BSc Economics and Finance with Study Abroad (LN15)

2027 entry | view 2026 entry

Course summary

This degree develops your ability to analyse economic issues, construct and communicate complex arguments, and apply rigorous economic thinking to a broad range of real-world problems.

You will also gain a strong grounding in finance, combining core economic theory with the quantitative and analytical skills essential for modern financial decision-making.

You'll benefit from teaching that's informed by the latest developments in economics and our cutting-edge research; research which ranks in the top ten for economics and econometrics amongst UK universities (THE analysis of REF 2021). We are also home to the Economics Network, which improves the teaching and learning of economics in universities throughout the UK and Europe.

You will also have the opportunity to complete an economics dissertation, allowing you to explore a question that matters to you and to demonstrate your research, analytical and communication skills under academic supervision.

Optional units throughout the degree allow you to focus on areas that match your interests and ambitions. Topics offered in recent years include banking, business law, taxation, international trade, accounting, industrial economics and more.

The year studying overseas will enable you to explore economics and finance in a non-UK context, learning in English but at an international university in one of numerous global destinations. Visit Centre For Study Abroad to find out more.

By graduation, you will be well-prepared for a successful career. Recent Economics and Finance graduates have gone on to work in roles such as Trade Support Analyst, Tax Associate, Corporate and Investment Banking Analyst, Diplomat, Finance Analyst, CEO, Statistician, Financial Writer and Business Intelligence Developer.

Recent graduates of the course work at globally renowned organisations including Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever, JPMorgan Chase, Standard Chartered Bank, Siemens, and Bank Negara Malaysia.

On average, Bristol economics students earn 10% more than other UK economics graduates after just 15 months of graduation, typically enjoying salaries between 31,000 and 44,000 in that year (discoveruni.gov.uk, data for graduates in 2022-23).

Teaching for the first two years of the course is at our vibrant Clifton Campus. It's here where you'll build a strong understanding of both subjects. For your final year, your location of study will depend on the specific units you choose to study, but will likely include some teaching at our Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus for units relating to business and to innovation. Here, enhanced links with businesses will help give you real-world knowledge, networks and skills to succeed once you graduate.

Accreditations

Our Economics and Finance with Study Abroad BSc is accredited by CIMA.

Course structure

In the first two years, you will build strong mathematical, analytical and quantitative skills. Mandatory units include microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics, statistics, econometrics and foundational modules in accounting and finance.

Your third year will be spent at a leading international institution abroad, where you'll learn in English but broaden your horizons through the immersive experience of studying economics and finance in a non-UK context. Discover more on our Centre For Study Abroad pages.

In your final year, you will deepen your financial training through a dedicated unit in financial markets and corporate finance, alongside your choice of optional modules from the School of Economics and the Business School.

In recent years, optional units have included accounting, taxation, banking, machine learning, international business, financial crises, portfolio management, labour economics, international trade and public economics, and more.

During your final year, you'll also have the opportunity to carry out research through an applied economics dissertation.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including Mathematics
DDD in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma and A in mathematics at A-level (or equivalent)

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including Mathematics with either 6 at Higher Level (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 7 at Standard Level (Analysis and Approaches)
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including Mathematics with either 5 at Higher Level (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 7 at Standard Level (Analysis and Approaches)

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Advanced Higher: AA including Mathematics, and Standard Higher: AAAAB
Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 15 credits from Mathematics units, of which at least 12 (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry) must be at Distinction. Or Access to HE Diploma in Business, Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology, Law or History (or similar titles), with the 45 graded Level 3 credits including at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above, plus A in A-level Mathematics.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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