Introduction to the Economics Program

The University of Kent offers a comprehensive Economics program designed to empower students with a deep understanding of economic principles, theories, and practices. This program is built for ambition, catering to students from diverse backgrounds and A-level subjects, providing them with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Key Information

• Start Date: September 2026
• Location: Canterbury
• Study Mode: 3 years full-time
• Fees (per year): UK: Ł9,790, International: Ł19,300
• Typical Offer: BBB / 104-120 UCAS points

Course Overview

The Economics program at the University of Kent is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory, data analysis, and critical thinking. The course explores big and wide-ranging questions such as how to fight climate change, what causes financial crises, and why there is inequality. It equips students with the analytical framework and toolkit for thinking about these questions, preparing them for careers in economics, finance, and related fields.

Course Structure

The program is divided into three stages, each designed to build upon the previous one, gradually increasing in complexity and depth.

Stage 1

• Principles of Microeconomics: Introduces students to the study of how individuals and firms make decisions about what to produce and consume, given limited resources.
• Principles of Macroeconomics: Examines the economy as a whole, focusing on topics such as inflation, unemployment, and economic growth.
• Mathematics for Economics Mode A/B: Develops students' mathematical skills necessary for economic analysis, with Mode A for those with a background in mathematics and Mode B for those without.
• Statistics for Economics: Covers fundamental concepts in statistics, including probability distributions, sampling, and inference, providing an insight into the practical questions and problems that statistics can solve.

Stage 2

• Macroeconomics I: Analyzes medium to long-term economic outcomes, including economic growth, employment, and inequality.
• Microeconomics I: Develops an analytical framework and toolkit for thinking about individual and firm decision-making, introducing game theory and choice under uncertainty.
• Microeconomics II: Explores market characteristics, strategic aspects of individual decision-making, and policy interventions to improve market outcomes.
• Introductory Econometrics: Introduces econometric techniques for testing economic theories and evaluating public policies.

Stage 3

• Applied Econometrics: Emphasizes the application of econometric estimation and model-building, guided by real economic empirical situations.
• Optional modules may include Financial Economics and Asset Pricing, Econometrics for Macro and Finance, Environmental Economics and Green Finance, Economics Dissertation, and more, allowing students to specialize in areas of interest.

Teaching and Assessment

The program combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, independent study, and workshops to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Assessments include exams, coursework, and a dissertation, ensuring students develop a broad range of skills.

Entry Requirements

• UK: 104-120 UCAS points, with a typical offer of BBB at A-level.
• International: 120 tariff points from the IB Diploma, typically H5, H6, H6 or equivalent.
• English Language Requirements: Good level of English, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry: UK Ł9,790, International Ł19,300.
• Fees for Year in Industry: Ł1,905.
• Fees for Year Abroad: Ł1,430.
• The University offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies.

Career Prospects

Graduates from the Economics program at the University of Kent are highly sought after by employers for their strong understanding of how markets work and the impact of policy decisions. Career paths include economist, actuary, investment analyst, chartered accountant, investment banker, and market researcher, with average base pay for economics graduates being Ł34,487.

Why Study at Kent?

The University of Kent is ranked among the top 25 universities for economics research in the UK, providing students with the opportunity to learn from experts and researchers whose expertise is in demand worldwide. The program's focus on real-world applications, combined with its academic rigor, prepares students for successful careers in economics and related fields.

What you'll study

Your degree your way. Discover the wide range of modules available to you. The following modules are offered to our current students. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation:

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

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Stage 1

Learn how economists think and become familiar with the tools they use for analysing real economic problems. You can also study modules in professional economics, as well as strategy and games.

You take all compulsory modules and then either Mode A or Mode B from the list of optional modules depending on your existing level in Mathematics.

Compulsory modules currently include the following

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The module provides students with a thorough understanding of economics at an introductory level and provides the basis for all subsequent study that is taken on economics degree programmes. It is designed to teach students how to think as an economist and how to construct and use economic models. It also shows them how to be critical of economic models and how empirical evidence can be used in economic analysis.

The module explores how people make choices about what and how to produce and consume. It looks at the differences in economic outcomes between firms, people and countries and how they can be related to the effects of choices they, and others, make. It builds on the very simple and plausible assumption that people make decisions in their own interests and subject to constraints.

The first term covers the principles of microeconomics and shows how they can be applied to real-life situations and economic policy. The second term develops a framework for understanding macroeconomic events and macroeconomic policy. The emphasis throughout both terms is to demonstrate the usefulness of economics as an analytical tool for thinking about real world problems.

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This module introduces students to the basic concepts of probability and statistics, with applications to a variety of topics illustrated with real data. The techniques that are discussed can be used in their own right to solve simple problems, but also serve as an important foundation for later, more advanced, modules. Importantly, the module serves as a prerequisite for Stage 2 econometric modules ECON5800 and ECON5810.

The module commences with an overview of descriptive statistics. It then considers the key ideas in probability theory before moving on to statistical inference - the science of drawing conclusions from data. The main topics covered in the module include:

• Graphical and numerical analyses of data

• The principles of probability

• Probability Density Functions

• Sampling and its use in inference

• Regression and correlation

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The module introduces students to fundamental key skills used by economists in the application of economics to real world issues. It develop students' use of information technology and their ability to access electronic and other secondary sources of data. In particular, the module promote students’ computing and quantitative skills within a structured environment.

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The module helps prepare students to acquire and develop the employability and transferable skills necessary to search and successfully apply for work experience, internships, placements for Year in Industry degrees and graduate opportunities in the commercial and public sector.

The curriculum introduces applications, CVs, careers advice, interview and assessment centre techniques, numeracy and competency tests, and psychometric evaluation at a level appropriate to students studying at Stage 1. These materials form the building blocks for related employability modules at subsequent stages of academic study.

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Optional modules may include the following

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The module introduces students to a basic understanding of mathematics necessary for intermediate and advanced level modules (levels 5 and 6) taken in Stages 2 and 3. The module is designed for students who have A-Level mathematics or an equivalent qualification, or who meet the minimum entry standard. The module (or its equivalent for students without A-level mathematics) is compulsory for all Single and Joint Honours degree programmes in economics.

The module considers the following topics: linear equations, quadratic equations, multivariable functions; matrix algebra; differentiation; techniques of optimisation; constrained optimisation; non-linear functions and integration. These topics cover the important uses of mathematics in economics (and business) and are developed within a clear, contextual framework derived from first principles. Each topic is applied to a range of economic phenomena and problems and linked explicitly to the core Stage 1 economics module - ECON3040 Principles of Economics. Notably, the analytical and quantitative skills developed in the module are transferable across many different occupations.

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The aim of the module is to introduce students to the development of European economies in the long-run. It examines major economic shocks and challenges faced by European economies over the past few centuries and introduces various economic concepts to gain deeper understanding of long-run economic development. It discusses, among others, the issues of industrialization, economic growth, inequality, globalization, international trade, international monetary system as well as a relationship between institutions and economic growth.

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The module introduces students to the exciting fields of game theory, experimental economics and behavioural economics, and equips them with all the essential tools to analyse strategic interaction, in economics, politics and other social sciences. The module provides an understanding of the basic principles of game theory as well as experience in the practical issues of experimental economics. The emphasis throughout the module is on discussing practical applications and providing hands-on experience of experimental economics and game theory.

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This module introduces students to the application of economic analysis and the role of professional economists within the real-world economy. It exposes students to the main fields of activity that require the involvement of economists, to the institutions involved in these fields, their responsibilities, and the types of economic problem that are addressed. It also provides them with opportunities to contextualise their learning of conceptual economic ideas and issues, and to apply their knowledge and understanding to practical everyday issues.

Training to become a professional economist requires students to learn and develop a variety of different skills, many of which go beyond an understanding of the concepts of economic theory or statistical analysis. These skills include the ability to abstract and simplify complex economic behaviour, to adapt the general concepts of economic theory to the particular case of investigation, to think through and present logical arguments, to communicate ideas effectively both verbally and in writing, to engage in critical analysis of arguments and, more generally, to problem-solve, make decisions and organise work.

Module content is organised thematically around a series of both microeconomic and macroeconomic topics. These topics are diverse and updated in line with contemporary issues and developments in the field. Each topic is examined in the context of how professional economists put into practice economics across a range of different institutional settings such as the Government Economic Service, Regulatory Authorities, private sector consultancy and academia.

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You have the opportunity to select elective modules in this stage.

It's so broad, which is something that I really enjoy – there are so many different aspects of economics to learn about.

Karina Maheswaran

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Stage 2

Deepen your understanding by studying macroeconomics, microeconomics and quantitative economics. Optional modules cover areas such as international finance, industrial and monetary economics, and the economics of money and banking.

Compulsory modules currently include the following

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This module builds on the Stage 1 teaching of microeconomics to provide an intermediate course, which takes full account of the policy issues and controversies in the application and understanding of microeconomic issues. It introduces the fundamental theoretical foundations of microeconomics and provides examples of their application.

The module provides an analysis of the way in which the market system functions as a mechanism for coordinating the independent choices of individual economic agents. It addresses the behaviour and decision making of consumers and firms, and evaluates the efficiency and equity implications of competition and other market structures. The role of government in incentivising types of economic behaviour and addressing market failure is also explored.

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This module builds on the Stage 1 teaching of macroeconomics to provide an intermediate course, which takes full account of the policy issues and controversies in the world macroeconomy.

Autumn Term considers the basic methodology of macroeconomic models and examines how macroeconomic theories of aggregate demand and aggregate supply are derived. It is important to be aware that there are many theories of aggregate demand and supply and that consideration of these theories involves studying the markets on which they are based. The Autumn Term develops and extends use of the IS-LM model to derive a theory of aggregate demand in both open and closed economies. It also scrutinises the labour market to derive a theory of aggregate supply and study the relationship between inflation and unemployment.

Spring term starts with studying the long-run, that is, what determines the standard of living of countries in the long term, as opposed to short-run economic fluctuations. It then considers microeconomic fundamentals of macroeconomics to understand in-depth the determinants of consumption, investment, and labour supply decisions. These considerations and the ideas developed in the autumn term are then used to extensively examine macroeconomic demand management policies (fiscal and monetary) and their shortcomings. Finally, we consider the role of the financial system in the macroeconomy and the causes behind some financial crises. Particular focus is given to the 2008/09 global financial crisis.

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The quantitative estimation and evaluation of economic models is an essential feature of the study and application of economics. This module provides an introduction to econometric theory and the application of econometric techniques to economic models and data. This is achieved by explaining key economic and econometric issues using applications of econometrics that quantify and evaluate economic theory and which provide an empirical evaluation of economic behaviour and the assessment of economic policy.

The module provides both an analytical and practical introduction to econometric theory, equipping students with the analytical tools to carry out applied econometric work and to explore more advanced areas of econometric theory at later stages of their chosen degree programme. The practice and application of econometrics is achieved using both Microsoft Excel and specialist econometric software (e.g. Eviews &/or Stata).

The topics considered in the module include:

• Models and data; ordinary least squares (OLS), properties of OLS, simple and multiple linear regression, inference, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, dummy variables, functional form, linear restrictions, diagnostic testing and basic panel data.

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The module provides an analytical introduction to time-series econometrics and the challenges that present themselves with the analysis of time-series economic data. Traditional econometric techniques such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) are poorly suited to the estimation of economic models or data which exhibit non-stationary processes. This module provides an introduction to econometric methods that are suitable for stationary and non-stationary time-series analyses.

The module is both analytical and practitioner based providing students with the knowledge, understanding, application and interpretation of time-series techniques using specialist econometric software. The module equips students with the analytical tools to carry out advanced time-series econometrics work at a later stage of their degree programme.

The topics considered in the module include:

• Stationary and non-stationary data; trend- and difference-stationary processes, stationary autoregressive models, multivariate stationary models, spurious regression, cointegration, ADF tests, forecasting.

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The module helps prepare students to acquire and develop the employability and transferable skills necessary to search and successfully apply for work experience and graduate opportunities in the commercial and public sector and postgraduate study.

The curriculum builds on employability support offered at Stage 1 providing intermediate level knowledge and exercises in application writing, CVs, careers advice, interview and assessment centre techniques, numeracy and competency tests, and psychometric evaluation. The aims here are to support students in obtaining long internships across the Summer Vacation.

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Optional modules may include the following

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This module develops your ability to solve economics problems and to analyse economic data using computational techniques. It will teach you to apply numerical optimisation methods to a range of economics and econometrics problems, develop an understanding of numerical and computational methods through their practical applications, and develop an ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different methods for different applications. The module builds upon the Level 4 modules Introduction to Object Orientated Programming (CO320), and Programming for Artificial Intelligence (Python programming) (CO359) and will further develop students' understanding of programming languages commonly used in economic analysis, including at least one of Python, R and/or Julia.

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This module applies economic theory and statistical methods to the understanding and critical assessment of economic policy. It focuses on the policy application of economic concepts and provides an introduction to material that may be studied in greater depth at Stage 3. A key aspect of this module is the relationship to contemporary policy issues.

The module introduces students to a variety of microeconomic policy issues. Alongside formal lectures, workshops and seminars are designed to develop academic research skills and the ability to communicate ideas both verbally and in writing. This focus provides opportunities to develop a range of highly transferable skills and to develop as autonomous learners.

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The module provides a starting point for understanding financial markets. It attempts to link models of money, banking and finance into one generic, or foundation, view and provides insight into what determines the set of equilibrium prices required to provide an appropriate level of savings in an economy to finance the expected level of expected activity. It considers how financial and economic innovations have evolved over time, and explores why and how it seems to be that when finance fails, so does the modern market economy.

Important considerations within the module include:

• How can we analyse the appearance of money in an economy?

• What is the link between money and finance?

• What explains bank runs?

• Can we explain the occurrence of financial crises?

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This module introduces students to the skills of economic reasoning and argument by exposing them to critical debates within the discipline. It is designed for students who have completed Stage 1 Economics.

The module draws on current and past controversies to give students a critical insight into theoretical and empirical differences of opinion and approach to economics in the real world. The curriculum provides an insight into the academic and professional development of the discipline, and provides opportunities to develop a range of highly transferable skills. It also lays the foundations to many of the skills required for modules taught at Stage 3.

Four controversies will be covered each drawn from a range of topics pertinent to the discipline and relevant sub-disciplines. Students must study two controversies.

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The module will introduce students to the topic of political economy using microeconomic analytical tools. In particular, the module will provide students with an overview of microeconomic theories and empirical methods that have been used to bring new insights to issues related to political economy. The module will also explore how these issues relate to themes in development, public and environmental economics. The following topics will be covered in the module.

1. Electoral rules, voting and their economic implications

2. Political Reforms and their Economic Impacts

3. Institutions and Development

4. Ethnic and Civil Conflict

5. Climate Agreements

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This module covers a variety of the mathematical methods and their application to economic theory. The module starts off with a review and extension of stage 1 calculus, including integration. We examine production functions, returns to scale and their relation to firm profits. The module then covers dynamic systems where students learn to solve second-order difference equations, and, in so doing, learn about complex numbers. We use this analysis to generate insights about monetary policy. Matrix algebra is explored and used to analyse multiple equation dynamic systems. We then cover more optimisation theory, using Lagrangians to solve problems with equality and inequality constraints. Building on matrix algebra, we use Hessians to examine when we have found a genuinely desired optimum. Some of the further economic ideas we analyse are efficiency wages and monopsony power in the labour market, the duality theory of cost minimisation, and consumer theory, including Roy's identity and Shephard's Lemma.

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This module applies various aspects of environmental economic theory in combination with mathematical and statistical methods to provide students with an understanding of the link between economic theory and policy application. It introduces students to fundamental key skills used by environmental economists in the application of economics to real world environmental issues.

The main focus will be on how economic theory is applied to real world environmental issues and how this can be demonstrated using EXCEL. Therefore, it continues the development of students' use of information technology within a structured environment. This module will provide students with an enhanced understanding of how economic theory can be translated into practical policy advice.

The module introduces students to a variety of environmental economic practical issues. Alongside formal lectures, computer workshops and seminars are designed to develop academic research skills and the ability to communicate ideas both verbally and in writing.

Examples of topics the module may cover include:

• Pollution control instruments – will consider taxes and permits using market simulation and potentially the development of equilibrium displacement models;

• Non-market evaluation – will consider stated and revealed preference approaches to non-market valuation, consider experimental design, survey design and delivery and data analysis using linear regression and binary choice models;

• Renewable resource management – will consider fisheries and/or forestry management as a dynamic programming problem using the EXCEL solver; and

• Non-renewable resource management – will consider oil reserve management as a dynamic programming problem using the EXCEL solver.

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Stage 3

Choose either a dissertation or a long essay. Our wide range of modules means you can tailor your degree to support your particular career ambitions; for example, you can choose modules that prepare you for life as a professional economist.

Compulsory modules currently include the following <h3 class="accordion__heading modules__heading accordion__heading--com

University of Kent

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Overview:

The University of Kent is a public research university located in Canterbury, Kent, England. It is known for its commitment to ambition and providing a supportive environment for students to thrive.

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Services Offered:

Guaranteed Campus Accommodation:

First-year students are guaranteed a place in campus accommodation upon accepting their offer.

Free Gym and Fitness Membership:

First-year students receive a free sport and fitness membership.

Campus Tours:

Prospective students can book tours to explore the campuses and learn more about accommodation options.

Clearing Support:

The university provides comprehensive support for students applying through Clearing, including a dedicated website with information and resources.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university emphasizes a vibrant student life with opportunities for community building, fitness, and social activities. Students can expect a welcoming and supportive environment.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Guaranteed Campus Accommodation:

Ensures a comfortable and convenient living experience.

Free Gym and Fitness Membership:

Promotes a healthy lifestyle and fosters a sense of community.

Comprehensive Clearing Support:

Provides reassurance and guidance for students applying through Clearing.

Vibrant Student Life:

Offers a range of opportunities for social interaction, personal development, and community engagement.

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Academic Programs:

The context does not provide specific details about academic programs.

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Other: