BSc Economics (L100)
2027 entry | view 2026 entry
Course summary
At Bristol, our BSc Economics degree is taught in a technically rigorous way. Econometrics (the application of statistical methods to data to estimate economic models) is central to the programme.
Alongside core training in mathematics, statistics, macroeconomics and microeconomics, you'll shape your degree through optional units that reflect your interests and career goals. These may include topics such as:
- behavioural economics
- machine learning
- health economics
- international trade
- banking and finance
- accounting
- development.
You'll also have the opportunity to complete an economics dissertation. This will allow you to explore a question that matters to you and to demonstrate your research, analytical and communication skills.
Our BSc Economics degree is designed for students with a suitable A-level Mathematics qualification. You'll apply and develop your high-level maths skills on this programme. If you don't have a suitable Mathematics A-level or an accepted equivalent, and aren't currently studying for one, consider applying for our BA Economics instead.
You'll benefit from teaching that's informed by the latest developments in economics and our cutting-edge research. Our research ranks in the top ten for economics and econometrics amongst UK universities (THE analysis of REF 2021). We're also home to the Economics Network, which improves the teaching and learning of economics in universities throughout the UK and Europe.
By graduation, you'll be prepared for a successful career. On average, Bristol economics students earn 10% more than other UK economics graduates after 15 months of graduation. They typically enjoy salaries between £31,000 and £44,000 per year (discoveruni.gov.uk, data for graduates in 2022-23).
Recent BSc Economics graduates have gone on to work at globally renowned organisations including:
- Deloitte
- The Bank of England
- JP Morgan
- Bloomberg
- EY
- The NHS
- KPMG
- Mastercard
- HMRC
- Amazon Web Services
- Citibank
- Hargreaves Lansdown.
The list of job roles of recent graduates is also highly varied. It includes Data Analyst, Economist, Investment Officer, Tax Consultant, Business Development Associate, Cloud Engineer, Pricing Analyst, Maths Teacher, Corporate Finance Analyst, Freelance Writer, Credit Analyst, Operations Specialist, Audit Associate and Independent Financial Planner.
Should you choose the BSc or BA?
- BSc Economics is for students with a suitable A-level Mathematics qualification, or an accepted equivalent. A high level of maths skills is required to succeed on the programme.
- BA Economics also has a quantitative focus. This route, however, embeds accelerated learning of the statistics and mathematical skills required of modern economists in the programme.
We'd normally recommend our BSc Economics if you've studied A-level Mathematics, or a suitable equivalent. If you've strong numerical and data skills, but haven't formally studied mathematics to a full A-level, think about our BA Economics degree.
Want more information to help make your decision? See the programme structures and full entry requirements for both our BSc Economics and BA Economics. These include which A-level equivalent qualifications we accept.
Course structure
The structure of our BSc Economics degree has been carefully designed for you to explore economics in depth. You'll develop critical skills and prepare for a career where you can make a real impact.
Years one and two
To provide you with strong foundations to build upon, you'll study mandatory units in:- macroeconomics
- microeconomics
- mathematics
- statistics
- econometrics.
You'll complement your mandatory units by choosing from a wide range of optional modules from the School of Economics, the Business School and other parts of the University. The number of options increases as you progress through the degree. This allows you to select units from areas of economics that most interest you.
In recent years, optional topics have included:
- behavioural economics
- data science
- corporate finance
- development economics
- environmental economics
- international trade
- gender, race and identity in economics
- machine learning.
Year three
Alongside other optional units, you'll have the opportunity to write an applied economics dissertation, producing an in-depth piece of research under academic supervision.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.
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
More about Access to HE entry requirements
Search international qualifications
Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Economics can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2026 entry. The statement for 2027 entry will be available in summer 2026.