BSc Economics and Data Science (L1G1)

2026 entry

Course summary

Combine essential economics problem-solving and data analysis tools, with programming, data visualisation and data handling skills, on this innovative single-honours degree.

Employability sits at the heart of this programme, recognising that handling and managing data is a crucial part of any modern economist’s toolkit. Economists collect and analyse data, use it to answer key economic questions, and communicate the results to policymakers and industry stakeholders. These skills are in high demand across a range of roles and sectors.

You’ll build extensive core knowledge and practical skills in macro- and micro-economics, data science, econometrics, mathematics, and statistics, and receive hands-on training in modern programming languages – with applications focused on economic analysis.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to engage in a research-based project that will enable you to apply your learning and tackle a real-world data challenge of interest to you, as you hone your research, analysis, and team working abilities. This might include working with an industry partner from a potential future employer, such as an external business or public sector organisation.

You’ll also be able to tailor your degree to suit your interests and career ambitions with optional modules – exploring topics ranging from behavioural economics to international business, industrial economics to health economics, and much more.

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 5 for economics and econometrics amongst UK universities (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.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be prepared for a successful and prosperous 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).

The in-demand skills you’ll gain on our BSc Economics and Data Science will make you well-placed for a role in data or quantitative analysis in public and private institutions, such as the Government Economic Service, consulting firms, and firms in the technology and financial sectors.

Course structure

You’ll develop the core skills of an economist and learn key applications of data science to economics, across all three years of this single-honours degree.

Mandatory topics include coding for economics and data analysis, machine learning, econometrics, micro- and macroeconomics, and mathematics.

In your final year, you’ll be able to choose topics that interest you from a wide range of optional modules within the School of Economics.

Previous optional topics have included behavioural economics, applied economics, industrial economics, international trade, health economics, environmental economics, communicating economics, and more.

Your final year will also see you work on an applied research project, potentially collaborating with an industry partner, to solve a real-world problem.

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.

A*AA including Mathematics
D*DD 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
38 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)
34 points overall with 17 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
88% overall, with 8.5 in Mathematics
Advanced Higher: AA including Mathematics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA
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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