BScBusiness Economics
This degree allows students to develop their understanding of Economic techniques whilst also learning about the principles of Business Management. Students in Business Economics should have an interest in using economic theory and thinking in applied business settings. This degree has less of an emphasis on using mathematics compared to a traditional economics degree and the programme fosters numerical skills through the use of up-to-date business applications.
- Entry requirements
- BBB + GCSE Mathematics grade B or equivalent
- English language requirements
- An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component.
- Tuition fees
- £16,900 / ¥153,774
Course Content
The emphasis of this degree is on those aspects of economics that are of most importance in a business setting. Students study both Introduction to Business Economics and Applied Economics in the first year, along with Accounting, Finance and Business Management modules. This is followed in Years 2 and 3 by modules in economics and modules related to business economics. With the flexibility in this degree, students should not only develop good numeracy skills, but also specialisation in qualitative aspects of the subject. Students will cover a range of topics and modules including:
Year 1
- The Economy (full year module)
- Quantitative Methods
- Accounting
- Organisational Behaviour
- Financial Institutions and Markets
Year 2
- Macroeconomic Policy and Performance
- Managerial Economics
- Data Analysis and Optimisation
- International Business
Students will be able to choose two additional modules from a range which may include:
- Financial Decision Making
- Human Resource Management
- Operations Management
- The Digital Business
- Leading for Change
Year 3
- Economics of Corporate Strategy
- Quantitative Business Economics
Students will be able to choose four additional modules from a range which may include:
- Labour Economics
- Economic History
- Public Economics
- International Trade
- Business Start-up
- Business Ethics
- Supply Chain Management
- Innovation Management
- Consumer Behaviour
Related courses
- Economics
- 3 years (L100)
- Economics and Accounting
- 3 years (LN14)
- Economics with Finance
- 3 years (LN12)
Applications open
Why Queen's
Student Satisfaction
90% of Economics students were satisfied with their course according to the National Student Survey in 2018.
Placements
Business Economics students may take an optional placement year after their second year. Recent placements from students studying economics and business economics include PwC, KPMG, Citi, Oxford Economics, Belfast City Council, First Derivatives, and Tayto Group Ltd.
Student Experience
Students can join the Economics Society, a student-run organisation which aims to educate its members on the use of economics in practice through guest speakers, field trips abroad and educational seminars. Students will also have access to specialist mathematical and statistical software, giving them the skills, experience and knowledge necessary to prepare them for careers in economics and business analytics.
Prizes and Awards
- Shaw Memorial Prize for best-performing second-year student in BSc Economics
- Foundation Scholarships for best student in Economics Level 1 and Level 2
- KPMG Prize is awarded to the best graduate in the BSc Economics degree
- McKane Medal is awarded to the best final honours student in Economics
Careers/further study
This degree prepares students for a variety of careers in the public and private sectors. Graduates have been employed as professional economists or as managers or administrators. Depending on the choice of modules, this degree also prepares students for postgraduate studies in Economics and related disciplines.
Those pursuing a career in Business Economics should be effective communicators and work well with people, as they will have to analyse and interpret a range of information to meet the needs of different users, including managers and investors. Business Economists must be prepared to take on challenges and be able to adapt to a constantly changing and dynamic business environment.
Many of the skills that students will acquire during their studies at Queen’s will be of great value in a range of different career and life situations. Core transferable skills include the ability to learn independently, problem solve, understand and interpret economic, financial and business-specific information and work productively as part of a team.
Students graduating with a degree in Business Economics from Queen’s are well placed to secure a range of employment opportunities in economics and management in the public and private sectors. In recent years, students have secured positions in economic analysis and appraisal with a range of government and other public sector organisations, careers in banking, as well as more generalist positions in business and management.
Typical career destinations
Typical career destinations of graduates include:
- Management Consulting
- Accountancy
- Managers and Administrators in areas such as market research, advertising, sales and personnel
- Education, health or government departments
Graduate employers include:
- PwC
- EY
- KPMG
- Deloitte
- BDO
- Ulster Bank
- Bank of Ireland
- First Trust
- Northern Ireland Civil Service
- Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency
- JP Morgan
- Morgan Stanley
- BBC, National Trust
“Business Economics allows you to gather a vast array of skills through the various different methods of assessments offered – assignments, group projects, presentations and research projects. As the course allows you to choose some modules in second year, you are able to focus more on the topics you’re interested in and tailor the degree to suit your preference. During the first semester of my second year, I was able to secure a placement with the successful drinks company Diageo.” Rhianna Donaldson, BSc Business Economics