Economics with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Gain a solid foundation in economics and evaluate the impact of economic policies.

• Learn to analyse social issues such as inequality and environmental sustainability.

• Develop analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills you can apply to the economy.

• Enhance your professional communication and teamwork skills.

• Gain work-ready experience with real-life projects and placements.

Studying marketing and economic theories, you’ll build your decision-making skills by using real-time analysis of global market data. You’ll apply the most current economic theories to real-world challenges – using quantitative data, statistical tools and advanced econometric software. You’ll graduate with a comprehensive understanding of economics, finance, financial markets, and the far-reaching impacts of public policy.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation course – which has been designed to encourage exploration and experimentation.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll study BSc (Hons) in Economics in our Sheffield Business School, rated in the top 5% globally for excellence in teaching and research.

Key Themes

This course starts by helping you develop a strong understanding of economics and the practical skills you’ll use to evaluate the impact of economic policies on financial markets and businesses. You’ll develop your understanding of how and when to use appropriate theories, analytical techniques and software to analyse economic data and financial information. You’ll then be able to evaluate market trends, make informed economic decisions and develop strategies that maximise returns while minimising risk.

As you progress, you’ll further build on and refine your knowledge and analytical skills through real-world projects, collaborating in teams to create reports, presentations and recommendations inspired by real industry challenges. This hands-on approach and our award-winning supportive learning environment will prepare you for careers in professional economic analysis, business, finance, and consultancy – as well as many other sectors of the economy where analytical reasoning and economic knowledge are needed.

Towards the course's conclusion, you'll undertake a consultancy project for a real organisation, guided by a dedicated project supervisor. In this capstone project, you'll conduct research and apply the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired throughout your studies.

Applied learning

Live Projects

In your final year of the course, you'll engage in real client-based projects, performing research and analysis to generate findings and recommendations that address client business problems. You’ll present these findings to the client, gaining valuable experience of professional practice.

Work Placements

Between your third and fourth years of the course, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a sandwich placement.

During this placement, you'll gain practical skills, including proficiency in new software, managing marketing campaigns, developing pricing strategies, optimising business processes, achieving sales targets and crafting financial reports. This hands-on experience will equip you with valuable workplace insights to enhance your readiness for your future career – as well an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

Previous students have secured positions at organisations such as Investec, Lloyds Bank, PwC, HSBC and Santander.