Economics - BA (Hons)

How can qualitative analysis help economic problem solving? What socio-economic factors influence markets and policy decisions? Explore the dynamic field of economics and uncover the answers to these questions and more on our programme. You’ll develop your understanding of economic methods and techniques and acquire practical experience by engaging with real-world projects and placement opportunities, unlocking a wide range of exciting career paths in a variety of fields. 

Year of entry

Course type

  • Single Honours

Location

Subject area / School

UCAS code

  • LNC4

Duration of study

  • 3 years / 4 years with international, placement or entrepreneurship year

Why study Economics at Keele University?

Gain a competitive edge with our Professional and Academic Development Programme 
Option to spend a year working in industry, or undertake an entrepreneurship year 
Study abroad opportunities 
Study alongside innovative companies based in Keele Business School 
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Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele TEF Gold 2023

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

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Additional opportunities

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Strengthening your employability

Work placement year*

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. Choosing a work placement year between your second and third year, is a fantastic way to gain industry experience. It can provide a valuable insight into what working in a specific area of business is like, gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with the professional working environment and develop professional networks, and provides the opportunity to apply the theory you’ve learnt on your degree course.

*Students who require a visa to study in the UK may be able to add in a work placement depending upon the programme. The ability to add a work placement is dependent upon the UK Immigration rules at the time of the request. It may be that for some programmes students will not have the option to request a placement period to be added to their programme before they arrive in the UK and would need to apply for a new visa. There is no guarantee that a placement will be provided and that students who have a visa are subject to a number of restrictions on the type of work, including placements they can undertake.

International year

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year or a semester studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enables you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks.

It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Entrepreneurship year

Showcase your innovative abilities and ideas to develop your business aspirations. If you’ve ever wanted to establish your own start-up or have been inspired by your studies this entrepreneurship year is an amazing opportunity to develop your own business idea.

The entrepreneurship pathway is available to UK and international students. For international students, the availability of the entrepreneurship pathway is subject to the latest visa regulations.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
T Level: Merit

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBB in three A Levels.

Contextual Offer: BCC in three A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DDM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

Contextual Offer: DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Distinction in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in one A Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BC in two A Levels, or
Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and AB in two A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

T Level

Merit in any T Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

555 in three Higher Levels or 30 points.

Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels or 28 points.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

122 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BBBCC in five Highers, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCC in three Advanced Highers.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

73% in the Gaokao.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 70% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.2 overall average in the Abitur.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

80% in the Esame di Stato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

18 / 86% in the Apolytirion.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 15.5 in a Secondary Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diplomas.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

444 from three Advanced Placement subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBB in three Advanced Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Malaysia - STPM

BBB in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBB in three H2 Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

European Baccalaureate

72% overall.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBB and a C in EAP English Language module and grade B in EAP for Law courses.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBB in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBB in three Advanced Level subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Co-located with businesses

As a Keele Business School student, you will study alongside innovative companies that are based in the business school building, a hub for fostering networks and linking with industry.

Internships, enterprise and knowledge exchange opportunities

Keele Business School is located at the heart of the Keele University Science & Innovation Park, one of the leading developments of its kind in the UK. The Park offers companies a business environment that provides an innovative research culture, combined with academic expertise and the University’s specialist resources, with a variety of opportunities for students to get involved, from internships, knowledge exchange partnerships, and student enterprise initiatives.

Keele Business School

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"I chose to study at Keele because of its diversity and freedom of choice, it’s one of the few university that offered a combined honours degree with the chance to add in additional modules to compliment my studies. The Keele experience is a truly unique one, it’s so much more than just a university, it’s where friends become family, halls of residence become second homes. It also gives you a learning experience that lasts a life time. "

Sriya, Economics and Finance

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Meghan on placement

"On my work placement, everyone is so friendly, well that is until it comes to Mario Kart at lunch and then it’s war. It’s safe to say no two days are the same at Nintendo, one day I will be comprising my own sales reports to present and the next I’ll be standing on a field getting blown away by helicopters volunteering with Starlight. It’s hectic and ever changing but I have already grown so much and I am ready for the year ahead, bring it on! "

Meghan, Economics and Maths

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course. 

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) Economics degree. For example, the Foundations of Business 1 module will help you to develop appropriate investigative skills in order to analyse financial information and make informed business decisions. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do. Throughout the programme, you will develop subject-specific and broad-based skills that will be invaluable in your academic career and beyond. You can find out more about our Foundation Year, including information on learning, teaching and assessment methods and further opportunities available to you by visiting our homepage.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

FYO-00247 Foundations: Breaking the code - Understanding Academic Writing 15 credits
FYO-00249 Foundations of Business 1 15 credits
FYO-00251 Foundations of Business 2 15 credits
FYO-00253 Foundations of Business 3 15 credits


Semester two modules

FYO-00255 Advancing Business 30 credits
FYO-00271 University Research Portfolio 30 credits

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.

  • 40 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A level, BTEC, Access Course, or T level)
  • Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths

How to apply 

Students will need to apply for BA (Hons) Economics with Foundation Year (UCAS code L102through UCAS at www.ucas.com

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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Boost your employability by applying for a four-year degree with a work placement at companies such as Nintendo and IBM

 

If you have an idea for a new business venture, this module provides you with the time, space and expertise to develop it

Access economic, financial and business real-time data, world news, analysis and reports in our Bloomberg Financial Lab 

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Discover the Keele difference

Everything’s on your doorstep at Keele, and you’ll soon feel at home and make friends wherever you go.

We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.

Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.