Program Overview

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Economics with Data Science (BSc)

Award

Bachelor of Science

Typical Offer

AAA including Mathematics

Duration

3 years

Course Type

Full-time

Campus

Highfield

UCAS Course code

L115

About this course

Use advanced data analysis techniques to explore pressing economic problems. This 3-year economics and data science degree combines training in economics with modern skills in data science. You'll graduate with the skills to work in finance, industry and the public sector.

Combine an in-depth understanding of economics with the ability to use a range of data science techniques. You’ll study with experts from the department of economics and learn to apply advanced techniques from data science and econometrics to economic problems.

You'll gain a specialist knowledge of:

• economic theory from different schools of thought
• applied economics
• use of large datasets
• machine learning
• data and statistics
• computational economics

You'll have the opportunity to:

• use our Financial Laboratory (FinLab), a realistic trading room environment
• put your economic theories to the test in our behavioural economics laboratory
• gain vital work experience on Santander's Student Innovation Projects
• gain a Bloomberg Markets Concepts qualification

On this flexible economics with data science course you can choose to learn the principles of finance, international trade theory or developmental economics. You'll be able to choose the subjects you want to study to suit your interests or future career.

This degree has a focus on employability, with options like a year in employment, and a semester abroad available in your third year.

You’ll graduate with a rare combination of advanced skills in data analysis, including big data, and training in economics. This will make you highly employable in a range of fields, including finance and the government data service.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Facilities

• Financial laboratory

The financial laboratory will give you valuable experience using Bloomberg terminals, which allow you to access to real-world financial market data.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

For Academic Year 2025/26

A-levels

AAA including Mathematics

A-levels additional information

Excluded subjects are General Studies, Use of Maths and Critical Thinking. If you are taking four A levels, you will receive the standard offer as well as an alternative offer of AABB including A in Maths.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 points from Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

If you are studying a BTEC Extended or National Extended Diploma (DDD) you will also need an additional A Level in Mathematics (grade A). However, we can accept an Engineering BTEC Extended or National Extended Diploma (DDD) without the additional A Level requirement.

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, all of which must be at Distinction

Access to HE additional information

Mathematics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard to be considered.

Access Offer Contextual

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics at H2

Scottish Qualification

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Welsh Baccalaureate

AAA from 3 A levels including Mathematics or AA from two A levels including Mathematics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

T-Level

There are no T levels accepted for this programme.

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)

Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre- sessional English programmes before your course starts.

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

Course structure

Year 1 overview

You will take one core module in Microeconomics. There are two options depending on if you did or did not study economics a A Level.

Modules you must study are:

• Exploring the Social World
• Economics with Experiments
• Mathematics for Economics
• Economics with Data
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Statistics for Economics
• The non-credit bearing module in Economic Skills and Employability 1

You can also choose an optional module such as ‘Quantitative Modelling in Economics’, or modules from the Languages departments, the Business School or in Demography.

Year 2 overview

You must choose to study an introduction to econometrics or econometric theory. You'll also take a preparatory module for the research modules in the third year.

Other compulsory modules include:

• Intermediate Macroeconomics
• Intermediate Microeconomics
• Computational Economics
• Applied Econometrics
• Econometrics with Big Data
• The non-credit bearing module in Economic Skills and Employability 2

You'll choose one or two modules from:

• Development Economics
• Industrial Economics
• Business Cycles

You can also choose to take a module from outside the Economics department, such as an interdisciplinary module, or language.

Year 3 overview

In year 3, you must choose between completing a research project or a dissertation. You'll also take the following compulsory modules:

• Advanced Econometrics with Machine Learning
• Empirical Finance
• The non-credit bearing module in Economic Skills and Employability

You can also choose from a wide range of optional modules, including Behavioural Economics or Choice and Decision. You can also choose a module from another department, such as Politics.

Modules

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules in year 1:

• Economics Skills and Employability 1
• Economics with Data
• Economics with Experiments
• Linear Algebra I
• Mathematics for Economics
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Statistics for Economics

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

• Computational Mathematics
• Foundations of Microeconomics
• Principles of Microeconomics
• Quantitative Modelling in Economics

Year 2 modules

You must study the following modules in year 2:

• Applied Econometrics
• Computational Economics
• ECON Dissertation: Prelim Info
• Econometrics with Big Data
• Economics Skills and Employability 2
• Intermediate Macroeconomics
• Intermediate Microeconomics

You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:

• Development Economics
• Dynamic Macroeconomics
• Econometric Theory
• Games
• Industrial Economics
• Introduction to Econometrics

Year 3 modules

You must study the following modules in year 3:

• Advanced Econometrics with Machine Learning
• Dissertation: Literature Review
• Economics Skills and Employability 3
• Empirical Finance

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

• Advanced Social Data Science
• Applied Social Quantitative Analysis
• Behavioural Economics
• Choice and Decision
• Dissertation: Research Project
• Dissertation: Research Topics
• International Macroeconomics
• International Trade
• Labour Economics
• Principles of Finance
• Public Economics
• Topics in Macroeconomics

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Jana Sadeh is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Teamwork
• EDI leadership
• Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Central Government,

Private finance and equity firms,

Bank of England,

accountancy firms,

banks (high street and city),

charitable and not-for-profit organisations,

Consultancies,

insurance companies,

Government departments,

Think Tanks,

non-government organisations (NGOs).

Careers directly related to this course:

• Economist
• Compliance officer
• Data analyst
• Financial manager
• Financial risk analyst
• Investment analyst
• Statistician
• Stockbroker
• Tax adviser
• Data scientist

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Actuary
• Chartered accountant
• Systems analyst
• IT consultant
• SEO specialist
• Database administrator
• Web developer
• Risk manager
• Retail banker
• Business development manager;

See more

Example job titles of Southampton BSc Economics with Data Science graduates*:

• Actuarial analyst
• Associate auditor
• Business consultant
• Compliance manager
• Corporate finance analyst
• Data operations lead
• Data scientist
• Financial analyst
• Health economist
• Risk analyst

See more

Year in employment

You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535.
• EU and international students pay £23,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: L115
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Related courses

Economics with Data Science (BSc) is a course in the Economics subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• BA Economics
• BSc Economics
• MEcon Economics
• BSc Economics and Accounting
• BSc Economics and Actuarial Science
• BSc Economics and Business Management
• BSc Economics and Finance
• MMORSE Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics
• BSc Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics
• BA Philosophy and Economics
• BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics
• BSc Politics and Economics