BSc (Hons) Economics, Behaviour and Data Science with a Year Abroad
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- L1IA
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
What drives human behaviour and decision-making? How do the choices of individuals and firms shape today’s global economy? And how can data reveal deeper insights into economic trends?
On our BSc Economics, Behaviour and Data Science with a Year Abroad degree, you’ll receive rigorous training in economic analysis while exploring the fascinating intersection of behavioural economics and data science. You’ll learn how people make decisions—whether as consumers, businesses or policymakers—and how those decisions impact markets, cities and entire economies. You’ll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our exciting partner institutions across the globe, enhancing both your academic studies and international experience.
This degree is ideal if you’re curious about human behaviour and enjoy working with data. Economics is broader than many people realise, and this course gives you the opportunity to focus on the areas that interest you most - whether that’s economic modelling, programming and data analysis, experimental methods, or data-driven decision-making. Alongside core modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics, behavioural economics, programming, and data analysis, you’ll have the flexibility to choose from a wide selection of optional modules offered by the School of Economics.
You’ll benefit from UEA’s world-leading expertise in behavioural economics, alongside excellent support throughout your studies. You’ll receive personalised guidance from your academic adviser and our dedicated STEPS module (Support, Training, Employability, Progression, and Skills). Our Learning Enhancement team is also available to help you with mathematics, writing, critical thinking, and time management. Beyond the classroom, you’ll be part of a vibrant academic community. The School Experience Partnership gives you a voice in shaping our teaching and strategy, while Norwich Economic Publications – a student-run journal and podcast – provides a platform for sharing your passion for economics. The student-led Economics Society also offers great opportunities for you to network and socialise with like-minded friends.
Our curriculum is designed to enhance your employability, with real-world applications integrated throughout your studies. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with interesting guest lectures and industry events, featuring employers and successful graduates, to help you develop the skills and insights for a rewarding career in economics, business, finance, policy, or data science.
Year Abroad
On this course, you’ll spend your third year studying abroad before returning to UEA for your final year. This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate to future employers you have what it takes to succeed in an international setting and gain invaluable insights into the economic issues of another country. You’ll have the option to choose from partner universities across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America, enhancing your global perspective and preparing you for a competitive international job market.
For more information on partner institutions accepting Economics students, check out our Study Abroad pages.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year will provide a solid foundation in microeconomics, where you'll explore how individuals and firms make decisions, and macroeconomics, where you’ll examine the impact of government fiscal and monetary policies on the economy. You’ll develop essential mathematical and statistical skills, gaining proficiency in the modelling techniques used by economists. You’ll also begin applying economic principles to real-world challenges, with a particular focus on how behavioural insights deepen our understanding of decision-making among consumers, workers, and managers.
If you don’t have A-level Mathematics or an equivalent qualification, a tailored introductory mathematics module will ensure you develop the necessary skills to succeed in subsequent modules.
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, you’ll participate in large-group lectures that lay the groundwork for your academic journey. Interactive tools like Wooclap will help enhance your learning experience and track your progress each week. You’ll also have access to a variety of learning resources, including textbooks, lecture notes, pre-recorded videos, and online practice platforms, to support your independent study.
Smaller seminars and workshops will provide a hands-on environment where you can apply key concepts to real-world scenarios. You’ll also gain practical experience with data analysis in IT labs, using software like Excel. Group presentations and discussions, moderated by lecturers, will help you hone your critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. Additionally, Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL), led by students from previous years, will offer a supportive space for reinforcing your understanding across modules.
Assessment
In your first year, you’ll be assessed through a balanced mix of coursework, tests, and exams. Coursework will be varied and may include essays, presentations, and group tasks, all designed to help you develop key skills that are highly relevant to both academic and workplace settings. This diversity in assessments aims to boost your employability by showcasing your abilities across different contexts.
To support your progress, you’ll also complete formative assessments. While these won't contribute to your final grade, they’ll provide valuable feedback to help you track your development and refine your skills throughout the year.
Structure
Building on your first-year knowledge, you’ll delve deeper into behavioural economics while also gaining hands-on experience in data analysis and programming with applications in economics. You’ll continue to develop your understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics and enhance your ability to manage and analyse real-world data in an introductory econometrics module, applying statistical methods to economic questions. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore areas of interest, such as global trade, game theory and strategy, or mathematical economics.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A 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
Your second year introduces a variety of teaching methods and learning experiences. While core modules will still be delivered to larger groups, you’ll also have the chance to study smaller, specialised modules that align with your personal interests and career aspirations. You’ll gain hands-on experience with specialist statistical software and work on data-driven assignments, equipping you with essential analytical skills to tackle more advanced topics in economics.
Assessment
Assessment methods in your second year will continue to include coursework, tests, and exams, but assignments will become more varied. You'll complete research projects, data analysis tasks, essays, presentations, group work, and technical exercises, equipping you with a diverse skill set applicable to both academic and professional settings.
Structure
Your third year will be spent studying at one of our 25+ partner universities across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.
During your time abroad, you'll have the opportunity to select modules that reflect your interests and career aspirations, whether within economics or other subject areas.
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 year abroad, you’ll choose from a variety of modules offered by your host university, allowing you to tailor your studies to your academic and professional interests.
Assessment
While studying abroad, you’ll be assessed according to the requirements of your host university. You must pass your year abroad, but the grades you receive will not count towards your final degree classification. This allows you to focus on gaining international experience without the pressure of affecting your overall academic performance.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll refine your expertise in behavioural insights and data analysis, exploring specialised topics such as behavioural finance and the behavioural economics of inequality, alongside an advanced module in programming and data analysis. You’ll have the option to deepen your knowledge of microeconomics and macroeconomics or take a more applied route by completing a dissertation on a topic of your choice or developing a consulting project in collaboration with an external organisation.
You’ll also have the opportunity to tailor your studies by selecting from a wide range of optional modules, such as financial markets, risk management, alternative investments, competition and public policy, environmental economics, and the economics and business of sport, among others.
Your academic adviser, alongside a module-choice fair, will offer guidance to help you select modules that best align with your academic and professional goals.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)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 final year, you’ll have the flexibility to shape your learning experience through a wide selection of optional modules. Teaching methods will vary, combining technical training—such as lectures and hands-on sessions using specialist software and programming—with more conceptual courses that focus on debates, collaborative projects, and group work. You could also refine your writing skills by producing policy briefs, social media content, and blog posts, ensuring you are well-prepared for both academic and professional environments.
Assessment
Your final-year assessments will be even more varied. Alongside coursework and exams, you may engage in case studies, research projects, and poster presentations. You’ll also have the opportunity to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice or work on a consulting project with an external organisation. Throughout the year, you’ll develop your ability to structure and present arguments effectively across different formats, preparing you for a range of academic and professional challenges.
Employability
After the Course
Your degree, with its diverse teaching and assessment methods, will equip you with a powerful blend of analytical and interpersonal skills - attributes that are highly valued by employers across the globe.
You'll also benefit from guest lectures by industry professionals and various employability events, including networking opportunities, alumni sessions, one-on-one meetings with top professionals, job coaching, training, national competitions, internships, consulting opportunities, and mentoring from former students.
This comprehensive support, combined with your understanding of decision-making and data analysis, will put you in a strong position for a variety of career paths, including economic analysis, policy advising, data and market research, behavioural consulting, and behavioural finance.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Research and (Behavioural) Data analysis
- International Organisations and Think-tanks
- Government and (Behavioural) Policy advising
- Economics Consulting
- Investment Banking and Risk analysis
- Financial Services, Accounting and Auditing
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
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
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
We do not accept General Studies A-levels.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
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 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3.
Contextual offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- 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
ABB
We do not accept General Studies A-levels.International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre 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, UEA International Study Centre 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
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 year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees pages.
There will be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year abroad, 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: