BSc in Business Economics with a Professional Placement Year, Cardiff University

Cardiff,

48 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

This four-year full-time program combines rigorous training in economics with management, law, marketing, and finance to prepare students for the business world. Emphasizing a public value ethos, it encourages engagement with societal challenges through the lens of economics. Students benefit from a diverse faculty whose research informs their teaching, ensuring they learn from experts actively involved in the field. The curriculum covers core economic theories, applied analysis, and practical skills like communication and evidence-based decision making. The program features a unique placement year, providing real-world industry experience under expert support, helping students build valuable professional networks. By integrating theoretical understanding with practical insights, the course equips students to make impactful decisions in various business contexts.

Why this course is highly recommended

The program stands out because it combines strong academic training in economics with practical work experience through its placement year, making graduates highly attractive to employers. It emphasizes understanding the role of economics in solving societal challenges and contributes to developing critical decision-making and communication skills. The diverse faculty and curriculum, which includes applied modules and real-world projects, provide a well-rounded education. Plus, the course prepares students for a wide range of careers in consultancy, regulation, government, finance, or further postgraduate studies, making it ideal for those seeking both theoretical knowledge and industry relevance.

Specialisation

This course specializes in Business Economics, focusing on how economic principles apply to business environments. It integrates core economic theory with management, law, marketing, and finance, giving students a comprehensive skill set tailored for the commercial sector. The curriculum also offers options like corporate law, marketing, and advanced topics such as environmental and behavioral economics, enabling students to tailor their learning towards specific interests within the broader field of business economics.

Course fees

Application fees

25.02L

1st year tuition fees

25.02L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need A-levels with a typical offer of AAB-BBB, including Maths. International Baccalaureate students should aim for 34-31 overall or 666-665 in HL subjects, with grade 6 in HL Maths. For BTEC students, a diploma with B in A-level Maths is accepted. GCSE English language or Welsh language at grade C/4 is required. English language proficiency for international students can be demonstrated through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent qualifications adhering to specified minimum scores. Other qualification details and application policies are available, and criminal record disclosures are only necessary if restrictions may affect studies.

English language test

PTE

DUOLINGO

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

Career prospects

Graduates of this program are highly employable, thanks to their strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills. They typically pursue careers as professional economists or in fields like finance, banking, accountancy, consultancy, and financial journalism. The professional placement year enhances their practical expertise and industry connections, providing a competitive edge in the graduate job market. Many students also continue their studies at postgraduate level, further broadening their career opportunities.

FAQs

What is involved in the placement year?

During the sandwich year, you'll undertake a salaried work placement, gaining real-world experience and industry insights. You’ll be supported by the Placements Team and will need to secure your own placement, which must be approved by the university.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment includes coursework such as policy briefs, reports, presentations, videos, exams, and essays. A range of activities is designed to develop practical skills, with feedback aligned to clear marking criteria.