Economics BA

Key details

• A Levels AAB
  Other entry requirements
• UCAS code L100
• 3 years / Full-time
• Find out the course fee
• Industry placement

Course description

On our BA you'll specialise in modules related to the application of economics and economic policy. This degree will give you an advanced understanding of economics and expose you to a wide range of specialist areas and applications.

You'll develop the theoretical and quantitative skills required by economists. As you progress through your degree, your focus will be on the applications of economics to real-world problems.

Year one will build the foundation for the rest of your degree. You'll study core economic principles and theories, and develop your core quantitative skills in mathematical methods for economics.

In year two you'll build on your toolkit of theoretical and quantitative skills. In your final year, modules include a wide range of specialised areas in economics. You'll have the chance to put your skills into practice through a number of short projects, while also acquiring research skills.

Degrees with employment experience

We offer you the chance to do a year-long work placement, starting after your second year. This is a great opportunity to get paid work experience with some of the UK's top employers who want to recruit the best students from Sheffield. Recent placements have been with the Bank of England, Lloyds Bank, IBM, ASOS and Mercedes-Benz.

Modules

The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department directly.

Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:

Title: BA Economics course structure
UCAS code: L100
Years: 2021

First year Second year Final year

Methodological pathway:

Economic Analysis and Policy

This is a compulsory module for all single and dual honours students in Economics. The module provides students with an introduction to microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis together with examples of their application in order to develop students' understanding of the roles of both in economic policy making.

40 credits

Statistical Methods for Economics

1. To introduce statistical methodology and techniques; 2. to provide an insight into the uses of statistical methods in economics; 3. to apply a range of statistical techniques to economic problems. Topics include collection and presentation of data, descriptive statistics, probability and applications, statistical inference, correlation and regression.

20 credits

Plus one from:

Mathematical Methods for Economics 1

The aims of this module are: 1. To give an insight into the importance of mathematical methods in economic analysis. 2. To introduce a range of mathematical techiques. 3. To give an understanding of how and when to apply the techniques. The module will include revision of basic concepts, algebra, equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, differential calculus, optimisation, geometry

20 credits

Mathematical Methods for Economics 2

The aims of the module are: 1. To provide an insight into the importance of mathematical methods in economics; 2. To introduce and apply a range of mathematical techniques to economic problems. Topics covered in the course include revision of algebra, functions, differential calculus, optimisation, an introduction to dynamic analysis, and an introduction to matrix algebra.

20 credits

Optional modules:

Introductory Finance for Economics

This module introduces the basics of the financing and investment decisions of financial managers. Its aim is to provide a solid grounding in the basic concepts of finance for economists, focusing in particular on theoretical analysis and problem solving.

20 credits

Classical and Contemporary Thinkers in Economics

This module introduces students to a range of classical and contemporary economists, including the founders of the discipline and some Nobel Prize winners, past and present. For each economist, a senior member of the department will give a short biography, outline their contributions to the discipline of economics and the development of the subject, and explain how they have influenced their own thinking and research that is undertaken in economics today. Examples of the contribution of these economists to a range of economic issues will be used to illustrate the continuing relevance and application of their ideas.

20 credits

Plus a limited number of level one modules from outside the Department of Economics.

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.

Learning and assessment

Learning

The course will give you an advanced understanding of economics and you will specialise in modules related to the application of economics and economic policy.

You'll learn through attending lectures, online videos, interactive workshops, tutorials and computer labs.

You’ll be taught by some of the top economic experts in their fields, who care passionately about their subject. Our staff advise government departments in the UK such as the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Education and the Low Pay Commission. Their expertise helps shape government policies and aims to improve people’s lives.

Assessment

You'll be assessed mainly through exams. But you'll also complete written coursework, computer based assignments, research projects, presentations and reports to assess the range of knowledge and skills that an economist needs.

Programme specification

This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

Find programme specification for this course

Entry requirements

With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible

A Levels + additional qualifications | ABB + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB + A in Core Maths ABB + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB + A in Core Maths

International Baccalaureate | 34 33

BTEC | DDD in a relevant subject DDD in a relevant subject

Scottish Highers | AAAAB AAABB

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | B + AA B + AB

Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall including 45 at Level 3 including 36 at Distinctions and 9 credits and Merits 60 credits overall including 45 at Level 3 including 30 at Distinctions and 15 credits and Merits

Mature students - explore other routes for mature students

English language requirements | 

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Equivalent English language qualifications

Visa and immigration requirements

Other requirements

• GCSE Maths grade 6 or grade B

We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

Department of Economics

We have an international reputation for practical and real-world economics. You'll be taught by some of the top economic experts in their field and you'll receive the latest cutting-edge teaching from people that care passionately about their subject. Our staff advise government departments in the UK such as the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Education and the Low Pay Commission. Their expertise helps shape government policies and aims to improve people's lives.

We're one of the few stand alone economics departments in the north of England. Our graduates are in demand by some of the country's top economics employers such as the Bank of England, PwC, IBM and HM Treasury. We're large enough to offer a wide variety of optional specialised modules, but small enough so that you will get to know your tutors personally and build life-long friendships with the other students on your course.

Department of Economics students are based in the heart of the campus in 9 Mappin Street. You'll have some of your tutorials in the small classrooms in this building and lectures in locations across the campus.

Facilities

Our state-of-the-art classrooms are in the same building as our staff offices. You'll also have your own social space with computer access.

Department of Economics

Why choose Sheffield?

The University of Sheffield

  A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings

  Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014

  No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017

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Department of Economics

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Student profiles

Graduate careers

Department of Economics

Some of our graduates become professional economists in government, industry or the City. Others enter related professions - banking, ‭insurance, accountancy, sales and marketing and ‭retail management.

Recent graduates are now working for the Bank of England, HM Treasury, the European Parliament, PwC, Deloitte, IBM and Rolls Royce. Some prefer to advance their knowledge by studying economics at postgraduate level.

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees

Fee status help

Additional costs

The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

Examples of what’s included and excluded

Funding your study

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

Visit us

University open days

There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

Open days: book your place

Taster days

At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.

Upcoming taster sessions

Applicant days

If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

Campus tours

Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Book your place on a campus tour

Apply for this course

Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com

Contact us

Telephone: +44 114 222 3399
Email: economics-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk

Department of Economics