BSc Philosophy and Economics with Study Abroad (VL54)
2027 entry | view 2026 entry
Course summary
Combine two historically interlinked disciplines and develop a broad set of analytical, conceptual and practical skills on this joint honours degree.
Economics at Bristol is taught in a technically rigorous way. You will build strong analytical and quantitative foundations through mandatory units in microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics, statistics and econometrics: the statistical methods economists use to analyse data and estimate economic models. Teaching draws on the latest developments in the discipline and on our cutting-edge research, which ranks 5th in the UK (THE analysis of REF 2021).
Your study of economics is complemented by training in philosophy, which develops skills in textual analysis, logical reasoning, written and verbal communication, collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking. You will be taught by specialists within one of the largest and most prestigious philosophy departments in the UK, ranked in the Top Ten nationally (QS World University Rankings 2024).
A wide range of optional units across both subjects allows you to tailor the degree to your interests and career ambitions. You might explore topics such as political philosophy, environmental economics, ethics, international trade, virtue and wellbeing, or behavioural economics.
During the year abroad you'll also explore economics and philosophy in a non-UK context, learning in English but at an international university in one of numerous global destinations. Visit Centre For Study Abroad to find out more.
In your final year, you may also complete an extended philosophy essay project on a topic of your choice, supervised by an academic with relevant expertise. This gives you the opportunity to pursue an area of philosophical interest in depth and further strengthen your research and reasoning skills.
Graduates of this programme go on to successful careers in a wide variety of fields. Bristol economics graduates earn 10% more than other UK economics graduates 15 months after graduation, with typical salaries between £31,000 and £44,000 in that year (discoveruni.gov.uk, graduates from 2022-23).
Recent Philosophy and Economics graduates have taken up roles such as Data Scientist, Operations Manager, Investment Consultant, Business Tax Analyst, Journalist, Pricing Actuary and Paralegal, working in organisations including the Department for Transport, PwC, Barclays Investment Bank, Aon, Coutts, Zurich Insurance, Deloitte, Kraft Heinz, RBS International, EY, Goldman Sachs and RSM.
Course structure
In the first two years, you will establish strong foundations across both disciplines. Mandatory units in macroeconomics, microeconomics, mathematics, statistics, the economy and applied quantitative research provide the analytical core of your economics training. Philosophy units develop your understanding of key philosophical concepts and introduce you to logical reasoning, critical thinking, realism and normativity.
As you progress through the degree, you will choose from an increasingly wide range of optional modules across economics and philosophy, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. Recent options have included behavioural economics, feminist philosophy, environmental economics, the philosophy and history of medicine, communicating economics, ethics and literature, labour economics, aesthetics and more.
Your third year will be spent at a leading international institution abroad, where you'll learn in English but broaden your horizons through the immersive experience of studying in a non-UK context.
In your final year, you may also complete an extended philosophy essay project on a topic of your choosing, working under the supervision of a specialist in that area.
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
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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 Philosophy and Economics with Study Abroad 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.