Improve your knowledge of global markets and economic theory, and sharpen your decision making skills – an Economics degree at Nottingham Business School is your gateway to a career in financial services, and a wide range of other opportunities.
Economics is built on some simple, yet important, ideas known as threshold concepts. These apply to decisions taken every day by individuals, firms and governments. Some of these decisions can have very important effects for all of us – for example, decisions made by financial institutions in 2008 which lasted for five quarters and resulted in the deepest UK recession since the war.
You’ll study the key concepts of modern economics, learning how these principles are applied by individuals, businesses and governments. You’ll work with professionals and industry experts and test your knowledge in a range of real-world business environments.
As an Economics student you’ll have access to our unique Business Lab facility. With 12 double-screen workstations, the room gives you a simulated experience of working in the fast-moving world of shares and trading. You can access sophisticated analysis tools and data on worldwide financial markets.
Nottingham Business School enrols its economics students with The Society of Professional Economists (SPE). SPE is the leading organisation serving professional economists in the UK and has more than 600 members, drawn from all areas of the profession including finance and commerce, industry, government departments, private sector consultants, business schools and universities.
This course can be studied over three years full-time or four years with a placement, and offers all students the opportunity to gain some industry experience or travel overseas to study abroad in one of our partner universities with our unique opportunities scheme.
Nottingham Business School is a UK leader in financial and business education – an Economics degree from NTU gives you the foundations and opportunities to pursue a wide range of exciting careers.
Nottingham Business School have both EQUIS and AACSB accreditation.
Find out more about Nottingham Business School in our undergraduate course brochure.
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Student profiles

What you'll study
We are currently reviewing the content of our courses to ensure that they remain relevant and current to our students’ future ambitions and society. Please continue to check this course webpage for the latest developments.
The course begins in September 2021. Take a look at the academic calendar for term dates. The academic calendar will apply throughout your course, aside your placement year (if you have chosen to undertake one).
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Year One
Principles of Macroeconomics
This module will introduce you to key macroeconomic variables, such as growth, inflation, unemployment and trade, and to theoretical perspectives on their determination applying models in a national and international context. It provides the building blocks for further critical analysis later in the course.
Principles of Microeconomics
This module will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to microeconomic theory and enable you to analyse markets, institutions and policy. In doing so, you will learn to understand the interconnectedness of economic participants, such as consumers and producers.
Quantitative Methods for Economists
An ability to understand and analyse quantitative data is an important part of an economist’s toolkit. This module will develop your numeracy, enabling you to explore, describe and utilise data in economic and business analysis.
Economics for Business, Finance and International Development
Learn how to apply economic principles to the analysis of business, finance and international development issues. You will develop an understanding of the link between economics, finance, business and international development.
Economic Policy in Context
Provides an historical background to the process of economic development and introduces influential economic scholars and schools of thought. You will reflect on the parallels between contemporary economic issues and debates with those of the past.
Personal and Academic Development
Helps you recognise the personal skills, behaviours and attributes you currently have, and supports you in formulating a continuous personal and professional development plan to develop the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your future ambitions and realise your full potential.
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Year Two
First half of Year Two – Core modules
Intermediate Macroeconomics
This module looks to develop students understanding of macroeconomic theory. It will provide students with the necessary conceptual foundations to appraise alternative perspectives on key controversies in macroeconomics. In looking consistently to draw potential policy implications its focus will be on both the short- term dynamics of economies frequently buffeted by economic shocks and the longer-term drivers and influences on economic growth and development.
Intermediate Microeconomics
This module aims to deepen and widen students understanding of microeconomics by building upon the foundations students acquired from the Principles of Microeconomics module. This module will explore the complex interconnectedness of individual decisions, which arise because of rival demands on globally scarce resources. Additionally, this module will introduce students to some of the controversies associated with alternative theoretical approaches.
PLUS ONE OPTIONAL MODULE FROM:
Econometrics
This module will develop further the tools and techniques that enhance your ability to use quantitative data to evaluate economic and business decisions. It will help you to build and test models of economic phenomena and introduce you to forecasting and hypothesis testing.
Survey Research and Analysis for Business
This module draws on conceptual material in the area of Survey Methods widely used in business and the application of analytic methods to the data generated. One of the primary focuses of this module is to help you understand how to plan and conduct surveys but also interpret the results within the appropriate business context. With the aid of appropriate professional statistical software you will be encouraged to apply statistical methods of analysis to data. The module is designed to allow you the opportunity to analyse and interpret “real data” from various areas of the business world. In studying this module you will develop your knowledge and skills in conducting survey research within business.
You will be given the opportunity to plan and execute a survey; design and implement a survey instrument; analyse survey results using applications software; and interpret and communicate analytical findings.
Second half of Year Two
You can either select one of our Unique Opportunities Initiatives or continue with your taught modules listed below:
Core modules
Employment and Enterprise
Following on from the Personal Development module in Year One, you will build and further reflect on your personal and professional skills, attributes and behaviours. You will have the opportunity to participate in part-time work, volunteering, consultancy work, business competitions and challenges, and develop a range of skills to enhance your employability.
Environmental and Resource Economics
This module will give you the opportunity to apply economic analysis to issues related to the use of the environment and natural resources. Indicative topic areas include:
- introduction to environmental economics and sustainability
- economic characteristics of the environment and natural resources- their public good characteristics and the role of externalities
- pollution control regimes: command and control regulation, taxation and tradeable permit schemes
- models of natural resource management, development and use
- economics of energy markets
- economics of climate change and the role of institutions and international environmental agreements.
Economic Evaluation
This module provides a broad treatment of micro and macroeconomic policy issues that affect contemporary society. The module will use the toolkit of the economist to analyse contemporary economic issues.
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Year Three
Placement year
A vital component of our degree courses is the placement year. This time spent working in business provides our students with crucial work experience, which is highly prized and much sought after by employers upon graduation. We have links with a wide range of sectors, firms and organisations that offer student placements. If you have decided to undertake a placement year then this will last for a minimum of 48 weeks during your third year.
Our Employability Team is here to inspire and enhance every stage of your career planning and as a graduate of NTU, you will be able to access their services for three years after your course has finished.
Services they provide include:
- finding placements, internships and part-time work
- pursuing self-employment
- taking gap years and time out
- getting into volunteering
- providing advice on further study.
Or
Taught modules
If you have decided to continue with your studies please view the 'final year' tab for your list of modules.
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Final year
Developing Professional Impact
This module is designed to expand your horizons and challenge your attitudes and behaviours both in relation to subject specific issues and wider business concerns such as global citizenship and sustainable business practices. It will encourage you to build on your strengths and explore a range of possibilities as you embark on your next steps.
Research Project
This module will see you undertake an individual in-depth study of a topic related to economics. During the project you will develop your skills to independently manage a major piece of work. The work will be written in the style of an academic article giving you the chance to practice writing for an academic audience.
Choice and Welfare
The module builds on the microeconomic theory developed previously on the course to provide a critical analysis of economic theories, concepts and techniques of relevance to individual, government, business and managerial decision-making. In doing so, students will apply economic ideas to analyse a range of issues of concern to individuals, policy makers and businesses in a contemporary setting.
Macroeconomics Issues and Policy
The module extends and uses economic theory already encountered on the degree to analyse macroeconomic issues facing policy-makers in the modern economy. By applying economic concepts and theories to macroeconomic problems, the module aims to deepen understanding of macroeconomic debates about policy.
The World Economy
This module critically applies relevant economic theories to develop your understanding of the European Union as a trading bloc. It will help you to evaluate the place of the EU within the global economy and to review critically a range of EU policies and the impacts they have on EU member states, including monetary integration.
Plus one optional module from:
Contemporary Economic Perspectives
This module will provide you with a critical perspective on the methods and analysis of economists. You will compare the different interpretations of contemporary economic issues and events and the lessons that can be drawn. The module adopts a pluralistic approach enabling a critique of mainstream economic thinking.
Investment Portfolio Management
This module examines appropriate Investment and Portfolio Management theory. You will have the opportunity to put this theory into practice principally via the construction and running of a portfolio of equities.
Econometric Theory
This module build on the econometrics from earlier in the course to develop your ability to use appropriate statistical methods to test economic and financial theories to aid the evaluation of government, business and investments policies and strategies.
We're ranked Top 20 in the UK for Economics (The Guardian League Table 2021).
How you’re taught
Assessment methods include; examinations, practically assessments including policy briefings; economics impact analysis; business and finance investment analysis using contemporary software; business analysis reporting; and country trade-flow analysis.
Teaching and learning on the economics course involves a blend of three crucial elements.
- Exposure to a variety of economic perspectives.
- Application of theories and concepts to policy issues in business, trade and finance.
- Development of quantitative and qualitative skills of economic analysis.
You will also have a number of one-on-one tutor sessions during each year, which will allow you to:
- discuss your personal and professional development
- discuss and gain feedback about your work
- ask questions about the projects you're working on.
- raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances or your University experience.
You'll also use our virtual learning environment, NOW, which is a flexible web-based system that gives you 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.
Assessment methods
Full time version of the course (3 years)
- Year 1 coursework (49%), written (43%) and practical (8%).
- Year 2 coursework (30%) and written (70%).
- Year 3 coursework (55%), written (45%).
Sandwich version of the course (4 Years)
- Year 1 coursework (49%), written (43%) and practical (8%).
- Year 2 coursework (30%) and written (70%).
- Year 3 placement (100%).
- Year 4 coursework (55%), written (45%).
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
Full time version of the course (3 years)
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (31%) and independent study (69%).
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (24%) and independent study (76%).
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (23%) and independent study (77%).
Sandwich version of the course (4 Years)
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (31%) and independent study (69%) .
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (24%) and independent study (76%).
- Year 3 placement (100%).
- Year 4 lectures/seminars/workshops (23%) and independent study (77%).
100% of students studying BA (Hons) Economics would recommend studying at Nottingham Trent University (National Student Survey 2019)
Staff profiles
Careers and employability
93% of our undergraduates were in employment or further study six months after graduating from NTU (DLHE 2016/17)
Graduates from this course have gone onto working in both public and private sector, undertaking positions such as:
- Auditor
- Business Analyst
- Civil Servant
- Credit Controller
- Financial Consultant
In the last few years, graduates from this course have gone onto securing roles with well know employers such as:
- PRGX
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Freud Communications
- Capita
- Daccessgroup
Students on this course tend to earn the average salary of £23,100 six months after graduation (DLHE 2016/17)
Notable alumni
We like to keep in touch with all our past students to see what they have been up to over the years. Notable alumni for our Economics course are:
- Tom Kay – Rower and three times world championship gold medallist
- Jacob Roche – Management Consultant at Mott MacDonald
- David Spruce – Operations Director at QBE European Operations
Guest Lectures
Through our popular Business Leaders Lecture Series, you'll have the chance to listen to experts from a wide range of industries who will share their knowledge with you. Recent guests have included Jason Bates, the co-founder of digital banks Monzo and Starling.
We're Top 10 in the UK for the number of year-long placement undergradates studying Economics (HESA 2018/19)
Facilities
We are continually investing in our facilities, and transforming our learning and teaching environment to create an inspiring and innovative atmosphere.
Our School is based in the impressive Newton Building on NTU's City Campus. The building was recently involved in a £90 million regeneration project on the site. The Grade II* listed building was transformed into an ultra-modern complex while keeping its historic beauty.
Fantastic facilities
- You can take advantage of the Link Lounge, a space dedicated to Business School students, located on floor zero of the Newton building.
- Explore your career prospects with the help of the University's Employability Team.
- You will benefit from spacious teaching rooms and lecture theatres and a variety of social spaces.
- Our Student Services Centre will also be on-hand should you need support.
- A new City Campus Students' Union building giving you an exceptional array of social, leisure and well-being facilities.
Business Lab
Our Business Lab, a unique facility with 12 double screen workstations allows access to worldwide financial markets data and sophisticated analysis tools. As an integral part of your learning experience you can use industry technology, create stock portfolios, monitor their performance and use near-live reporting to make quick-fire, informed decisions. Explore the Business Lab in our Virtual Tour.
IT resources
Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across the City Campus, with PCs providing access to:
- Microsoft Office
- web browsing
- networked file storage
- high-speed online printing services.
The University’s main resource room in the library is available 24 hours a day.
Book and library resources
In our library you will have access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within business, Marketing, Finance, Economics and HRM. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our:
- electronic resources
- journals
- books.
We have a liaison librarian who is available to give you detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources. They can also help you with things such as Harvard referencing and research skills.
City location
The location of the City Campus also means that you have easy access to:
- sports facilities
- shops
- student accommodation
- music venues
- cafés.
Entry requirements
You will need one of the following:
- A-levels – ABB, excluding General Studies
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM
- 128 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, excluding General Studies.
- You will also need GCSEs – English and grade C / 4 and Maths grade B / 5.
Other qualifications and experience
We will consider equivalent qualifications and combinations, please see UCAS course search for details and use our calculator to help you work out how many UCAS points your qualifications relate to.
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Contextual offers
As well as assessing your application and qualifications, we use contextual data and information to make offers for this course. Depending on your circumstances, we may make you an offer up to two grades below the standard entry criteria. Find out how we assess your application.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our UG and PG degrees. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
Pre-masters and foundation courses
If you need to do a foundation or pre-Masters course to meet our course requirements please visit Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). If you are already studying in the UK at a school or college and would like to know if we can accept your qualification please visit our foundation courses page.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English Language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Help and support
If you have any questions about your qualifications or about making an application to the University please contact our international team for advice.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Apply through UCAS. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
You can apply directly to the University for an Undergraduate Course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year. If you are applying to more than one UK University you must apply through UCAS.
Apply as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
- For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
- For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
- For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Apply now (UCAS)
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Good luck with your application!
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs. Placement opportunities are available in the UK and overseas and travel grants and funding may be available to help fund any international travel costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
International fees and scholarships
For international and EU fees for all courses together with advice on how to pay, please visit our international fees information.
We offer prestigious scholarships to our international students holding offers to study here. For details and an application form please visit our international scholarships information.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs. Placement opportunities are available in the UK and overseas and travel grants and funding may be available to help fund any international travel costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.