Program Overview

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Economics with Foundation

Developing the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to go onto study how the principles of economic theory are applied by individuals, business and governments and how these decisions affect society.

Course details

Start Dates

• September 2025

Degree type

• BA

Course length

• 1 year foundation, plus full undergraduate degree

Location

• Durham City

UCAS code

• L101

Course structure

Year 1 modules

Core modules:

• Concepts, Methods and Theories in Business & Economics
• Concepts, Methods and Theories in Data Science
• Scholarship in Higher Education (Core)
• Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education for Science and Economics
• Mathematics 3

Learning

This programme provides high-quality teaching and learning in a supportive and productive environment which encourages self-awareness, reflective practice, and cross-discipline awareness. The course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials/workshops, and practical classes.

• Typically, lectures provide key information on a particular area, and this is consolidated through tutorials and/or workshops and practical classes where appropriate, particularly for laboratory skills.
• The course provides up to 16 contact hours per week, but further consolidation takes place through independent study and/or voluntary workshops provided outside the course’s formal contact hours.
• Emphasis is placed on developing confidence and classes are generally small, to ensure individual learning needs can be met.

Assessment

• Towards the end of the year, greater emphasis is placed on independent study, not just in preparation for classes and reading around the subjects, but also with students completing an individual project related to their progression route.
• Throughout the course, all students also have access to an academic adviser who will provide them with academic support and guidance.
• Students will normally meet weekly with their adviser.

Entry requirements

GCSE requirement

• Essential Criteria for ALL applicants: Applicants must have GCSE Maths grade 7 or above, or Maths GCSE Grade 6 plus A level Maths grade C or above (predicted or achieved).
• Recommended Criteria for mature applicants (over 21 years): GCSE grade 4 in English Language.
• Essential Criteria for younger applicants (under 21 years): GCSE grade 4 in English Language.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications
• EU qualifications
• International qualifications

International students

• International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
• Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.

English language requirements

• Country specific information

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

• Home students: £5,760 per year
• Island students: £5,760 per year

Fees for subsequent years

• Fees for subsequent years will be charged as per the degree programme progressed to.

Scholarships and Bursaries

• We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.

Career opportunities

• We have impressive graduate prospects, and strongly emphasise employability and career development.
• Many Durham graduates secure positions in top companies across various industries, reflecting our strong reputation among employers.
• Durham’s global alumni network offers valuable connections and opportunities for recent graduates.

Statistics

• 87% in work or further study.
• 92% in high and medium skilled employment
• £30,000 is the average salary.

Department information

Foundation Programme

• Our Foundation Programme has been delivering high-quality academic preparation for undergraduate study since 1992.
• Our staff, from the Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD), are experts in teaching foundation level courses and are engaged in a wide range of scholarship activities, adding to the body of knowledge within their respective discipline areas and in the field of learning and teaching.

Research areas

• Our courses are fully integrated elements of Durham University degree programmes and students are full members of the University.

Rankings

• 90% of Durham courses are in the UK Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025.
• 65th in the world for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Facilities

• Durham University’s departments and services are spread across the historic city.
• As a Foundation student, you will have access to a wide range of facilities across the University.