Program Overview

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BSc Economics

Overview

The BSc Economics degree allows students to analyze in-depth how economies function (macroeconomics) and how individuals make decisions (microeconomics). The models used by economists combine qualitative and quantitative techniques, and students will have the opportunity to gain analytical, computing, presentation, and writing skills. These transferable skills are highly sought after across industry and also provide an excellent platform for future entrepreneurs.

Course Structure

The degree provides students with further opportunities to work and study abroad through schemes such as Study USA, British Council, Erasmus, International Workplace Tours, Study China, City Scholarships, and much more.

World Class Facilities

Students will have access to specialist mathematical and statistical training and software, giving them the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to prepare them for careers in economics.

Internationally Renowned Experts

Many of the staff are leading international experts in their fields of research.

Student Experience

Students can join the Economics Society, a student-run organization that aims to educate its members on the use of economics in practice through guest speakers, field trips abroad, and educational seminars.

Further Study Opportunities

Students can choose from a wide range of Master’s programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics, as shown on the Queen’s Business School website.

Industry Links

Top performing students are regularly awarded prizes, scholarships, and internships from leading companies, such as the Shaw Memorial Prize for the best performing second-year student in BSc Economics, and the KPMG Prize for the best graduate in the BSc Economics degree.

Student Testimonials

• “I work directly for the Mayor of London, and have overall responsibility for all of Transport for London services – London Underground, London buses, Docklands Light Railway, Crossrail operations, London Overground, London Trams, and the Emirates Air Line cable car! I am also heavily involved in the Congestion Charging scheme, road safety, and schemes to boost cycling and walking.” - Mike Brown MVO, BSc Economics, Queen’s University Commissioner - Transport for London
• “The Economics course at QUB is well-structured, interesting, and covers current topics. You develop a wide variety of skills through various group projects, assignments, presentations, and research projects, which truly enhances your employability and attractiveness in the job market.” - Aoife Kealey

Course Content

Year 1

• Communicating Economics (20 credits)
• Principles of Economics (40 credits)
• Financial Institutions and Markets (20 credits)
• Statistical Methods (20 credits)
• Mathematics for Economists (20 credits)

Year 2

• Intermediate Microeconomics (20 credits)
• Macroeconomics (20 credits)
• Industrial Organisation (20 credits)
• Game Theory (20 credits)
• Economic Growth (20 credits)
• Introduction to Econometrics (20 credits)

Year 3

• Advanced Microeconomics (20 credits)
• Applied Econometrics (20 credits)

Optional Modules

• Environmental Economics (20 credits)
• Contemporary Economic Issues (20 credits)
• International Economics (20 credits)
• Economic History (20 credits)
• Labour Economics (20 credits)
• Economics of Networks and Institutions (20 credits)
• Public Economics (20 credits)
• Economics Dissertation (20 credits)

Entrance Requirements

A-level

• ABB + GCSE Mathematics grade A/7

Irish Leaving Certificate

• H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O2 in Mathematics

Access Course

• Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 70% + GCSE Mathematics grade A/7 or equivalent in Access Course

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 33 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level. If not offered at Higher Level then Standard Level grade 6 in Mathematics or GCSE Mathematics grade A/7

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

• QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3), with overall grades D*DD + GCSE Mathematics grade A/7
• RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) at Level 3), with overall grades D*DD + GCSE Mathematics grade A/7

Graduate

• A minimum of a 2:1 Honours Degree + GCSE Mathematics grade A/7

Note

• All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University

How We Choose Our Students

• Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by Queen's Business School
• Selection is on the basis of the information provided on the UCAS form, which is considered by a member of administrative staff from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Selector from the School
• Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS

International Students

• Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events, and contacts for your country/region

English Language Requirements

• An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at:

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) - £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) - £4,855
• England, Scotland, or Wales (GB) - £9,535
• EU Other - £20,800
• International - £20,800

Additional Course Costs

• Students who undertake optional study tours are expected to make a contribution, of approximately £150

Scholarships

• Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students
• Information on scholarships available

International Scholarships

• Information on scholarships for international students, is available at:

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for Extra-Curricular Skills

• In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic, and employability skills
• For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports, and lots more
• So not only do you graduate with a degree recognized from a world-leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall
• We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award
• It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special

Career Prospects

• Those pursuing a career in Economics should enjoy working with numbers and dealing with ambiguous and incomplete information as they attempt to understand and provide solutions to problems
• They should also be effective communicators and work well with people
• Economists must be prepared to take on challenges and be able to adapt to a constantly changing and dynamic business environment
• Many of the skills that students will acquire during their studies at Queen’s will be of great value in a range of different career and life situations
• Core transferable skills include the ability to learn independently, problem-solving, understanding and interpreting very sophisticated economic and financial information, and work productively as part of a team
• The skillset of an Economics graduate is highly sought after by employers, in the public and private sectors
• In recent years, students have secured positions in economic analysis and appraisal with a range of government and other public sector organizations, specialist careers in banking and investment appraisal, as well as more generalist positions in economic consulting

Employment after the Course

• Typical career destinations of graduates include:
  • Economic Consulting
  • Accountancy
  • Managers and Administrators in areas such as market research, advertising, sales, and personnel
  • Education, health, or government departments

Employment Links

• Graduate employers include:
  • PwC
  • EY
  • KPMG
  • Deloitte
  • BDO
  • Ulster Bank
  • Bank of Ireland
  • First Trust
  • Northern Ireland Civil Service
  • Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency
  • JP Morgan
  • Morgan Stanley
  • BBC
  • National Trust

Alumni Success

• “I work directly for the Mayor of London, and have overall responsibility for all of Transport for London services – London Underground, London buses, Docklands Light Railway, Crossrail operations, London Overground, London Trams, and the Emirates Air Line cable car! I am also heavily involved in the Congestion Charging scheme, road safety, and schemes to boost cycling and walking.” - Mike Brown, BSc Economics, Queen’s University Commissioner - Transport for London

What Employers Say

• “For many years Oxford Economics has recruited students from Queen’s Economics degree, both for industrial placement and graduate positions. The course equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to hit the ground running in the workplace." - David Moore, Senior Economist, Oxford Economics, Northern Ireland

Prizes and Awards

• Economics Group Prize is awarded to the best presentation in the Level 3 Dissertation module
• Foundation Scholarships for the best student in Economics Level 1 and Level 2
• KPMG Prize is awarded to the best graduate in the BSc Economics degree
• McKane Medal is awarded to the best final honours student in Economics
• Shaw Memorial Prize for the best performing second-year student in BSc Economics
• Top performing students are regularly awarded prizes and scholarships from leading companies

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for Extra-Curricular Skills

• In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic, and employability skills
• For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports, and lots more
• So not only do you graduate with a degree recognized from a world-leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall
• We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award
• It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special

How to Apply

• Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
• Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at:

Terms and Conditions

• The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study
• Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions

Additional Information for International (Non-EU) Students

• Applying through UCAS
• Applying direct
• Applying through agents and partners

Course Vacancy Status

• Below is the current vacancy status for this course
• For further information please contact us at:

Student Accommodation

• The most affordable, purpose-built student accommodation in Belfast

Your Future Career

• Queen's is ranked 8th in the UK for Graduate Prospects – On Track (Complete University Guide 2025)

Student Accommodation

• The most affordable, purpose-built student accommodation in Belfast

Student Satisfaction

• 94% of students were satisfied overall with their course

Student Satisfaction

• 88% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well

Student Satisfaction

• 90% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

Course Location

• Queen's Business School

Can't Find Something?

• We're here to help with any questions or queries you may have about this course

Contact Us

• University Road, Belfast
• Northern Ireland, BT7 1NN
• +44 (0)

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