BSc (Hons) ECONOMICS

Overview

Economics at LSBU is ranked 6th in the UK, second only to LSE in London and the top ranked non Russell Group university in the UK (Guardian League Table, 2024).

At LSBU we teach real economics, show you the factors which shape the current economic climate and discuss the theories which can explain recent trends. From questioning fundamental economic concepts by reviewing country or industry case studies to developing economic models to forecast what the future holds, we will make you apply economics from the first day you set foot onto our campus.

In this course, we take you on an exciting journey of exploring economic ideas, schools of thought and historical events which have led the world economy to where it is today. From sustainability to cryptocurrencies, the BSc Economics introduces students to the vast range of topics which drive the economy. And then we give you a glimpse of the future, leaving it up to you to make your critical judgement of what is yet to come.

Our curriculum is informed by the challenges and tasks professional Economists face in a variety of industries. This allows us to equip you with key graduate skills, turning you into an educated, passionate and competitive graduate who will be successful in any career path you choose.

Why Economics at LSBU?

Economics at LSBU is ranked 6th in the UK, second only to LSE in London and the top ranked non Russell Group university in the UK (Guardian League Table, 2024)
96% of students on this course feel that teaching  staff are good at explaining things and 100% say that the library resources support learning  (National Student Survey 2024)
Access to the software widely used in industry: Stata, Bloomberg, Excel and more
Ranked 1st for course satisfaction, teaching satisfaction and feedback satisfaction in Economics in London (Guardian University League Tables 2021)
We are a member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), sister brand of AMBA
We hold Centre of Excellence status with the IOEE, recognised for work in Entrepreneurship and business practice

The Economics course gives you an incomparable edge to start your career, and is a perfect mixture of theory and practice applied in real case scenarios. Another benefit is the fact that most of the lecturers call on previous careers with leading institutions.

- Antonio Mallaci Bocchio

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
ModeFull-time Duration3 years Start dateSeptember Application codeL103 Application method UCAS
ModeFull-time (with placement) Duration4 years Start dateSeptember Application codeL103 Application method UCAS

Course Accreditations

  • ACCA

  • CIMA

  • ILM

Location

London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.

If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.

Entry Level Requirements

Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

112 UCAS points

Or equivalent level 3 qualifications.

If you do not meet the entry criteria above we also review any previous skills, knowledge or experience you have gained outside of your education and are happy to talk through any extenuating circumstances you feel relevant.

Visit UCAS for guidance on the tariff.

Missing English and Maths qualifications?

If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

Advanced entry

If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.

United Kingdom

£9535

Tuition fees for home students

International

£16500

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

  • Full-time

    full-time

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Economics] (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 1FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Business Strategy] (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 1FS01
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Finance] (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 1FS02
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics [Economics] (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5799 Session code: 1FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £28605
    International: £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Economics] (FT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 2FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Business Strategy] (FT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 2FS01
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Finance] (FT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 2FS02
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics [Economics] (FT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5799 Session code: 2FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £28605
    International: £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Economics] (FT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £0 International fee: £0
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 3FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Business Strategy] (FT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £0 International fee: £0
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 3FS01
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Finance] (FT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £0 International fee: £0
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 3FS02
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics [Economics] (FT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5799 Session code: 3FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £28605
    International: £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Economics] (FT) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 4FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Business Strategy] (FT) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 4FS01
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

    BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) [Finance] (FT) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £16500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5800 Session code: 4FS02
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK (excluding any optional years): £28605
    UK (including any optional years): £28605
    International (excluding any optional years): £49500
    International (including any optional years): £49500

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

International students

International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

Home

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
Mode Full-time Duration 3 years Start date September Application code L103 Application method UCAS
Mode Full-time (with placement) Duration 4 years Start date September Application code L103 Application method UCAS

Accommodation

Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.

Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.

Prepare to start

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.

Enrolment

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.

The course offers a variety of modules including options in the final year, which cover current economic trends and themes which shape the global economy. Students will be able to gain a practical experience by applying their knowledge to work on real cases and with real data.

Year 1

  • Finance and the Economy This module introduces students to a range of economic and financial topics and shows how these can be applied to understand the world around us. The module develops student understanding of the external environment businesses face, and aspects of finance relevant to the business context. 100% coursework assessed.
  • Business Mathematics It is important for Economics students to learn about the application of quantitative methods and techniques to analyse and solve problems that exist in business, economics and finance. For this purpose the module introduces and applies the powerful analytic method of calculus for finding optimal solutions to specific issues in economics and business. Coursework and exam assessed.
  • The LSBU Discovery Project In this module students will be utilising business project frameworks, problem-solving skills and idea generation techniques that will support them through the key stages required to complete a small business project from concept to delivery. Throughout the stages of their project, and by incorporating a facilitated coaching process, students will be supported to develop key skills vital to successful leadership and management. 100% coursework assessed.
  • Economic Concepts This module will continue to develop students’ understanding of the essential micro- and macroeconomic theories which are the bedrock to the economic concepts and methods studied in Finance and the Economy. The emphasis of the module is upon the theoretical frameworks underpinning the business applications of economics in facilitating the decisions of policy-makers, managers and entrepreneurs in a variety of situations as well as the implications of the open macroeconomy on the operations of modern firms. 100% coursework assessed.
  • Management and Organisations This module introduces students to the basic concepts of management in organisations. It gives students an appreciation of the complexities of organisations that affect employee behaviour within them. It introduces them to human resource management strategies to manage people in organisations. The module incorporates key management, organisational behaviour and people management theories and practices. 100% coursework assessed.
  • Principles of Strategy This module aims to equip students with the knowledge of skills of basic strategic analysis. Students will be exposed to the use of simple strategic tools to evaluate the business and its wider environment. They will also be able to identify creative strategic solutions to simple organisational issues. The module further aims to develop students’ ability to make decisions between different strategic alternatives. 100% coursework assessed.

Year 2

  • Microeconomic Modelling The aim of the module is to provide an intermediate level analysis of the principles governing the allocation of resources in market economies, and the operations of the micro-economy. The module develops the theoretical concepts introduced at level 4, by investigating in greater depth the decisions of individual consumers, and firms in order to explain why, and how, such choices are made. The course also introduces the student to welfare economics, and considers general equilibrium, economic efficiency, and social welfare questions and issues. Market failure and the policy responses to such failure are also explored. Coursework and exam assessed.
  • The Analytical Economist This module provides comprehensive insights into graduate employability and career development for economics students. It teaches students essential techniques of self-awareness building, career exploration, job search, succeeding in recruitment and selection processes and teamwork, enabling them to secure employment and thrive in the world of work. In addition, the module covers specific skills of particular relevance to economists, especially digital and communication skills that are valued and highly sought after by relevant employers. 100% coursework assessed.
  • Introduction to Econometrics This module introduces the student to the basics of econometrics. It starts with the standard OLS methodology and beginning with simple regression analysis, moves to multiple regression analysis. The problems associated with OLS are explained along with their consequences and potential alleviating measures. Indicator or dummy variables are also considered along with their applications. A heavy emphasis on addressing econometric problems with the use of statistical software will also be pursued. 100% coursework assessed..
  • Macroeconomic Modelling This module embeds both the definition and importance of macroeconomic indicators, including what they mean and how they are calculated. Students will have a clear story of the history of economic though in the context of macroeconomics. This will involve understanding historic theory including Say’s Law, Keynesianism, Monetarism as well as modern economic thought within macroeconomics. Students will work with and manipulate macroeconomic data and gain an understanding of current economic conditions within the United Kingdom using government economic reports. Coursework and exam assessed.
  • Economic Policy Analysis This module will help students to learn how to use economics to understand and articulate reasoned views on some of the most pressing policy problems facing our societies: inequality, financial instability, the future of work, climate change, wealth creation and innovation. It addresses positive and normative dimensions as well as political-economy constraints. 100% coursework assessed.
  • The Digital Economy This module offers an excursion into the digital economy and novel types of industries and businesses arising within. It introduces students to the key drivers, which are currently transforming various industries and includes examples of the UN SDG on Industry Innovation & Infrastructure. The module aims to equip students with an understanding of the changing digital environment and trends in digitalisation, which define current economic developments. It further aims to raise awareness of the regulatory challenges these recent trends impose. 100% coursework assessed.

Year 3

Optional placement year in industry (if you choose not to do a placement year, you will take the modules listed below in your third year).

Year 4

  • Microeconomic Strategy This module introduces the students to an understanding of fundamental models in microeconomics and introduces them to methods of formal microeconomic analysis. It differs from previous modules on microeconomics the students will have completed in that it treats the models in a more formal manner, and additionally introduces the student to the treatment of the models using various mathematical (and graphical) techniques including calculus. Coursework and exam assessed.
  • Macroeconomic Policy Students will learn ways to connect the behaviour of households, firms and governments and central banks to aggregate economic outcomes. The module will focus on linking policies on economic growth to innovation, market structure and firm dynamics; and more generally by taking institutions seriously into account when looking at growth, business cycles and unemployment and the interplay between them. Coursework and exam assessed. 
  • Economics Project The Economic Research Methods module runs over two semesters aims to help students to develop an understanding of the research process in semester one and to undertake research in semester two leading to successful completion of their applied project. It covers ideas, techniques, and methods relevant to different stages of the research process, stressing the interdependence of each stage in conducting effective, coherent and rigorous research. 

Year 4 Options

  • Big Data Econometrics This module introduces students to the methodologies and techniques of evaluating big data in economics, finance and business. This module aims to raise students’ awareness of the challenges surrounding the analysis of big data and develop students’ ability to identify appropriate statistical solutions to such complex big data econometrics problems. It exposes students to the use of statistical software packages and the application of big data econometrics. 100% coursework assessed.
  • Financial Econometrics This module focuses on the use of modern econometric methodology for dealing with problems in the area of finance and economics and provides students with the necessary econometric tools. It applies the techniques of mathematics, statistics and econometrics to analyse financial data so as to understand and model the underlying financial and economic conditions. In achieving the above, use of specialist software packages is employed to analyse real world examples. Empirical applications are considered in the stock, bond and exchange rate markets. 100% coursework assessed.
  • International Trade and Globalisation This module forms part of the area of international economics and studies the role played by multinational firms in the global trading system. The module introduces students to the global trading system, both the theories of how and why countries engage in trade and the role played by governments, regional trading agreements and international institutions in the regulation of trade. The module is further concerned with multinational companies, examining the growth of multinationals, the theories advanced to explain the growth of multinationals and the effects of multinationals on the countries where they operate. 100% coursework assessed.
  • Development Economics This module explores the economic reasons that have led to increasing development inequality (national and international). It focuses on how formal and informal finance can encourage economic development; the relationship between gender equity and growth, and analyse core issues regarding the development policymaking and strategy. The aim of the module is to provide an in-depth analysis of the challenging development process and the various problems facing economies striving to develop and combat poverty and inequality. 100% coursework assessed.
  • Global Finance and Technology This module introduces students to the concept of International Finance and the role of exchange rates and their determination in financial markets. The module covers theories of exchange rate determination and the difference between fixed and floating exchange rate systems. It further offers an excursion into modern financial topics such as cryptocurrencies, Fintech and automation in the banking sector as key drivers in the finance industry. Students will be exposed to the regulatory challenges, which come with financial innovation. 100% coursework assessed.
  • Behavioural Economics The module examines the psychological underpinnings of economic behaviour and in particular when this behaviour deviates from predicted economic theory. It introduces the necessary skills within economics to test theoretical predictions and hypothesis. This includes designing and running lab based experiments as well as structuring clear testable predictions. Alongside this practical application the module will introduce students to recent behavioural theories that have emerged to explain the empirical observations (both from existing literature and their own research), and will discuss the implications for economics, business and politics. Coursework and exam assessed.

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

  • An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
  • Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

The course equips students with a comprehensive skillset, which makes them highly employable in both the public and private sector. From the finance sector to the government economic service, LSBU Economics graduates will find themselves able to join almost any industry they choose.

Typical career paths include: economic research bodies, economic consultancy practices (including the consulting segments of some of the large chartered accountancy/financial services firms), broader management and strategic consultancies, the Government Economic Service (GES), commercial banks, investment banks, private equity and other specialist investment services, the International Monetary Fund (and other international bodies), NGOs, local authorities and Learning and Skills Council offices.

The majority of employers have a small number of staff devoted to economic consultancy work, or alternatively are relatively small organisations focused purely on economic consultancy.

Typical job titles are: Senior Economist, Economics Analyst, Economic Advisor.

Upon successful completion students are eligible to apply for our MSc International Economics and Strategy or our MSc International Finance.

Our curriculum informed by industry and professional economists working for the government economic service and in the private sector.

Teaching and Assessment

The course is two-thirds coursework assessed. The course features a variety of delivery styles with a mix of online and face-to-face tutorials, seminars based on discussions of current economic developments or lab exercises using relevant statistical software. Wherever possible, the teaching team will invite guest speaker from industry to support student learning.

Every student will have the opportunity to engage in personal tutoring or seek advice from a personal tutor for the entire duration of their course.

People profiles

Book now

Register your interest

Contact information

Course Enquiries - UK

Tel: 0207 815 7500

International team enquiry

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7815 6189

Key Information Set Data

Full-time

Key Information Set Data

Full-time (with Placement)