Want a course that allows you to study business economics in Birmingham? Our BA (Hons) Economics degree allows you to take a year-long sandwich placement in industry.
Our degree prepares you to work as an economist, or in a related role which is concerned with the allocation of resources across all sectors of the economy. Our degree provides both the modes of thought and technical skills that have practical applications in business and society.
As economists work in a number of settings, you will be prepared for a career in government departments, in local government, in firms and organisations, and in the financial services industry (for example forecasting), therefore providing you with a range of options dependent on the graduate role you subsequently seek.
You will be equipped with a firm foundation of knowledge focused on the workings, strengths and weaknesses of orthodox and heterodox economic strategies. To deal with this complex background you will be taught the appropriate tools to analyse the issues Nations and industries currently face.
The programme will not just use economics to explain social, financial and business interactions, but will draw back knowledge and understanding from these related areas, using these to challenge and progress your understanding of economic interactions.
The technical skills within your degree, alongside your voluntary engagement with our Graduate + employability programme, will aid your development as a work-ready graduate, equipping you with a range of technical and employability skills suitable for a wide range of positions. Your course will foster your intellectual and moral development and encourage your personal commitment to the social purpose of becoming a professional economist or business professional.
Meet or beat our entry requirements and you could be eligible for an achievement scholarship worth £1,000.
*Terms and Conditions apply - some undergraduate courses are not eligible for this scheme. The £1,000 scholarship is made up of an £850 scholarship and £150 free credit to spend in an online shop.
*DLHE 2016/17
*Complete University Guide 2020
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
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BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels. |
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| Typical Offers (UK Students) | ||
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GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above, at the point of enrolment. Equivalent qualifications will be considered. Plus, you must have achieved or be completing one of the following: |
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2019/20 | |
| A Level / AS Level | BBC at A Level (112 points). A maximum of three subjects are considered. Other 6-unit qualifications can be considered in lieu of one or two A-level subjects. | |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | Pass overall with 60 credits, 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2. GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or above or equivalent qualifications must be offered. | |
| BTEC National Diploma (12-units not including early years) / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma | D*D*. Can be offered along with either one A-level, 2 AS-levels or one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma qualification to achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points. | |
| BTEC Extended Diploma (18-units not including early years) / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | DMM (112 points). | |
| BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate | D. Must be offered along with either two A-levels (grades B and C), two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas / OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diplomas (grades D and M) or a BTEC 12-unit National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma (grades DM). | |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma |
Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates and alongside other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 112 UCAS Tariff Points. If taking the IB Certificate you will need to obtain a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects. |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) | Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H5/D1). | |
| Scottish Advanced Higher |
Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCD. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers). Maximum of three Advanced Highers can be considered together. |
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| Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate |
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate with grade B plus grades BB at A-Level (or equivalent qualifications). Must be offered along with either two A-levels (grades B and B), two 6-unit BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas / OCR OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diplomas (grades D and M) or a BTEC 12-unit National Diploma / OCR OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma (grades DM). |
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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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| Essential | ||
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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 | ||
| IELTS |
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
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:
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
Sandwich Fees
Our Sandwich courses incur a fee during the placement year, the costs for years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
Sandwich Fees
Our Sandwich courses incur a fee during the placement year, the costs for years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
UK and EU 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.
There are three ways to apply:
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.
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.
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.
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:
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
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.
There are no compulsory additional costs or charges associated with studying on this course. While you may choose to purchase personal copies of text books, all our key text books are available from our library or online (subject to normal library loan and online access arrangements).
Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
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.
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.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 120 credits from the following list of CORE modules. |
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. |
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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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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. |
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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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A variety of delivery approaches will be utilised throughout the programme, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and experiments.
As a practice-based course, sessions will usually involve the application of academic concepts and themes, as well as case studies. The latter will be used to explore concepts applied to real-world scenarios, helping you sharpen your skills and employability prospects.
The first year of the programme will provide a solid grounding in the principles of economics and its importance to business, as well as ensuring you are fully prepared to make informed decisions as to your route of study in future years of the programme.
During the second and later years of the programme there will be flexible learning opportunities to specialise in subject areas which are most appealing, tailoring the programme to a particular career aim. There’ll also be opportunities to try out different graduate roles with a wide variety of placements and internships on offer to complement your studies.
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.
During your second year, you have the option to undertake the Study Abroad module, where you can examine an interdisciplinary topic within an international setting. You’ll create a digital story suitable for a range of audiences, and self-reflect on the impact of an international experience.
You can also gain international insight and experience a new culture with our Erasmus exchange programme. Students have spent a term at a number of incredible institutions, including the University of San Diego in the USA, as well as destinations in Cyprus and Denmark.
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.
"Birmingham City University adopts a friendly and positive atmosphere, encompassing a vast variety of services to help students progress and achieve!"
Throughout the programme, you will receive assistance for your own development through co-curriculum activities including dedicated Employability Challenge Weeks and extended induction and transition programmes.
The University has introduced the BCU Graduate+ programme, which is an extra-curricular awards framework that is designed to augment the subject based skills that you develop through your programme with broader employability skills and techniques that will enhance your employment options when you leave University.
There’ll be opportunities to try out different graduate roles with a wide variety of placements and internships on offer to compliment your studies.
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.
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.
*DLHE Survey 2016/7
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations for international students.
The first-class experience offered by universities are reflected in the world’s largest survey of international students. International students are more likely to recommend the UK than any other leading English-language study destination.
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.
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
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.
"Economics is a very exciting subject, relevant to the modern world and always changing. I know that you will enjoy exploring the subject here, alongside your lecturers and fellow students."
Sian Eaton, Course Leader
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.
Sian Eaton has a degree in Economics from Leeds University. She is the Course Director for the BA (Hons) Economics and Admissions Tutor for all Economics programmes at the university. Within the department of Accounting,
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
