BSc in Economics with a Professional Placement Year, Cardiff University

Cardiff,

48 Months

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About this course

This four-year full-time programme at Cardiff University combines core economic theory and analysis with practical workplace experience through a professional placement year. In the first two years, you'll build a strong foundation in macroeconomics, microeconomics, mathematics, and econometrics, using cutting-edge tools to understand market behavior and economic policies. The third year immerses you in a salaried placement, offering real-world insights and skills that enhance your employability. Final year modules are optional, allowing you to tailor your studies toward your interests and future career goals, with opportunities for advanced research work. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on applying economics ethically to address societal challenges, fostering a holistic understanding of how economic principles drive decision-making across various sectors.

Why this course is highly recommended

This course is ideal for students interested in applying economic analysis to real-world societal issues while gaining practical experience through a professional placement. The programme's emphasis on ethical work, societal challenges, and comprehensive skill development makes graduates highly desirable in many industries, including government, finance, consultancy, and more. The optional final-year modules allow students to specialise and deepen their understanding, preparing them for postgraduate study or a range of careers. The embedded employability focus, combined with active researcher-led teaching, ensures that students are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions in diverse professional settings.

Specialisation

While the core focus is on economics, the course offers flexibility in the final year with optional modules. These include areas such as development economics, environmental economics, labour economics, industrial economics, international economics, public economics, and behavioral economics, among others. This variety enables students to specialise in particular fields within economics, aligning their studies with specific interests or career aspirations.

Course fees

Application fees

25.02L

1st year tuition fees

25.02L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should typically meet A-level offers of AAB-BBB, including Mathematics, or equivalent international qualifications such as an IB score of 34-31 overall with a minimum of 6 in HL Maths. Suitable GCSE results include grade C/4 or above in English Language. Other qualifications like BTEC may be accepted, contingent on meeting specific subject and grade criteria. Proficiency in English must be demonstrated through tests like IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each skill) or equivalent. Candidates should also ensure they meet any additional admission policies or criteria specified by the university.

English language test

DUOLINGO

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme are highly employable, with skills that are valued across sectors like government, finance, banking, accountancy, and consultancy. Many alumni progress into roles where economic analysis, data interpretation, and strategic decision-making are central. The professional placement year offers practical experience that enhances career prospects, enabling students to build networks and gain insights into their chosen fields. For those interested in postgraduate studies, advanced modules prepare students for further research or academic careers, broadening their opportunities within the discipline.

FAQs

What skills will I develop during this course?

You will develop a broad set of skills, including economic modeling, statistical analysis, policy formulation, effective communication of complex ideas, and practical workplace skills like professionalism and ethical decision-making.

Can I customise my final year modules?

Yes, all final-year modules are optional, allowing you to choose topics that interest you and align with your career plans, from development economics to environmental economics and beyond.