Economics and Data Science

Combine essential economics problem-solving and data analysis tools, with programming, data visualisation and data handling skills, on this innovative single-honours degree.

Employability sits at the heart of this programme, recognising that handling and managing data is a crucial part of any modern economist’s toolkit. Economists collect and analyse data, use it to answer key economic questions, and communicate the results to policymakers and industry stakeholders. These skills are in high demand across a range of roles and sectors.

You’ll build extensive core knowledge and practical skills in macro- and micro-economics, data science, econometrics, mathematics, and statistics, and receive hands-on training in modern programming languages – with applications focused on economic analysis.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to engage in a research-based project that will enable you to apply your learning and tackle a real-world data challenge of interest to you, as you hone your research, analysis, and team working abilities. This might include working with an industry partner from a potential future employer, such as an external business or public sector organisation.

You’ll also be able to tailor your degree to suit your interests and career ambitions with optional modules – exploring topics ranging from behavioural economics to international business, industrial economics to health economics, and much more.

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 5 for economics and econometrics amongst UK universities (REF 2021). We are also home to the Economics Network, which improves the teaching and learning of economics in universities throughout the UK and Europe.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be prepared for a successful and prosperous career. On average, Bristol economics students earn 26% more than other UK economics graduates within 5 years of graduation – typically enjoying salaries between £42,500 and £77,500 per year (discoveruni.gov.uk, 2024).

The in-demand skills you’ll gain on our BSc Economics and Data Science will make you well-placed for a role in data or quantitative analysis in public and private institutions, such as the Government Economic Service, consulting firms, and firms in the technology and financial sectors.