Economics BA
Department of Economics
You are viewing this course for 2021-22 entry. 2022-23 entry is also available.
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
There's the option to switch to the BSc Economics course after completing the second year and specialise in the methodological pathway of modules.
UCAS code: L100
Years: 2021, 2022, 2023
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
-
The aims of the module are: 1. To introduce statistical methods and provide an insight into their uses in economics. 2. to demonstrate application of 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 techniques. 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 this module are: 1. To give an insight into the importance of mathematical methods in economic analysis. 2. To introduce a range of mathematical techniques. 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
Optional modules:
- Introductory Finance for Economics
-
This module introduces students to the financing and investment decisions that financial managers make, and the financial market context in which those decisions are made. 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.
Methodological pathway:
- Intermediate Microeconomics
-
This module builds on Level 1 modules in microeconomics and mathematical economics, using the mathematical training to allow a more rigorous investigation of the principles of microeconomics. It aims to develop an understanding and ability to undertake economic analysis of models of the behaviour and interaction of economic agents (consumers, firms and government) in a market economy, the functioning of different types of industries, decision making under uncertainty and economic welfare.
20 credits - Intermediate Macroeconomics
-
The aims of this course are to provide firm grounding in the analytical tools of modern macroeconomics; to use these tools to understand critically the conduct of economic policy nationally and internationally. The course builds on level 1 modules in macroeconomics. The main subject areas covered are: Basic macroeconomic models: consumption/leisure choice, closed economy one period-macro models, models of search and unemployment; Savings, investment and government deficits: consumption/savings choice (two-period model), credit market imperfections, real intertemporal model with investment; Money and business cycles: flexible price models, New Keynesian economics (sticky prices), inflation; International macroeconomics: international trade, money in open economy; Economic growth: Malthus and Solow growth models, convergence, endogenous growth model.
20 credits - Econometrics
-
The aim of this module is to consolidate the statistical theory covered in earlier modules for economists, introduce students to the role of econometrics in economic analysis and to give an introduction to the conduct of empirical work in econometrics.
20 credits
Applied pathway - three from:
- International Economics
-
International Economics covers core aspects of international trade and international macroeconomics. The first part of the module analyses the patterns and volume of international trade, and its effects on growth and income distribution. The second part covers international capital flows, their causes and their effects on growth and macroeconomic stability.
20 credits - Labour Economics
-
This module develops theoretical models of the labour market, starting with the competitive model of the labour market through an analysis of supply and demand for labour. A range of issues that can affect outcomes in the labour market will be considered, with an emphasis on the study of empirical evidence concerning these issues.
20 credits - Economics of Financial Institutions
-
This module covers introductory monetary, banking and finance theory and issues relating to policy and regulation of the banking and finance system. The module introduces the basic concepts in money and banking while it supports and expands on the material provided in ECN201 and ECN202, the second year micro and macro modules.
20 credits - Public Economics
-
The module is concerned with the economic aspects of public policy. It employs tools of economic analysis to develop a framework for the study of government decision making.
20 credits - Industrial Organisation
-
Industrial Organisation is a major branch of microeconomics. It considers the structure, operation and performance of industries and firms using both economic theory and empirical work.
20 credits - Economic Decision-making
-
In life we are constantly making economic decisions: whether to go to university; whether to leave a tip in a restaurant; whether to buy a house or rent; whether to declare all our income to the tax authority; whether to play the lottery; whether and how much to invest in the stock market. In this module we study economic theory and evidence related to decision-making in these different contexts with a view to understanding human decision-making, how it deviates from standard notions of economic rationality.
20 credits - Macroeconomic Policy
-
The module will focus on applying macroeconomic theory to a variety of economic policy issues. The module will consider fiscal and monetary policy and will include how policy responds to economic shocks. The course builds on the knowledge of the core first year economics modules.
20 credits
Applied pathway - four from:
- Education Economics
-
The amount of education possessed by individuals will influence their decisions in future. Education relates to issues such as health and labour market decisions. This module examines the demand for and provision of education, incorporating a mixture of economic theory such as human capital; rates of return to further and higher education and course type all of which directly relate to the labour market. Macroeconomic new growth theories are considered using empirical evidence. The graduate labour market is analysed, incorporating changes in the provision of higher education and an understanding of the rationale for the introduction of top-up fees. A final section considers schools, analysing and evaluating issues such as class size reduction, competition and selection, the performance of teachers, and the importance of pupils' family backgrounds, all in terms of their effect on pupil performance.
20 credits - Political Economy
-
Important economic processes cannot be fully understood without taking into account political and institutional factors and governments' political motivations. This module introduces insights from politics into the study of public policy and economic performance. In particular, it aims to give students: 1. an opportunity for interdisciplinary study within the undergraduate economics degree; 2. familiarity with the modern literature in theoretical and applied political economy, including topics such as redistributive politics, comparative politics, and electoral/partisan cycles; 3. an opportunity to develop their research and team-working skills through research-oriented group assignments.
20 credits - International Trade
-
The first part of the course will cover neoclassical trade theories in which countries trade following their comparative advantage. The second part of the course deals with more recent trade theories based on economies of scale and/or imperfect competition that helps us to explain some recent patterns observed in the data. The third part of the course is an introduction to trade policy and the political economy of trade policy.
20 credits - Monetary Economics
-
This module covers monetary theory and monetary policy. It presents several economic models and discusses what monetary policy can and cannot do, as well as an introduction to the New Keynesian model. The module aims to enable students to apply the skills of economic analysis to the conduct of central banks and to the mechanisms underlying the monetary transmission mechanism.
20 credits - Development Economics
-
It takes the average worker in the UK less than ten days to produce the same amount of output as the average worker in the Democratic Republic of Congo produces over the course of an entire year. Earning the minimum wage in the UK easily puts you in the top 10% of earners worldwide. This module uses a mix of theory and empirics to seek to understand where these enormous gaps in standards of living between countries come from and how they evolve over time.
20 credits - Health Economics
-
Economics is the study of how society allocates its scarce resources across competing alternatives. This notion of scarcity is as relevant in the health care sector as it is elsewhere and, thus, it is important that the resources available to health and health care are used in the best possible ways. This course will: look at how best should be defined in the context of health care; consider the roles that market forces and governments might play in achieving the sector's objectives; and discuss what information is needed so that resources can be deployed where they will do the most good. The aims of the module are: 1. To enable students to develop a critical understanding of the basis of health economics. 2. To introduce students to the health economists' toolkit, the ways in which it can be used in to inform health care resource allocation, and its limitations.
20 credits - Economic Analysis of Inequality and Poverty
-
This module will cover the economic theories used for the analysis of inequality and poverty. The theories will be backed by evidence from both the developed and the developing countries. The module starts off by a discussion of issues around measurement of inequality and poverty; the different measures that are used and the inherent assumptions behind these measures. We then move on to explain the existing global trends in inequality and poverty. Different theories are used to explain these trends; for example: role of human capital, poverty traps etc. Finally we discuss the policy response of different countries to address the issues of inequality and poverty, drawing on the specific examples of welfare programmes in the developed countries and the conditional cash transfers in the developing countries.
20 credits - Economics of Race and Gender
-
The Economics of Race and Gender will present economic theories as to why discrimination by race and gender occurs, in labour markets and other settings. Empirical evidence will be presented and used to test for such discrimination, as well as to test and evaluate the economic theories put forward to explain its existence.
20 credits - Behavioural Economics
-
Standard economic models can successfully model human behaviour. However, the strong assumptions required of economic actors in those models will make systematic mispredictions in some contexts. Behavioural economics tries to overcome the systematic mispredictions by adopting non-standard assumptions, often inspired by insights from other disciplines. The module will discuss empirical evidence that underpins these non-standard assumptions, and will reflect on how insights from behavioural economics can be relevant in real life.
20 credits
Research in Practice pathway:
- Economics in Action
-
This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge of economics to a range of issues and problems drawn from the level 3 applied economics modules.
40 credits
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.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
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
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
-
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 EconomicsWhy 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
Department of Economics
National Student Survey 2020
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.