BSc (Hons) Economics and Finance with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- LN1P
- Typical Offer
- AAB
- Contextual Offer
- BBB
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
BSc Economics and Finance with a Placement Year combines a comprehensive training in economic analysis with in-depth insights from corporate finance, financial instruments, and financial markets. In this programme, you’ll master economic, financial modelling techniques and statistical analysis. In your third year, you'll spend from nine to twelve months on a full-time placement, gaining invaluable work experience and enhancing your employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You’ll develop the mindset and skills that employers highly value. Many of our graduates go on to rewarding careers in business and finance, whilst others choose to pursue further academic studies, or work in other fields.
On this course, you'll combine a rigorous training in economics with a focus on finance. You'll study microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic modelling and statistics, and you'll also study the economics of corporate finance, financial markets and behavioural finance. You're likely to choose further modules in derivatives, financial risk management and alternative investments. You may then choose to deepen your quantitative skills through modules that cover areas in data analysis and programming, or to broaden your knowledge of economics generally by choosing from the full suite of modules on offer in the School of Economics.
At UEA, you’ll receive the very best support and guidance through a dedicated module called STEPS (Skills, Training, Employability, Progression, and Support), as well as through your academic adviser. A university-wide Learning Enhancement team is also on hand to help you with mathematics, writing, critical-thinking, revision, and time management skills.
Our curriculum prioritises employability, offering you a syllabus rich in real world examples and practical applications. Guest lectures by employers as well as numerous employability events, including: workshops, networking and alumni events, one-on-one meetings with top professionals, job coaching and training, nationwide competitions, internships and consulting opportunities, and mentoring by former alumni.
Our dynamic community offers you plenty of opportunities to connect and get involved. The student-led Economics Society is the perfect place for you to network and socialise with fellow students, whilst our Staff-Student Liaison Committee gives you a say in the future direction and every-day running of the School. The Norwich Economic Publications (a combination of a journal and a Podcast run by students) and the ECO Blog are outlets where you can share your enthusiasm about what you study.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
On this course, in your third year you’ll engage for nine to 12 months in a full-time work placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant field of your choice.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, the curriculum is designed to provide a strong grounding in both microeconomics and macroeconomics. In microeconomics, you'll delve into the decision-making processes of individuals and firms, while macroeconomics will cover the fiscal and monetary policies of governments and their effects on the economy. Through a focus on mathematical and statistical methods, you'll acquire essential modelling techniques commonly used by economists. Additionally, you'll begin to apply economic and finance principles to real-world issues, gaining insights into how behavioural factors influence the decision-making processes of consumers, workers, and managers.
For students without an A-level in mathematics or equivalent qualifications, we offer a tailored introductory mathematics module to ensure you have a solid foundation in the mathematical techniques essential for pursuing a career in economics.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your first year, lectures will mainly take place in large group settings where new concepts, ideas, and arguments are introduced. To keep you engaged and allow the lecturer to monitor your progress, these sessions will frequently utilise audience response systems and other technologies. Regular breaks for group discussions will be incorporated.
Workshops will offer practical experience, with teachers guiding you through hands-on activities in groups to apply the new methods learned in lectures. Additionally, you'll participate in small group discussions and debates led by academics. These activities are complemented by additional study skills and support sessions.
Assessment
In your first year, your assessment will consist of a well-rounded combination of coursework and tests. The coursework is intentionally diverse and may encompass essays, presentations, and group tasks.
You'll participate in formative assessments, which are ungraded but aid in evaluating your learning requirements and academic advancement. This allows you to utilise ongoing feedback to better prepare for graded coursework and tests.
Having a variety of assessments is crucial for improving your employability prospects. We strive to continuously equip you with a wide range of workplace skills and provide the evidence necessary to showcase these skills to potential employers.
Structure
During your second year, you'll further enhance your comprehension of micro and macroeconomics, alongside honing your abilities in managing and analysing real-world data through an econometrics module. This involves applying statistical methods to explore economic inquiries.
The financial foundations established during your degree so far are formalised in a compulsory module on corporate finance.
You’ll also be given the option to build knowledge in further areas of interest, such as behavioural economics, econometrics, global trade, strategy, mathematical economics, and programming.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your second year, you'll encounter an increased variety in teaching methods and classroom environments. While you'll still engage in large-cohort core modules, you'll also enrol in smaller, specialised modules tailored to your personal goals and interests. During this period, you'll be introduced to more advanced statistical software and might choose to undertake your own data-driven research project
Assessment
In your second year, assessment continues through coursework, tests, and exams. The variety of coursework broadens, potentially including essays, presentations, group projects, technical tasks, research assignments, and data analysis tasks.
Structure
In your third year, you’ll spend between nine and twelve months in a full-time work placement. Although you’ll be responsible for securing your own work placement, the School and the Careers Service will offer dedicated support to assist you throughout the process of searching, applying for, and ultimately gaining a position. Additionally, you’ll be given assistance during your placement and upon your return for the completion of your studies in the fourth and final year.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
During your work placement, you’ll receive dedicated support from the Placement Team within the School and specialists from the Careers Service.
Assessment
During your placement year there will be a placement meeting / visit involving the supervisor, placement student and representative from the placement team. As a placement student, you’ll be required to submit an evaluative report in the form of a presentation, which will be assessed on a ‘pass or fail’ basis. There will be an opportunity for you to present this report to prospective students when you return in your final year.
Structure
In your final year, you'll be advancing your expertise and knowledge of the financial sector. This involves delving into areas such as behavioural finance, financial markets, alternative investments, and derivatives and risk management.
You'll have the opportunity to continue your study of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. You’ll have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice or develop a consulting project in collaboration with an external organisation. And you’ll choose further optional modules in areas such as, competition or public policy, labour, development and environmental economics, inequality, economics and business of sport, and programming.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 80)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your last year, the selection of optional modules expands further. This implies that the teaching methods you encounter will also reflect your preferences. Technical training will be imparted through a combination of traditional lectures and practical sessions, utilising specialised software and programming. Learning more discursive and conceptual subjects will focus on group work, debates, and collaborative projects, allowing you to practise various forms of writing, ranging from policy briefs to social media collections and blogs.
Assessment
In your last year, the variety of assessment methods broadens further. You might choose to write a dissertation on a topic of interest or engage in a consulting project with external organisations. Although a mix of coursework and tests persists, you'll have greater autonomy to select your own topics and create original submissions through case studies, projects, and poster presentations. You'll be encouraged to express your own perspective and to present arguments confidently and thoroughly across diverse contexts.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade C or grade 4 and Mathematics at minimum grade B or grade 5.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
Contextual offer: BBB
We do not accept General Studies A-levels.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
Contextual offer: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDD
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual Offer: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A level.
Contextual Offer: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Science, Accounting, Finance and Management and Administration.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade C or grade 4 and Mathematics at minimum grade B or grade 5.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
We do not accept General Studies A-levels.BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDD
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAAAA
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your placement year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.
There may be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
Upon graduation from the School of Economics, you'll possess a desirable blend of analytical and interpersonal skills highly sought after by employers. This will position you competitively for various career paths, including roles as an economist, analyst, or manager in economics or business consulting. Alternatively, you may pursue opportunities as a civil servant or within sectors such as investment banking and finance, accounting and auditing, insurance and actuarial work, retail, and international think tanks and organisations.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Economic analysis
- Management and Economics Consulting
- Government and Policy advising
- Investment Banking and Risk analysis
- Financial Services
- Data Research
Discover more on our Careers webpages.