Business economics courses help students build their knowledge across a broad area of economics. Through this course, students will develop the skills to understand the economic issues they encounter in the business world. A business economics course provides students with the theoretical and practical skills they will need to understand and implement economic decisions by managers, businesses, and financial specialists. Candidates will learn about:
- Microeconomics and macroeconomics
- Ethics in business
- Modern economics used in the modern world of business
- Business strategy
Business economics, also known as managerial economics, covers the foundation of managerial economics, which includes financial markets, business practice, data analytics, accounting and finance, and applied economics. In master's economics courses, students will further learn about econometrics, labour economics, and globalisation.
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Top 10 Universities in the UK for Business Economics
Below is the list of the five best universities in the UK for business and economics, as ranked by the Guardian University Guide 2024.
1. University of Essex
The University of Essex BA (Hons) Business Economics programme offers a detailed understanding of economics within the context of the business world. Through collaboration between the Department of Economics and Essex Business School, students gain theoretical insights and practical skills for getting acquainted with economic decisions in various organisational settings. Students receive a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on both microeconomics and macroeconomics, coupled with modules covering modern business strategies and ethical considerations. Graduates emerge equipped for successful careers with a robust understanding of economics and business dynamics.
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) Business Economics
- Entry requirements: A-levels: BBB - BBC. IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
- International fee: £20,500
2. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of the world’s top 100 universities. Currently, the University has over 26,000 students from over 120 countries enrolled whilst. Glasgow is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK Research Universities. Through Business Economics courses, which is one of the most popular subjects to study at the University of Glasgow), students will study the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, applying specific models and concepts to real-world scenarios.
- Suggested course: MA(SocSci) (Hons) business economics
- Entry requirements: A-level: AAB – BBB. IB diploma: 36 (6,6,5) points.
3. University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool's BA (Hons) Business Economics course offers a great educational experience, ranked 5th in the Russell Group for teaching quality and 8th for student experience. With an overall ranking of 15th among 71 providers (Times Good University Guide 2023), the programme provides a broad understanding of economics within a business context.
Students develop vital quantitative and analytical skills, enriched by practical experiences utilising real-time trading information on the Bloomberg Trading Floor. The curriculum promotes a deep comprehension of economic theory and its application in diverse business scenarios, from foundational principles to specialised pathways in Accounting and Finance or International Business.
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) business economics
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 35 points with no score below 4. A-level: AAB.
- International fee: £23,200
4. University of East Anglia
According to the Guardian University Guide 2024, the University of East Anglia (UEA) ranks among the top 20 in the UK for economics. With an overall UK ranking of 23rd by CUG 2024, UEA has an impressive 82% graduate employment rate within 15 months of course completion.
The BSc Business Economics programme offers extensive training in economic analysis, emphasising business strategies for modern markets. Students delve into microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic modelling, and statistics while specialising in corporate finance and industrial organisation. With UEA's expertise in competition policy, graduates gain valuable insights into maximising profits and consumer welfare, preparing them for diverse careers in economics and business.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) business economics
- Entry requirements: A Levels: ABB excluding General Studies. IB diploma: 32 points.
- International fee: £20,600
5. Ulster University
Ulster University's BSc (Hons) Business Economics programme offers a blend of economic theory, business knowledge, and practical applications. Promoting modern relevance, the course equips students with skills applicable to policymaking, management, and consumer decision-making. Aligned with guidance from the Government Economic Service and industry experts, the curriculum addresses current economic challenges businesses face.
The programme also encourages an overall understanding of the global economy and Northern Ireland's position within it. Focusing on practical skills highly valued in today's marketplace, graduates are well-prepared for careers in business or further postgraduate studies.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) business economics
- Entry requirements: A level BBC or BCC, including one of Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting. IB Diploma: minimum 25 points (12 points at a higher level).
- International fee: £16,320
6. University of Leeds
The Business Economics degree offers a flexible curriculum focusing on firm economics with less mathematical emphasis at Leeds University Business School, renowned for its Applied Institute for Research in Economics. Mandatory modules cover core concepts, practices, and analytical techniques, nurturing transferable skills vital for diverse careers in the public and private sectors. Students can opt for a year in industry for practical experience or study abroad at partner universities.
Practical data analysis using software prepares graduates for real-world economic problem-solving. Regular networking opportunities with industry and political figures enhance professional communication skills. Final-year projects allow in-depth research on chosen economic topics, encouraging critical analysis and application skills.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) business economics
- Entry requirements: A-level: AAA. IB diploma: 35 points overall, including 5 in Standard level Maths.
- International fee: £26,500
7. University of Huddersfield
The Business Economics BSc (Hons) degree at Huddersfield is a gateway to the thriving global business industry, addressing the high demand for skilled economics graduates. This comprehensive programme provides high-class teaching, industry exposure, and diverse modules. Students develop vital skills and knowledge in business operations and economics, understanding economic issues within a business context and learning decision-making processes influenced by economic policies.
Taught in a state-of-the-art trading room, the curriculum covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and decision science. Accredited by AACSB International, the Business School boasts top-ranking faculty holding doctorates. Optional work placements offer real-world experience, cementing theoretical knowledge into practical skills applicable in various local and international industries.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) business economics
- Entry requirements: BBB-BBC at A Level. GCSE Maths at grade 5 or above.
- International fee: £16,500
8. University of Exeter
The University of Exeter offers a BSc Business Economics course that covers a comprehensive and practical understanding of the economic decisions that businesses face. Students also develop the skills and ability to analyse the social environment and economic scenarios in which the decisions are made. Through Exeter’s BSc Business Economics course, students will develop a strong understanding of economics, accounting, and management.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) business economics
- Entry requirements: A-level: A*AA - AAA. IB diploma: 38/766 - 36/666.
- International fee: £23,700
9. Lancaster University
Lancaster’s BSc Business Economics (Industry) programme equips students with analytical skills and practical experience through a paid industry placement. Beginning with foundational Economic Theory principles, the curriculum progresses to specialised Economic methods applicable to business, with modules in Marketing, Accounting, and Finance. Students customise their degree with specialisations like International Business or Health Economics.
The third year involves an industry placement, with opportunities in renowned companies in the UK and abroad. Flexible module choices allow integration with subjects across the Management School. The programme promotes critical thinking, which is applicable across various career paths, from government advising to finance and beyond.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) business economics
- Entry requirements: International Baccalaureate 35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects.
- International fee: £24,475
10. University of Surrey
Located in Guildford, the University of Surrey has 16,000 students from 140+ countries. Surrey’s BSc Business Economics courses will help students develop the skills to analyse and solve today’s complex and challenging economic environment. Through this course, students will learn how businesses interact, how managers make strategic decisions and the role of businesses in the economy.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Business Economics
- Entry requirements: AAB. GCSE or equivalent: GCSE English Language at Grade C (4).
- International fee: £22,000
Career Options
Business economics degree courses help candidates develop problem-solving, flexibility, communication and commercial awareness skills, which are highly valued by employers.
Some of the common professions that candidates move into after completing courses in managerial economics are:
- Business Account Manager
- Business Analyst
- Trainee Chartered Accountant
- Sales and Marketing Manager
- Associate Consultant
- Paraplanner
- Corporate finance associate
- Financial Services controller
- Operations Analyst
- Associate Analyst
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a business economist graduate in the UK is £41,324.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements to study business/managerial economics in the UK depend on the course level and discipline.
- BSc Business Economics
BSc Business Economics provides students with a solid knowledge of both empirical and theoretical methods that can be applied in the world context of Managerial economics. Through this BSc course, students will understand firm and individual behaviour under price determinism, uncertainty and discrimination.
- A-Level: A*AA - AAA
- International Baccalaureate: 38/766 - 36/666
- BTEC: D*DD - DDD
- GCSE: B or 5-A or 7
English Language Requirements
- IELTS and IELTS Indicator: 6.5 overall and no less than 6 in any other section
- TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL iBT Paper Edition: 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.
- PTE Academic: 67 with no less than 64 in all communicative skills
- MSc Business Economics
A Master of Science in Managerial Economics enables students to analyse real-world economic issues faced in modern-day business. Managerial Economics and Business Strategy, one of the general courses offered under a master's in managerial economics, focuses on the multiple aspects of decision-making in corporate and organizational performance.
During the Master of Business Economics course, students will build undergraduate-level knowledge and become competent economists with sharp skills in broad business perspective and perception.
- Bachelor's degree with an overall mark of at least 50-65%, depending on the UG university
English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component
- TOEFL (iBT): 80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing
- Pearson (PTE Academic): 59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills
- MBA in Economics
An MBA in Economics is the same as a traditional MBA, with elective classes focused on economics. Through an MBA in economics, students will develop a deep understanding of business economics that are rooted to economic principles such as:
- Local economies
- Global markets
- Pricing indices
- Public policy
- Purchasing power
- Consumer behaviour
Study Business Economics in the UK
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