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BSc | Undergraduate

Economics

Entry year
Academic Year 2025/26
Entry requirements
ABB
Attendance
3 years (Full-time)
UCAS Code
L100

A BSc Economics degree allows students to analyse in-depth how economies function (macroeconomics) and how individuals make decisions (microeconomics). The models used by economists combine qualitative and quantitative techniques, and you will have the opportunity to gain analytical, computing, presentation, and writing skills. These transferable skills are highly sought after across industry, and also provide an excellent platform for future entrepreneurs.

Economics at Queen’s is ranked 8th in the UK for graduate prospects. (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

Economics highlights

Global Opportunities

The degree also provides you with further opportunities to work and study abroad through schemes such as Study USA, British Council, Erasmus, International Workplace Tours, Study China, City Scholarships and much more.

World Class Facilities

Students will have access to specialist mathematical and statistical training and software, giving them the skills, experience and knowledge necessary to prepare them for careers in economics.

Internationally Renowned Experts

Many of our staff are leading international experts in their fields of research.

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.

Further Study Opportunities

Students can choose from a wide range of Master’s programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics, as shown on the Queen’s Business School website.

URL below:

Queen’s Business School is committed to the continuous improvement and enhancement of all of its degree programmes. New modules may be developed and included to replace or enhance those which are mentioned in this brochure.

Industry Links

Top performing students are regularly awarded prizes, scholarships and internships from leading companies, such as the Shaw Memorial Prize for best performing second-year student in BSc Economics, and the KPMG Prize for the best graduate in the BSc Economics degree.

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

People teaching you

Programme Director, BSc Economics

Queen’s Business School

Contact Teaching Hours

Medium Group Teaching

6 (hours maximum)
hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week

Personal Study

24 (hours maximum)
22–24 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

2 (hours maximum)
hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week;

Large Group Teaching

6 (hours maximum)
hours of lectures

Learning and Teaching

Queen’s Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University with more than 1800 full-time undergraduate students and 300 plus postgraduate students. The School has been delivering high quality programmes for more than 40 years and was one of the first schools in the UK to introduce undergraduate management education. Since then, QBS has been developing and enhancing its teaching portfolio for both local and international students and boasts students from more than 20 different nationalities.

In recent years, the School has benefited from significant investment resulting in many new academic appointments and state-of-the-art facilities including computer teaching labs with specialised software and a Trading Room in Riddel Hall. In addition, the new McClay library houses an excellent selection of Management and related texts and there are extensive IT facilities throughout the campus.

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. In line with this, one of QBS’ primary objectives is to deliver innovative learning and teaching programmes that provide students with the competences and skills to make a positive contribution to business, economic and civic life.

On the BSc Economics programme we achieve these goals by providing a range of learning environments which enable our students to engage with subject experts both academic staff and industry guest speakers, develop skills and attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world-class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this degree programme are:

Adviser of Studies

To assist with the choice of modules at the beginning of each academic year

Computer-Based and Other Practical Sessions

These provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.

E-Learning technologies

Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials, podcasts and web-based learning activities.

Induction

Formalised induction for all undergraduate students. For Stage 1 students, this includes several half-day sessions the week before the programme begins to allow students to familiarise themselves with the campus and the degree programme. During Stage 1 there are a number of follow-up sessions throughout the year. Topics such as academic writing, referencing, plagiarism, communication skills, examination preparation and managing time effectively are all covered in these practical sessions

Lectures

These introduce foundation information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. As the module progresses this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally delivered in large groups to all year-group peers, also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments. Additional lectures are also delivered by employer representatives and staff from a range of organisations are involved in the delivery of workshops and more practical sessions. In addition to the academic content of the lectures and workshops, this enables employers to impart their valuable experience to QBS Economics students, introduces important local employers to our students and allows our students to meet and engage with potential future employers.

Peer Mentoring Scheme

Whereby students in second and third year of their degree programme volunteer to mentor Stage 1 students. Developing the programme themselves, with support from academic staff in QBS, the mentors organise informal meetings, regular contact and a series of events ranging from ice-breaker type events to employer-led sessions with the Stage 1 students.

Personal Development Planning

To encourage students to engage in independent learning.

Self-directed study

This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

Seminars/tutorials

A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (typically 15-20 students). These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers. During these classes, students will be expected to present their work to academic staff and their peers.

Student Support Systems

QBS has an active and co-ordinated student support system to assist students in making the transition from school to university.

Work placements

The BSc Economics programme does not have a compulsory placement year. However, the School actively supports any student who wishes to avail of an optional placement year, normally between the second and final year of the degree programme.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction. Modules are typically assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and a final written unseen examination. Continuous assessment consists of: class tests, computer generated practical experiments where students have to manipulate economic-related data, case study research and analysis of a particular macroeconomic issue, academic essays exploring and critiquing specific economic issues and small group project and presentations whereby groups of three/four students work on a particular economics related task to provide possible solutions.

Feedback

As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

  • Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
  • Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
  • Placement employer comments or references.
  • Online or emailed comment.
  • General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
  • Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
  • Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
  • Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
  • Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Facilities

Students have access to Bloomberg software, a market leader in financial news, data and analytics, which is used by many financial institutions. The Trading Room allows for an interactive and exciting learning environment which brings textbook theory to life.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/fintru-trading-room/

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Statistical Methods (20 credits)
  • Year 2

    Core Modules

    Economic Growth (20 credits)
    Macroeconomics (20 credits)
    Game Theory (20 credits)
  • Year 3

    Core Modules

    Optional Modules

    Economic History (20 credits)
    Labour Economics (20 credits)
    Public Economics (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

A-level

ABB + GCSE Mathematics grade A/7

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O2 in Mathematics

Access Course

Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 70% + GCSE Mathematics grade A/7 or equivalent in Access Course.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

33 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level. If not offered at Higher Level then Standard Level grade 6 in Mathematics or GCSE Mathematics grade A/7.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3), with overall grades D*DD + GCSE Mathematics grade A/7.

RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) at Level 3), with overall grades D*DD + GCSE Mathematics grade A/7.

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:1 Honours Degree + GCSE Mathematics grade A/7

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

How we choose our students

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by Queen's Business School. Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by a member of administrative staff from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Selector from the School. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

Applicants for the BSc Honours in Economics must be able to satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirement and in addition all applicants must have GCSE Mathematics at grade A/7 or above. There are no specific subjects required at A-level. Offers are made in terms of grades rather than UCAS Tariff points.

Past performance at GCSE level is taken into account when deciding to make conditional offers. The GCSE threshold may vary from year to year, but as a general guide, offers are normally made to applicants who have achieved at least six grade B/6 at GCSE. The final threshold is not usually determined until late in the admissions cycle, so there may be a delay in processing applicants who do not meet the initial requirements.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

For applicants offering the Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account. Last year the initial Junior Certificate profile to qualify to be made an offer was six B/Higher Merit grades. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied. This threshold may be lowered as the cycle progresses, depending upon the number and quality of applications. The final threshold is not usually determined until late in the admissions cycle, so there may be a delay in processing applicants who do not meet the initial threshold.

Applicants offering other qualifications, such as BTEC Extended/National Extended Diplomas, Higher National Certificates, and Higher National Diplomas, will also be considered.

The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those applicants taking a BTEC Extended/National Extended Diploma or a Higher National Certificate (HNC), and must include GCSE Mathematics at grade A/7 or above.

For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits.

For those offering a Higher National Diploma (HND), some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile, but this must include GCSE Mathematics at grade A/7 or above. To be eligible for an offer, at least half of the units completed in the first year of the HND must be at Merit level and remainder Passes. Applicants must successfully complete the HND with Merits in all units assessed in the final year. Any consideration would be for Stage 1 entry only.

In addition to the academic requirements above, the information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted, but these are not the final deciding factors as to whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking will not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking 4 A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to an Open Day organised by Queen's Business School, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University, to find out more about the degree programme of your choice, the facilities on offer together with a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

Those pursuing a career in Economics should enjoy working with numbers and dealing with ambiguous and incomplete information as they attempt to understand and provide solutions to problems. They should also be effective communicators and work well with people. 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 solving,understanding and interpreting very sophisticated economic and financial information, and work productively as part of a team.

The skillset of an Economics graduate is highly sought after by employers, 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, specialist careers in banking and investment appraisal, as well as more generalist positions in economic consulting.
http://www.prospects.ac.uk

Employment after the Course

Typical career destinations of graduates include:

Economic Consulting
Accountancy
Managers and Administrators in areas such as market research, advertising, sales and personnel
Education, health or government departments

Employment Links

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

Alumni Success

“I work directly for the Mayor of London, and have overall responsibility for all of Transport for London services – London Underground, London buses, Docklands Light Railway, Crossrail operations, London Overground, London Trams and the Emirates Air Line cable car! I am also heavily involved in the Congestion Charging scheme, road safety and schemes to boost cycling and walking.”

Mike Brown, BSc Economics
MVO
COMMISSIONER – Transport for London

What employers say

Prizes and Awards

Economics Group Prize is awarded to the best presentation in the Level 3 Dissertation module.

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.

Shaw Memorial Prize for best performing second-year student in BSc Economics.

Top performing students are regularly awarded prizes and scholarships from leading companies.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,750
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,750
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £20,800
International £20,800

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

The tuition fees quoted above for NI and ROI are the 2024/25 fees and will be updated when the new fees are known. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

Students who undertake optional study tours are expected to make a contribution, of approximately £150

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.

The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

  1. Applying through UCAS
    Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.
  2. Applying direct
    The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
  3. Applying through agents and partners
    The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Download Undergraduate Prospectus

Course location

Queen's Business School

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