BSc Philosophy and Economics (VL51)
2026 entry | view 2025 entry
Course summary
Combine two historically interlinked disciplines and develop a breadth of skills across both economics and philosophy, on this joint honours degree.
Our economics teaching is technically rigorous. You'll build your analytical skills with mandatory units in macro- and microeconomics, mathematics, statistics and econometrics – the application of statistical methods to data to estimate economic models.
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 five for economics and econometrics among UK universities (REF 2021).
This is complemented by units in philosophy, which will equip you with skills in textual analysis, written and verbal expression, collaborative problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking.
You'll be taught by experts from one of the country's largest philosophy departments, with Bristol ranked in the UK's top ten for the subject (QS subject rankings 2024).
You'll also be able to tailor your degree to suit your interests and career ambitions with optional modules. This enables you to explore topics ranging from political philosophy to environmental economics, ethics to international trade, virtue and wellbeing to behavioural economics, and more.
In your final year, you'll also have the opportunity to undertake an extended philosophy essay project on a topic of your choice, applying your knowledge and skills in a specialist area and supervised by a member of staff with relevant expertise.
By the end of the programme, you'll be well-prepared for a successful career. On average, Bristol economics students earn 26% more than other UK economics graduates within 5 years of graduation – typically enjoying salaries between £42,500 and £77,500 per year (discoveruni.gov.uk, 2024).
Recent BSc Philosophy and Economics graduates have gone on to work at organisations including the Department for Transport, PwC, Barclays Investment Bank, Aon, Coutts, Zurich Insurance, Deloitte, Kraft Heinz, RBS International, EY, Goldman Sachs, and RSM.
Job roles of recent course graduates include Data Scientist, Operations Manager, Investment Consultant, Business Tax Analyst, Journalist, Pricing Actuary, and Paralegal.
Course structure
During the first two years of the programme, mandatory units in macro- and microeconomics, mathematics, statistics, the economy and applied quantitative research will provide you with strong economics foundations to build upon. Mandatory units in philosophy will develop your knowledge and skills in core philosophical concepts, logical and critical thinking, realism and normativity.
You'll complement your mandatory modules by choosing from a wide range of optional modules. The number of options increases as you progress through the degree, allowing you to select units from the areas of economics and philosophy that most interest you.
In recent years, optional topics have included behavioural economics, feminist philosophy, environmental economics, the philosophy and history of medicine, communicating economics, ethics and literature, labour economics, aesthetics, and more.
In the final year, you'll also have the option to undertake an extended philosophy essay project on a topic of your choice.
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.
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Philosophy and Economics can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2025 entry. The statement for 2026 entry will be available in summer 2025.