Undergraduate

Business Economics

Group of students working at Hull University Business School
The Hull University Business School's historic Derwent Building
Two female students sat around a table in the Business Lounge
Students walking through the Executive Education Suite

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Combine economic theory with a thorough background in business management with this hands-on degree that will give you the tools to make better, well-informed decisions.
You'll be based within our prestigious Business School, which combines original Grade II listed buildings with modern workspaces. The perfect combination to get all of the inspiration you'll need.
You'll network with business professionals and take part in real projects from day one – giving you the skills, experience and connections to set you up for your future career.
Inside the ivy-clad walls of the Hull University Business School, you'll find millions invested in building some of the country's best facilities.
Our Bloomberg Suite gives you the chance to take part in real-time financial trading simulations to develop your understanding of the markets.
A friendly team of expert staff; inspiring facilities; and career-focused courses – Hull University Business School has it all.
Group of students working at Hull University Business School
The Hull University Business School's historic Derwent Building
Two female students sat around a table in the Business Lounge
Students walking through the Executive Education Suite
Bloomberg Suite
A business lecturer speaks to students around a table

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Duration

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Designed for students who want to combine economics with a particular focus on how today’s business managers make decisions.

By developing your skills and knowledge from both perspectives, you’ll learn how to apply the concepts and analytical tools of economics to a diverse range of real-world problems, as well as how to construct arguments and communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences. 

  • 4th in the UK

    for Student Satisfaction 1

  • 3rd in the UK

    for Student Experience 2

  • Boost your CV

    with a placement or by studying abroad

  • 3rd in the UK

    for Teaching Quality 2

  • AACSB

    accredited Business School

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

The ability to understand and assess the impact of public policy on industry and society – as well as diverse issues such as digitisation and technological change, the development of market economies, social inequality, and Brexit – is key in business.

Our BA Business Economics course gives you the knowledge to understand these complex issues and make better business decisions, giving you skills that are attractive to a range of employers across both public and private sectors.

We have links with major international businesses so you can further enhance your employability through real industry experience on placement with the likes of Bosch, BMW, Siemens and Disney, or spend a year with the Government Economic Service or the Office for National Statistics.

In your final year, you’ll also have the chance to take an internship (that’s in addition to the extra option of studying abroad or spending a year on placement in industry).

This degree shares a common first year with our BSc Economics programme so you can choose to switch direction in the second year if you develop a particular area of interest.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules are worth more - in these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Core20 credits

Introduction to Business

Develop an understanding of a range of contemporary themes facing managers and the range of ethical dilemmas they pose. You will explore the managerial implications of issues like globalisation, international trade, demographic changes and sustainability developments.

Core20 credits

Research in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Education

This module will equip you with the necessary skills to conduct and analyse research in a specific interest, supported by academics within your subject. You'll navigate through the research process, from identifying an area of interest to presenting their findings to your peers.

Core20 credits

Group Challenge (Humanities)

Formulate and execute a group led enquiry into texts, cultural artifacts, film, music or dance. You'll explore their topics in groups at supervised workshops and develop questions on the cultural object relates to the living world of human experience, as well as developing your own methods to answer these questions.

Compulsory20 credits

Foundation in Data Analysis

Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high quality graphics; and report writing.

Compulsory20 credits

Academic Writing Skills

Developing confidence in expression, oral as well as written, is a key feature of this module, which also aims to familiarise you with submission and assessment procedures in the context of Higher Education. This is a clear building block onto your degree programme and places you at a distinct advantage when you move into the following year.

Compulsory20 credits

Students who require Foundation Year study will register on the Business Management with Foundation Year programme. Upon successful completion, you can transfer to any of our business school programmes. 

6 Modules

Introduction to Economics

This introduction covers both microeconomics (the affairs of individual consumers, firms and government) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole).

Compulsory20 credits

Developing Self & Others

Assessing your human skills and developing good habits is central to your professional development. This module allows you to gain a better understanding of what is needed from the wider business perspective and apply theories of positive habit development in practice. 

Compulsory20 credits

Accounting and Finance

Delve into topics such as financing decisions, cost behaviour, cost-volume-profit analysis, absorption costing, variance analysis and budgeting.

Compulsory20 credits

The Economy, Society and Public Policy

This module will empower you with an understanding of pressing social problems from the perspective of an economist.

Compulsory20 credits

World Economy

Study the changing world economy, developing insights into issues related to international trade, international finance, regional groupings and climate change.

Compulsory20 credits

Quantitative Methods for Economics

This module will equip you with the mathematical and statistical tools you will require later in your degree.

Compulsory20 credits
6 Modules

Microeconomics in Context: Learning Through Games and Simulations

Discover microeconomics: You’ll use games and simulations to understand the behaviour and interactions of individuals, businesses and the government.

Compulsory20 credits

Responsible Business in Society

The influence large organisations have to both postively contribute to, or potentially harm society, can be greater than the power of states. You'll reflect on challenges to business practice looking at issues such as corporate social responsibility, globalisation, sustainable development and climate change, and human rights and exploitation. 

Compulsory20 credits

Computing Skills and Data Analysis for Economics

You’ll learn a valuable range of data-handling, software and statistical skills that are relevant for obtaining, processing and presenting economic and business data.

Compulsory20 credits

Macroeconomics: Managing the Economy

You’ll learn the ways that government policy affects the course of the economy through its influence on the rate of inflation, economic growth, and the level of employment.

Compulsory20 credits

Developing a Research Tool Kit for Economists

Prepare and complete a small action research project. It’s hands-on learning about research methodology, data analysis and formulating research questions.

Compulsory20 credits

The Digital Economy and the Business Environment

Gain the skills to operate successfully in the new economy. You’ll understand and appreciate the impact of conducting business electronically.

Compulsory20 credits
6 Modules

Economics of Corporate Strategy

You’ll examine the strategic interactions between firms and the economic determinants of corporate strategy.

Compulsory20 credits

International Business Economics: Relationships Between Nations

You’ll explore international trade patterns, the business gains accruing from trade, and the international economic interdependence of countries.

Compulsory20 credits

Global Financial Crises: Past and Future

Learn about past financial crises that have occurred around the world and the optimal policies to prevent or mitigate the impact of future financial crises on the economy.

Compulsory20 credits

One-Trimester Internship

Apply knowledge learned on your degree in a real working environment on one of our unique internship opportunities - enhance your chance of getting a job at the same time.

Optional60 credits

Economics Project

You will complete a research project on a topic of interest to you under the direction of a member of staff.

Optional20 credits

Health Economics and Health Policy

Explore the challenges associated with health care systems, methods of economic evaluation, setting priorities using health economics and how policy makers influence healthcare practices and behaviours.

Optional20 credits

Environmental Economics and Climate Change Policy

This module will give you hands-on experience of how to look at important issues in environmental economics and will engage you in discussions on policy making.

Optional20 credits

Economic and Social Inequality in the 21st Century

You’ll learn about the causes and impact of inequality including how it shapes the economy and modern society. You’ll explore the role of public policy in reducing or exacerbating inequality.

Optional20 credits
8 Modules

Spend a year studying at one of our partner institutions in Europe, Asia, North America or Australia. This is an outstanding opportunity to broaden your horizons in a different culture and environment, learn new skills and develop valuable international contacts while continuing your studies.

Your placement is your opportunity to get some real-world work experience under your belt.

Just like in the real world, you’ll be responsible for finding and applying for opportunities, with the added benefit of help and support from university services.

The Centre for Professional Success is a dedicated team within the faculty who provide tailored support to students who are seeking a placement or internship. You'll also benefit from the University's Careers and Employability service based in Student Central.

This course is accredited by

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Dr Aman Kenjegaliev

Course Overview 2 mins

Business facilities

Course highlight 2 mins

What's it really like?

Student story 16 mins

Degree opportunities

Student story 9 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Take a look at our facilities

Bloomberg Suite

You’ll be spending lots of time here taking part in real-time financial trading simulations to develop your understanding of the markets before you go and do it for real.

Business Lounge

Located in the heart of our Business School, this exclusive lounge is used by real businesses and entrepreneurs, so it’s the perfect place to study, network and pick up tips for your future career.

Allam Lecture Theatre

Located at the heart of our Business School, this is one of the largest lecture theatres on campus and one you’ll use regularly.

Executive Education Suite

This flexible space is located in a Grade II listed building but offers a modern teaching and workspace for our Business Management students.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Two female students sat around a table in the Business Lounge

Look around

Three female students walk out of the Executive Education Suite
Student Aaliah Bhamji sat in the Bloomberg Suite
Two female students sat around a table in the Business Lounge
Allam Lecture Theatre
Three female students walk out of the Executive Education Suite
Hull graduates who currently work at Summit Media stand around a table within their new business

Future prospects

Graduates will be well placed to enter the Government Economic Service, the UK's principal employer of economists. They will also be qualified for positions in economic consultancies or trade and representative bodies such as the CBI, as well as in industry and commerce.

Examples of firms which have taken on our graduates recently are Hull Trains, RWE, IBM, Young’s Seafood, BAE Systems, Deutsche Börse Group and Airbus.

Our graduates include Muhtar Kent, former CEO of The Coca Cola Company; Jeremy Darroch, Executive Chairman, Sky plc; and Professor Guido Imbens, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2021.

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

  1. (Economics) The Complete University Guide 2024.
  2. (Economics) The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

 

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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