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Economics (MEcon)

  • MEcon
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

This integrated master's degree in economics will help you understand advanced economic theory. You'll use facilities such as our Bloomberg Trading Suite and behavioural economics labs. You'll develop the analytical and research skills you need to become a professional economist.
This flexible course has 3 separate pathways you can choose after the first year. These have slightly different module selections. The pathways are:

Economics - this is the default pathway, which will give you a rounded education in the subject.

Econometrics - focuses on the quantitative methods in economics, providing the relevant statistical tools you'll need to analyse economic data and policy.

Behavioural economics - has an additional focus on explaining and predicting human behaviour, and using these insights to evaluate and design economic policy.

You'll graduate with practical transferable skills essential to a successful career or continued learning. Graduate destinations include Goldman Sachs, PwC, Bloomberg LP and the European Commission.

You'll also have the freedom to shape your studies by choosing optional modules to suit your interests or career plans. You could also:
• Spend a year in employment
• Gain vital work experience on a Student Innovation Project
• Spend a semester abroad
• Gain exemptions from professional accounting bodies and the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries

Modules

You will study various topics covering the fundamental aspects of Economics.

You can choose between a number of 'pathways' through the degree, to reflect your background and interests. Module choices in year one depend on whether you have studied economics at A level.

Some of the modules you may study include Economics with Data; Industrial Economics; Health and Policy Economics.

Please see the course page online for a list of core and optional modules:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/economics-degree-mecon#modules

Assessment method

We'll assess you using: coursework, lab reports and essays; dissertation; group essays; individual and group projects; self-assessment; teamwork; written exams

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • MEcon • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
L101
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
L101
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

Not accepted

A level

AAA
Typical offer: AAA including Mathematics If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: AAB including Mathematics plus grade A in the EPQ

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

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

Access to HE Diploma

D: 45 credits M: 0 credits P: 0 credits
Typical offer: 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which all must be at Distinction. Mathematics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard to be considered.

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

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

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

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

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)

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

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)

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

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)

D
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics

Scottish Advanced Higher

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 for further information. Applicants are advised to contact the Faculty of Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences Admissions Office at ugapply.fshms@southampton.ac.uk for more information. Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

36 points
Typical offer: Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including grade 6 in ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

A
AAA from three A levels including Mathematics or AA from two A levels including Mathematics and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

Extended Project

A
The University of Southampton values the Extended Project Qualification. Applicants taking the EPQ in addition to three A levels, will also be made an alternative offer one grade below the standard offer, conditional on an A grade in the EPQ. For more information on the University of Southampton’s EPQ Admissions Policy, please see our EPQ Admissions Policy webpage.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2
Typical offer: H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics at H2

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D3, D3, D3
Typical offer: D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics at D3 Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer .

GCSE/National 4/National 5

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

We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to the A level applicant. As A level Mathematics is required for this programme, all equivalent qualifications also need an equivalent of A level Mathematics, grade A.

For more details on the suitability of your qualifications please contact the Admissions Team at AdmissionsUG.SS@soton.ac.uk

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component below 6.0
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course.

We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9250Year 1
Northern Ireland£9250Year 1
Scotland£9250Year 1
Wales£9250Year 1
Channel Islands£9250Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9250Year 1
EU£23400Year 1
International£23400Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

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