BSc Economics and Finance (LN13)

2027 entry | view 2026 entry

Course summary

Our BSc Economics and Finance degree lets you develop the tools you'll need to analyse economic issues, construct and communicate complex arguments, and apply rigorous thinking to a broad range of real-world problems.

You'll gain a strong grounding in finance, combining core economic theory with the quantitative and analytical skills essential for modern financial decision-making. You'll also benefit directly from teaching that's shaped by the latest developments in economics and the University's pioneering research.

Our cutting-edge research ranks in the top ten for economics and econometrics among UK universities (THE analysis of REF 2021). Bristol is also home to the The Economics Network, which improves the teaching and learning of economics in universities throughout the UK and Europe.

You'll have the opportunity to complete an economics dissertation, too. This enables you to explore a question that matters to you and demonstrate your research, analytical and communication skills under academic supervision.

Throughout your degree, optional units allow you to tailor your course to match your interests and ambitions. Recent topics have included accounting, taxation, banking, machine learning, international business, financial crises, portfolio management, labour economics, international trade, public economics, business law and industrial economics.

By the time you graduate, you'll be well-prepared for a rewarding career. Our recent BSc Economics and Finance graduates have gone on to work in roles such as:

  • Corporate and Investment Banking Analyst
  • Auditor
  • Consultant
  • Statistician
  • Financial Writer
  • Business Intelligence Developer.

Graduates of our course go on to work at globally renowned organisations, including Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever, JPMorgan Chase, Standard Chartered Bank, Siemens and Bank Negara Malaysia.

You can be confident in the value of our degree. On average, 15 months after graduating, Bristol economics students earn 10% more than other UK economics graduates (Discover Uni, data from graduates in 2022-23).

Teaching for the first two years of the course is at our vibrant Clifton Campus. It's here where you'll build a strong understanding of both subjects. From your third year, your location of study will depend on the specific units you choose to study, but will likely include some teaching at our Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus for units relating to business and to innovation. Here, enhanced links with businesses will help give you real-world knowledge, networks and skills to succeed once you graduate.

Accreditations

Our Economics and Finance BSc is accredited by CIMA.

What you'll gain: skills and careers

Career paths

  • Corporate and Investment Banking Analyst
  • Auditor
  • Consultant
  • Statistician
  • Financial Writer
  • Business Intelligence Developer

Skills taught

  • Analytics
  • Quantitative skills
  • Communication skills
  • AI and technological literacy
  • Real-world problem solving
  • Presentation expertise
  • Teamwork
  • Collaboration

Graduate employers

  • Deloitte
  • Lloyds Banking Group
  • Unilever
  • JPMorgan
  • Northern Ireland Civil Service
  • Bank Negara Malaysia

Course structure

Our BSc Economics and Finance course has been designed by expert teachers to help you develop all the tools needed to pursue a career in economics and finance.

Years one and two - you'll build strong mathematical, analytical and quantitative skills through study of:

  • microeconomics
  • macroeconomics
  • mathematics
  • statistics
  • econometrics
  • foundational modules in accounting and finance.

Year three - you'll deepen your training by studying financial markets and corporate finance. Alongside this, you'll have a choice of optional units from the School of Economics and the University of Bristol Business School. You'll also have the chance to carry out research through an applied economics dissertation.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including Mathematics
DDD in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma and A in mathematics at A-level (or equivalent)

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including Mathematics with either 6 at Higher Level (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 7 at Standard Level (Analysis and Approaches)
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including Mathematics with either 5 at Higher Level (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 7 at Standard Level (Analysis and Approaches)

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Advanced Higher: AA including Mathematics, and Standard Higher: AAAAB
Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 15 credits from Mathematics units, of which at least 12 (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry) must be at Distinction. Or Access to HE Diploma in Business, Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology, Law or History (or similar titles), with the 45 graded Level 3 credits including at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above, plus A in A-level Mathematics.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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More about UK qualifications.

I've enjoyed many things during my course, like the intellectual and friendly teaching staff who have helped me significantly with my academic development. The facilities for teaching and learning were fantastic, and the teaching methods as well.
Bader
BSc Economics and Finance