Equilibrium Models of Monetary Economies’, Paul Heap held temporary lectureships at the Universities of Manchester, Bristol and Bath. He was then a tutor at the University of Nottingham, before coming to work at BCU.