Program Overview

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BSc Philosophy and Economics with Study Abroad (VL54)

2026 entry

Course summary

Combine two historically interlinked disciplines and develop a breadth of skills across both economics and philosophy. This joint honours degree also includes an additional year studying at an overseas university.

Our economics teaching is technically rigorous. You'll build your analytical skills with mandatory units in macro- and microeconomics, mathematics, statistics and econometrics – the application of statistical methods to data to estimate economic models.

You'll benefit from teaching that's informed by the latest developments in economics and our cutting-edge research – research which ranks in the top five for economics and econometrics amongst UK universities (REF 2021).

This is complemented by units in philosophy, which will equip you with skills in textual analysis, written and verbal expression, collaborative problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking.

You'll be taught by experts from one of the country's largest philosophy departments, with Bristol ranked in the UK's top ten for the subject (QS subject rankings 2024).

You'll also be able to tailor your degree to suit your interests and career ambitions with optional modules. This enables you to explore topics ranging from political philosophy to environmental economics, ethics to international trade, virtue and wellbeing to behavioural economics, and more.

During the year abroad you'll also explore economics and philosophy in a non-UK context, learning in English but at an international university in one of numerous global destinations.

In your final year, you'll also have the opportunity to undertake an extended philosophy essay project on a topic of your choice, applying your knowledge and skills in a specialist area and supervised by a member of staff with relevant expertise.

By the end of the programme, you'll be well-prepared for a successful career. On average, Bristol economics students earn 28% more than other UK economics graduates within five years of graduation – typically enjoying salaries between £44,000 and £87,000 per year (discoveruni.gov.uk, 2025).

Recent BSc Philosophy and Economics graduates have gone on to work at organisations including the Department for Transport, PwC, Barclays Investment Bank, Aon, Coutts, Zurich Insurance, Deloitte, Kraft Heinz, RBS International, EY, Goldman Sachs, and RSM.

Job roles of recent BSc Philosophy and Economics graduates include Data Scientist, Operations Manager, Investment Consultant, Business Tax Analyst, Journalist, Pricing Actuary, and Paralegal.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAA
• A-level contextual offer: ABB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course.

Application method

• UCAS (Code: VL54)

Location

• Clifton campus, Placements

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £24800 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

During the first two years of the programme, mandatory units in macro- and microeconomics, mathematics, statistics, the economy and applied quantitative research will provide you with strong economics foundations to build upon. Mandatory units in philosophy will develop your knowledge and skills in core philosophical concepts, logical and critical thinking, realism and normativity.

You'll complement your mandatory modules by choosing from a wide range of optional modules. The number of options increases as you progress through the degree, allowing you to select units from the areas of economics and philosophy that most interest you.

In recent years, optional topics have included behavioural economics, feminist philosophy, environmental economics, the philosophy and history of medicine, communicating economics, ethics and literature, labour economics, aesthetics, and more.

Your third year will be spent at a leading international institution abroad, where you'll learn English but broaden your horizons through the immersive experience of studying in a non-UK context.

In the final year, you'll also have the option to undertake an extended philosophy essay project on a topic of your choice.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• AAA including Mathematics

A-level contextual offer

• ABB including Mathematics

BTEC

• DDD in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma and A in mathematics at A-level (or equivalent)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including Mathematics with either 6 at Higher Level (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 7 at Standard Level (Analysis and Approaches)

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including Mathematics with either 5 at Higher Level (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 7 at Standard Level (Analysis and Approaches)

European Baccalaureate

• 85% overall, with 8.5 in Mathematics

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AA including Mathematics, and Standard Higher: AAAAB

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 15 credits from Mathematics units, of which at least 12 (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry) must be at Distinction. Or Access to HE Diploma in Business, Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology, Law or History (or similar titles), with the 45 graded Level 3 credits including at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above, plus A in A-level Mathematics.

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 7.0 in reading and listening, and no score below 6.0
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level G.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Philosophy and Economics with Study Abroad can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Related courses

• See a list of all Philosophy degrees and degrees at Bristol, and find more information about the course, assessment and career prospects.