Economics (Study Abroad)

BSc Economics begins by introducing the foundational principles of economic theory. The BSc then focuses on the mathematical and statistical methods employed in Economics. Whether your goal is to use economics in finance or policy, this programme is flexible enough to allow you to pursue either.

Programme overview
As a student who is comfortable and fluent in mathematics, BSc Economics provides you with the analytic skills and intellectual toolbox to help answer some of the most pressing economics questions.

You will learn how to interpret data, understand (and quantify) the decisions made by individuals, organisations, and governments and evaluate economic policies.

You will cover the fundamentals of economic theory and practice, and as your degree progresses and you discover more about both the subject and yourself, you have the opportunity to flex this programme in ways that speak to your changing interests and strengths. This might lead you to choose modules in:

• International trade

• Environmental economics

• Health economics

• Behavioural economics

Amongst many other specialisations. This leads to a degree unique to you, where you have played a major part in building the degree you want.

Your third year is spent in industry. You’ll be supported in securing a placement, and all placement roles offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills.

Key facts
What separates Lancaster from the crowd is the flexible nature of our Economics degree. Not only can you choose more and more of your modules as you progress through your degree, but economics can also be combined with:

• Politics

• International relations

• Geography

• Politics and Philosophy (the E in PPE)

Many of these subjects are great complements to Economics.

You do not need an A level in Economics to enrol in this course.

BSc Economics is also offered as a three-year degree. If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme, finishing your degree after your third year.

Programme outcomes
BSc Economics offers a grounding in the fundamentals of economics. The most powerful aspect of economics is that it teaches a way of thinking which can then be applied to a specific field. You need specific knowledge and skills if you want to be a government economist advising on tax or social/welfare costs. The same is true for a career in finance. You need specific finance models – how much to invest here, or advise clients to invest there. But the mode of thinking is the same for both: it is the critical, disciplined way of thinking that you will get from an Economics degree at Lancaster University. Economics opens up the world because the critical and analytical thinking skills that it inculcates are applicable to whatever your passion: politics, finance, the trading floor, or working for a Non-governmental organisation; all use the same skills.