University of Lancaster

What you'll study

This programme teaches core economic theory together with business-focused applications and quantitative techniques. In the early years you build firm foundations in microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics for economists and econometrics. You then move on to applied modules such as industrial organisation, behavioural economics, corporate finance, business strategy and labour economics, alongside options in data analysis, forecasting and policy evaluation.

The degree emphasises practical skills: you will use statistical software for data analysis, complete applied projects using real datasets, and develop report-writing and presentation skills relevant to business and public-sector employers. A defining feature of this programme is the integrated year in industry (a sandwich year) between the second and final years, during which you work in a commercial, public or third-sector organisation and apply your academic learning to an employer environment.

Typical module topics include:

• Microeconomic Theory and Applications
• Macroeconomic Principles and Policy
• Quantitative Methods and Statistics for Economists
• Econometrics and Applied Data Analysis
• Industrial Organisation and Competition Policy
• Corporate Finance and Financial Markets
• Behavioural and Experimental Economics
• Labour Economics and Human Capital
• Business Strategy and Managerial Economics
• Placement-year Project and Final-year Dissertation or Applied Project

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong numeracy and academic achievement. Typical offers include successful completion of A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with mathematics (or substantial quantitative content) strongly recommended. International Baccalaureate applicants are considered with comparable scores and a strong performance in Higher Level mathematics or a relevant quantitative subject.

Other qualifications such as BTECs, Scottish Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate and recognised international school-leaving qualifications are accepted subject to meeting equivalency and subject requirements. Mature students and those with relevant work experience are welcome to apply; equivalency is assessed on an individual basis. GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and mathematics are often expected at standard pass levels.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with a blend of economic reasoning, quantitative competence and business experience that employers value. Common career destinations include economic analysis roles in government and regulators, business and management consultancy, roles in banking and financial services, market and data analysis, and corporate strategy. The placement year often leads to strong employer contacts and can result in graduate jobs or return offers from the host organisation.

Many graduates also progress to specialist postgraduate study such as MSc courses in economics, finance, data analytics or management, and professional training programmes in accountancy, actuarial work or data science. The degree provides a solid foundation for careers that require analytical problem solving, evidence-based decision making and clear communication of quantitative findings.

Why study at University of Lancaster

Lancaster offers this degree within a research-informed environment with close links to business and public-sector organisations. The Lancaster University Management School and the Economics subject community bring applied teaching, research expertise and regular employer engagement into the programme. Students benefit from a strong careers service, industry guest lecturers, and support securing a quality placement for the industry year.

The campus provides dedicated facilities for economics and management students, access to computing and statistical software, and opportunities to join student consultancy projects, societies and enterprise initiatives. The integrated placement year and emphasis on applied, data-driven work make the programme well suited to students aiming for careers where economics meets real-world business decision making.