Course Overview
We teach Economics, and the supporting analytical methods, from first principles, making our three-year degree equally suited to students with an A Level in Economics or beginners who have not studied it before. Our course weaves theory and evidence into policy analysis so that you can analyse and understand fundamental issues and topical concerns. You'll be able to choose from a wide range of optional Economics modules, or minor subjects, to tailor your studies to suit your interests and aspirations.
You begin your degree with modules including Principles of Economics and Quantitative Methods for Economics. You'll also choose a third subject drawn from Management School disciplines or from other subject areas.
In your second year, you'll move on to courses such as an Introduction to Econometrics; Micro and Macroeconomic Principles; Applied Microeconomics and Applied Macroeconomics. If you follow our Study Abroad variant, you'll spend your second year at a partner university in North America or Australasia. It is also possible to continue your study of a minor subject through your second and third years.
In your final year, you choose up to eight topics in Economics for specialist study, with each taught by an active researcher in the field. These include, for example, Human Resource Economics; Industrial Organisation; International Trade and International Business. Students who have performed well in their studies are also offered the opportunity of completing a Dissertation module in the third year.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Economics department.
Year 1
- Principles of Economics
- Quantitative Methods for Economics
Year 2
Year 3
- Advanced Microeconomic Theory
- Economic Growth and Development
- International Economics
- International Business
- Monetary Macroeconomics
- Mathematical Economics
- Industrial Organisation
- Applied Macroeconomics
- Advanced Macroeconomics
- Human Resource Economics
- Econometrics
- Dissertation Module
- Advanced Macroeconomic Theory
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Economics department website.
Entry Criteria
A/AS-levels: AAA inc Maths.
General Studies: Accepted as one of 3 A-levels
Preference: Three A-levels
Key skills: Not included in offer
GCSE: Maths and English Language, min grade A in both
Scottish Highers: AAABB
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 36 points overall with 16 in 3 HL subjects
IELTS: 6.5
BTEC: DDD
Mature students: Applications welcome; interview if favourably considered. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
Careers
Our degrees are designed to prepare you for a career in industry, business, finance, consultancy or government. Recent Economics graduates have joined banks and financial consultancies such as HSBC and Deloitte, while others have been employed on graduate schemes with major companies, including BAE and the Swire Group.
Many of our students have gained places in postgraduate courses at top institutions and then pursued specialised careers as economists - for example, at the Bank of England, the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and in academia.
Many Business Economics graduates have found employment in the corporate and service sectors, including banking, finance, accountancy and advertising. Recent Business Economics graduates have continued on to professional training as financial advisers, traders and underwriters.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability awareness, career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Lancaster Management School has an award winning careers team to provide a dedicated careers and placement service offering a range of innovative services for management school students. Our high reputation means we attract a wide range of leading global employers to campus offering you the opportunity to interact with graduate recruiters from day 1 of your degree.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lecture-tutorial , interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using a variety of different methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions, group work assessment and oral presentations. Formal examinations include short answer questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supported in the production of final year project reports and dissertations. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2013, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2013 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2012.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
View details of our current Undergraduate fees.
