The BSc Economics degree has a strong emphasis on critical understanding and application. The Government Economic Service, the largest employer of economists in the UK, has publicly criticised economics training in higher education for not putting enough emphasis on understanding and application. Thus, one of the reasons they have not been able to fill their vacancies. Therefore, we are proud to be the first new university to adopt the new CORE curriculum. This curriculum develops students to appreciate the application of economics to a range of problems in a variety of contexts, including social, political and environmental issues.
Our Economics tutors are specialists in Labour Economics, Regional Economics, International Political Economy, Financial economics, Energy Economics, Game Theory, and Economics of Crime. They work with organisations such as the Welsh Government and Government Economic Service, to ensure our curriculum is cutting edge and relevant.
Foundation Year
This degree can be studied as a three-year full-time degree or a four-year degree that includes a year of foundational study. Our foundation year is intended to prepare you for your subsequent years of studying, offering you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence.
The foundation year will be relevant to:
- Students who have not achieved the required A-level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme.
- Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time.
Find out more about the
foundation year.
Please note: You will need to apply using a specific UCAS code if you wish to undertake the 4 years including foundation. Please refer to Key Course Information at the bottom of this page.
Course Content
Degree:
Year One:
In the first year you will get an introduction into both micro- and macroeconomics, as well as being equipped with the necessary quantitative and academic skills to succeed not only in your studies, but more importantly in your future careers. Furthermore, you will get a wider perspective with an introduction to related subjects, like accounting, finance, information systems and law.
Students will complete 120 credits of compulsory modules in Year 1.
Modules (Compulsory):
- The Economy: Microeconomics (20 credits)
- The Economy: Macroeconomics (20 credits)
- Quantitative Methods (20 credits)
- Global Financial Services (20 credits)
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Financial & Digital Accounting (20 credits)
- Law and the World of Business (20 credits)
Year Two:
The second year concentrates on the more advanced study of micro- and macroeconomics. You will also learn how to use statistical analysis and how to research. As with all CSM courses a workplace module is also included in the second year of study to prepare students for their careers after completing their studies.
Students will complete 100 credits of compulsory modules and will be able to select 20 credits from the range of available optional modules.
Modules (Compulsory):
- Intermediate Microeconomics (20 credits)
- Intermediate Macroeconomics (20 credits)
- Quantitative Methods II (20 credits)
- History of Economic Thought (20 credits)
- Work Experience OR Volunteering Project(20 credits)
Modules (Optional*):
- Contemporary Issues in International Political Economy (20 credits)
- Public Finance (20 credits)
Year Three:
The third year focuses on applying economics, but also explores further important areas of economics, which are health and monetary economics (why money is important, how a credit crunch happens), as well as public economics, which is all about the economic tools important for governments. The dissertation will be an opportunity to apply your acquired knowledge and skills. This will further prepare you for your future professional or academic career.
Students will complete 80 credits of compulsory modules, including a Dissertation and will be able to select 40 credits from the range of available optional modules.
Modules (Compulsory):
- Applied Microeconomics (20 credits)
- Macroeconomics: Theory and Application (20 credits)
- Econometrics (20 credits)
- Behavioural Economics (20 credits)
Modules (Optional*):
- Dissertation (40 credits)
- Industrial Economics (20 credits)
- International Political Economy (20 credits)
- Economic Tools for Government (20 credits)
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Advanced Games and Applications (20 credits)
*Please note that optional modules are delivered subject to demand and availability
Sandwich Degree Programme: Students on the sandwich modes complete a 20-credit level 6 module which consists of a full year’s secondment at an employer in the local area or the area local to the student’s home.
Learning & Teaching
We are committed to providing you with the necessary support to enable you to realise your full potential. Our innovative teaching methods include experiments and the very latest teaching materials. Modules are typically taught through a mixture of 2-hour lectures per week and 2-hour seminars/workshops per week. All modules are supported through Moodle and Leganto, the virtual learning environment.
Assessment
A wide range of methods are used including class tests, individual and group presentations, reports, essays, and open-book and closed-book examinations.
Employability & Careers
Economists are in demand in both the private and public sector. They can be skilled managers, researchers, analysts and strategists. Research shows that Economics students have higher average earnings than most other graduates, including those studying a general business degree.
Work Placements:
The provision of work-placements as an assessed part of your academic programme of learning is so important that we provide you with the opportunity to undertake placement as part of your second year studies. We have strong links with the business community and the work-placement programme is designed to enhance your future employability prospects.
Progression to postgraduate study within the Cardiff School of Management is also an option.
Entry Requirements & How to Apply
Typical Offers
The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.
If you do not meet these entry requirements, we also offer a
Foundation Year which allows progression to Year 1 upon successful completion.
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Tariff points: 112
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Contextual offer: See our
contextual offers page.
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GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
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English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
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A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include Grades CCC. No specific subjects required. Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as a third subject.
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BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM
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T Level: Merit.
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Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required.
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International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 2 x H5. No specific subjects required.
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Irish Leaving Certificate: 2 x H2 grades. No specific subjects required. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
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Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades DD. No specific subjects required. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.
Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact
Admissions or refer to the
UCAS Course Search.
Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found
here.
If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or
RPL that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.
How to Apply
Further information on how to apply can be found
here.
Contact Us