Why choose this course?
- The economics course at Hertfordshire has been ranked as the 14th best in the UK (Guardian League Table 2020).
- Broaden your understanding of the role economics plays in shaping policy in companies, institutions, and governments.
- Gain the required skills and knowledge that are geared towards the demands of today’s economic environment, allowing you to thrive in your future career.
- Access to first-class teaching facilities and resources, which have been designed to help you with your studies.
- Hertfordshire was ranked as the top university where economics students were challenged to achieve their best work in the 2021 National Student Survey (NSS)
- You will be taught by a skilled and supportive group of academics and professionals, who bring together years of extensive knowledge and experience from different industries and academic institutions. They will challenge you, develop you and equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills required to thrive in today’s economic landscape.
- You could be eligible for a £2,000 scholarship if you achieve a tariff of 120 UCAS points (in one sitting) and are a full-time home student starting your course in September 2022. Full eligibility criteria and further details.
What's the course about?
Indicative course structure
Economics drives business, informs policy, and affects everyone’s lives. With its applied business focus, this course emphasises the economic analysis of key business functions and the industrial structure of market economies and the global environment. It will give you a detailed understanding of the principles of economics and teach you how to apply these principles to support decision-making. As well as developing an understanding of the nature of pricing, investment, employment, and many other decisions businesses have to take, you’ll have the option to study modules in marketing, accounting, finance, and human resource management. The course will also have modules specifically focused on your employability and developing and enhancing the skills necessary to thrive in your future career.
The opportunity to study abroad or spend a year in industry will give you valuable experience and enhance your career prospects.
You can also study a language with this course. You can be awarded the degree ‘with language’ in the title if you choose to study a foreign language in all years of study.
In the first year, all students study introductory modules on microeconomics and macroeconomics and are equipped with fundamental quantitative skills. The Intro to Microeconomics module is concerned with the behaviour of individual firms, markets, and consumers and their economic activity. The Intro to Macroeconomics module looks at the economy as a whole and focuses on economic factors such as interest rates and national productivity. Our students must have a general understanding of both of these economic concepts as they will be beneficial in making and understanding practical business decisions in their future careers.
In the second year, all student progress to intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics. Economics students develop their quantitative skills by studying techniques of economic analysis and econometrics, while Business Economics students enhance their appreciation of economics in relation to business. Students will learn about consumers and firms and how their decisions making affect the markets in which they engage and ultimately the success of the economy. This vital relationship will be explored for various types of market structures. During this year, students will also develop and enhance employability and research skills that will equip them for future employment.
In the final year, Business Economics students study managerial economics and strategic thinking in business, while Economics students study advanced microeconomics and macroeconomics with an emphasis on policymaking. Students of both pathways can choose from a variety of optional modules, including Industry Practise for Economic Professionals. In this module, students will assess, develop and evaluate their employability skills through work-based learning. Through their work students will have the opportunity to apply and critically evaluate academic theories and current business school research in practical business environments.
