Business Economics – BA (Honours)

At a glance

Gain an in-depth understanding of business economics. Develop theoretical knowledge and skills that are crucial in roles that support business planning and analysis and contribute to strategic decision-making. You can put these skills into practice by completing a one year work placement with a national or international organisation.

Key points
• Study a course that emphasises the real world application of economic theory.• Develop your personal employability skills to help you secure employment.
• Gain professional insight and experience through a one year placement.
• You have the option to learn a language as part of the course.

What is business economics?
Business economics explores the interaction of organisations and their environment, the allocation of resources, and the consequences of business decisions for individual organisations and the economy as a whole. It enables you to develop an analytical approach to the issues and problems experienced by organisations, and it provides you with the tools and techniques you require to make informed contributions to debates and decision-making.

This course

Studying business economics provides you with the knowledge and skills to understand business behaviour and issues in the wider economy.

You learn the concepts and analytical skills required to understand a broad range of themes in business and economics, including • the functioning of markets for products, services and labour • strategy and decision making within firms • industry structure • international trade • globalisation • finance • macroeconomic policy.

During year three, you can complete a paid one year work placement in the UK or abroad. Placements give you a practical insight into the working life of an organisation and the opportunity to apply and develop your new knowledge and skills in real life situations.

Our students have recently completed work placements with a wide range of national and international organisations, including • Adidas UK • Airbus UK • AXA • Bosch • Coca Cola Enterprises • General Motors • Lloyds Banking Group • Marks & Spencer • Metropolitan Police • Microsoft UK • Royal Bank of Scotland • Walt Disney Company.

If you do not take a work placement, you can still gain valuable work experience through our work-based learning module.

As a student, you have an academic and professional advisor in each year of your course to support your overall progress and help you develop your academic skills.

You can also join the student-led International Business and Economics Society to meet others and discuss and debate current events in the economy and business world. The society also arranges guest lectures by academic experts and industry practitioners, allowing students to gain insights from those at the forefront of knowledge.

Key areas of study
You develop specialist expertise in business economics by studying topics such as • business analysis • macroeconomics • microeconomics • industrial economics • statistics and econometrics.

You also have the opportunity to study related topics such as finance, business management and international business.