BSc (Hons) Economics with a Year Abroad
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- L10A
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
How do the choices of individuals and businesses shape the global economy? And how can we ensure that economic growth benefits society as a whole? On our flagship BSc in Economics with a Year Abroad, you’ll explore the key forces driving global economic systems and develop the analytical skills needed to tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges.
Economics is a diverse and expansive field of study, and you’ll have the flexibility to shape your degree to your interests. You'll explore the economy from both microeconomic and macroeconomic perspectives, learning to apply economic models alongside real-world data to gain deep insights into businesses, governments, and the financial sector. You may discover a passion for finance and investment, behavioural economics, data analysis and programming, or one of the many other specialisms we offer.
In your third year, you’ll take your studies abroad, spending a year at one of our exciting international partner universities. Throughout your time with us, you’ll receive excellent support and guidance from both your academic adviser and the dedicated STEPS module (Support, Training, Employability, Progression, and Skills). Our Learning Enhancement team is also available to assist with mathematics, writing, critical thinking, and time management - ensuring you’ve the tools to excel.
Our vibrant academic community offers many ways to get involved. The School Experience Partnership, a collaboration between students and staff, gives you a voice in shaping our teaching and strategy. Norwich Economic Publications – a student-run journal and podcast – provides a platform to share your enthusiasm for economics. The student-led Economics Society is also a great place to network and socialise.
Our curriculum is designed with employability in mind, offering a syllabus rich in real-world examples and applications. You’ll benefit from guest lectures and employability events featuring employers and economics graduates, gaining practical insights to prepare you for a career in economics, business, finance, and beyond.
Year Abroad
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 that you have what it takes to succeed in an international setting. You’ll also 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.
For more information on partner institutions accepting Economics students, check out our Study Abroad pages.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year is designed to provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to support your future studies. You’ll explore microeconomics, studying how individuals and firms make decisions, and macroeconomics, where you'll examine the impact of governments' fiscal and monetary policies on the economy. You’ll also develop essential mathematical and statistical skills for understanding and analysing economic models. Throughout the year, you'll apply economic principles to real-world issues and gain deeper insights into decision-making by consumers, workers, managers, and governments.
If you don’t have an A-level in mathematics or an equivalent qualification, a tailored introductory mathematics module will equip you with the essential techniques needed to succeed in your other 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
During your first year, you'll attend large group lectures designed to build a strong academic foundation. Interactive technology, including tools like Wooclap, will create engaging learning experiences and help track your weekly progress. You’ll also have access to a variety of resources beyond textbooks, such as lecture notes, pre-recorded videos, and online practice platforms, supporting your independent study.
Smaller seminar groups and workshops provide an interactive setting where you can apply key concepts to real-world scenarios. You'll also develop essential data analysis skills in IT labs, working with software like Excel. Group presentations and discussions, guided by lecturers, will strengthen your teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills. Additionally, Peer-Assisted Learning offers extra support across modules, with experienced students creating a collaborative space for you to develop your understanding and build confidence in your knowledge.
Assessment
In your first year, assessments combine coursework, tests, and exams. Coursework is intentionally varied and may include essays, presentations, and group projects, helping you develop essential skills. This diverse assessment approach helps to enhance your employability, providing tangible evidence of your skills to future employers.
To support your learning, you'll also take part in formative assessments, which won’t count towards your final mark but will provide valuable feedback to help you gauge your progress and refine your skills.
Structure
In your second year, you'll deepen your understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics, while further developing your skills in managing and analysing real-world data through the study of econometrics.
You'll also have the opportunity to tailor your course to your interests, choosing modules that align with your future career goals. Whether you're interested in finance, behavioural economics, global trade, mathematical economics, or programming, there are modules available to suit your preferences.
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 a variety of teaching methods and learning environments. While you'll continue with large-cohort core modules, you'll also enrol in smaller, specialised modules tailored to your interests. You’ll gain hands-on experience with specialist statistical software and undertake data-driven assignments, helping you build essential analytical skills for advanced topics in economics.
Assessment
In your second year, you'll continue to be assessed through a mix of coursework, tests, and exams. Your coursework will become more varied, including essays, presentations, group projects, technical exercises, research and data analysis assignments, helping you develop a diverse skill set.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year studying at one of over 25 partner universities across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.
As you study abroad, you’ll be encouraged to select modules that align with your personal interests and career goals, whether in economics or in other disciplines.
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 have the chance to choose from a variety of modules based on your academic interests and the offerings at your host university.
Assessment
During your year abroad, you’ll complete assessments for the modules taken at your host university. While you must pass your year abroad, your marks won't count towards your final degree classification.
Structure
In your final year, you'll have access to an even wider selection of optional modules. You can deepen your expertise in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, or choose to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice. Alternatively, you could undertake a consulting project in collaboration with an external organisation.
Additionally, you’ll select further modules in areas such as competition or public policy, development or environmental economics, financial markets or behavioural finance, financial risk management, alternative investments, and the economics and business of sport, among others. Your academic adviser and a module-choice fair will help guide you in selecting the modules best suited to your goals.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 100)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 access to an even broader range of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your studies to your goals. Your learning experience will vary depending on your choices, from technical training that combines lectures with hands-on practice using specialised software and programming to more conceptual subjects that emphasise group work, debates, and collaborative projects. You’ll also develop a range of writing skills, including drafting policy briefs, curating social media content, and creating blog posts, preparing you for both academic and professional success.
Assessment
In your final year, while coursework and tests remain, you’ll have greater flexibility to explore your interests and develop original work through case studies, projects, and innovative poster presentations. You’ll also have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice or undertake a consulting project with an external organisation. Throughout the year, you’ll hone your ability to present arguments with confidence and clarity across different formats.
Employability
After the Course
This degree, with its diverse range of teaching and assessment methods, will equip you with a strong combination of analytical and interpersonal skills that are highly valued by employers worldwide. Throughout the course, you’ll attend guest lectures from industry experts and participate in a variety of employability events, including networking sessions, one-on-one meetings with top professionals, job coaching, national competitions, internships, consulting opportunities, and mentoring from alumni.
Your year abroad will provide valuable international experience, expanding your global outlook. Studying in a new cultural setting will help you develop key skills in adaptability, communication, and problem-solving—qualities that are highly prized by employers.
Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for a broad range of career paths, from economic analysis and policy advising to data analytics and business consulting.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- International Organisations and Think-tanks
- Government and Policy advising
- Economics and Management Consulting
- Investment Banking and Risk analysis
- Financial Services, Accounting and Auditing
- Research and Data analysis
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 Fee webpage.
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: