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UCAS code L103
Studying BA Economics will enable you to build a thorough understanding of current economic issues, with a strong application-focused approach to economics. This programme is suited to those who have not taken A- Level Mathematics as it is less mathematically intensive and offers a more applied alternative to our BSc Economics.
The course content on these pages is for 2026 entry. The University is currently reviewing its programmes for 2027 entry. Course listings for students beginning in September 2027 will be published on our website before our Open Days on June 19 and 20. Please note, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
BA Economics provides students a robust grounding in economic principles, progressing from theory to practical application. In your first year, you will establish a firm understanding of micro and macroeconomics, statistical and data analysis and mathematical tools needed for economic and business applications.
In your second year, you will build on these foundations with introductions to econometric modelling and big data analysis. Expect to explore contemporary economic themes, such as the economics of diversity and inclusion, behavioural economics and management economics.
In your final year, there is an emphasis on applied economics. Tailor your degree with a diverse range of optional modules alongside applied core modules focused on macroeconomic policy debates and industrial organisation. You will have the opportunity to explore specialised areas, such as Creative Sector Economics, Environmental Economics and Sustainability Policies, Behavioural Finance, Sports Economics, Derivative Securities and Health Economics.
Employability is embedded from first year. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world contexts and develop a strong understanding of economics relevance in today’s society. You’ll develop mastery of sought-after statistical and econometric modelling techniques, equipping you with valuable analytical skills demanded by employers, without becoming immersed in overly abstract theoretical constructs.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You will develop a strong foundation in micro and macroeconomics, statistical and data analysis and mathematical tools needed for economic and business applications.
All students will undertake ECON170 Professional Skills and Employment Preparation, which connects academic skills to future professional practice, allowing you to see how employability is closely linked to the academic experience.
In year one, students must complete all of the listed modules.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will build on the foundations of year one with introductions to econometric modelling and big data analysis. Expect to explore contemporary economic themes, such as the economics of diversity and inclusion, behavioural economics and management economics.
In year two semester one students take three compulsory modules which ECON223, ECON233, ECON227 as well as one optional module choosing between ECON215 and ECON21. in semester two students take three compulsory modules which are ECON222, ECON251 and ECON231 as well as one optional module choosing between ECON234 and ECON241.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The third year of your programme is spent on placement. You will complete a year-long graduate-level placement, providing valuable work experience and an opportunity to further enhance the skills and attributes sought after by top employers.
You can apply for UK-based placements with a large organisation or smaller company or even seek a placement overseas. You will be visited at least twice by University staff whilst on placement with support from the Placement Team throughout and complete related assessments in May.
Further information about the year in industry is available on the Management School website.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ULMS PLACEMENT YEAR (ULMS299) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
With an emphasis on applied economics, you will study core modules focused on macroeconomic policy debates and industrial organisation. Explore specialised areas, outlined in the optional modules.
Students will take one compulsory module, plus three options in each semester.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DEBATES IN MACROECONOMIC POLICY (ECON355) | 15 |
| INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATION (ECON333) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
This course is also available without an included year in industry.
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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BA Economics provides a strong foundation for careers that require analytical thinking, data interpretation, and a deep understanding of economic principles, with a versatile skillset, opening doors to a wide range of career paths across various sectors.
Graduates will be well-equipped for diverse careers across finance, government, consulting, business, research, and non-profit sectors. Roles range from analysing economic trends as an economist or financial analyst, to shaping policy as a policy analyst, providing expert advice as a consultant, or interpreting data as a data analyst.
Students can access our central Careers and Employability service, as well as a dedicated team based in the Management School. There is a range of activity throughout the year, to help develop employability skills, support with finding internships, placements or roles after graduation.
Economics students also have the opportunity to apply for our Student Research Assistant Scheme.
A BA Economics graduate is well-equipped for diverse careers across finance, government, consulting, business, research, and non-profit sectors. Roles range from analysing economic trends as an economist or financial analyst, to shaping policy as a policy analyst, providing expert advice as a consultant, or interpreting data as a data analyst. These professionals leverage their analytical, quantitative, and communication skills to drive informed decision-making and contribute to various economic and societal challenges.
Possible careers:
Past employers:
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £9,790
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £1,465 (applies to year in China)
Full-time place, per year - £27,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £13,500 (applies to year in China)
The fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
AAB Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is ABB from A levels, with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers. |
| T levels |
T levels are not currently accepted. |
| GCSE |
GCSE Mathematics at grade 7/A and GCSE English at grade 4/C required. |
| BTEC Level 3 Diploma | D*D* in a business-related subject and B at A level. |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | D*D*D in a business-related subject. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall with no score less than 4 and including 6 in HL Mathematics or pass the IB Diploma plus 6,6,5 in 3 HL subjects including 6 in HL Mathematics. |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H3 |
| Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher | Scottish Advanced Highers at AAB |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus grades AA at A level |
| Access | Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 36 at Distinction (including a minimum of 15 Maths credits) and 9 at Merit. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall. |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall. |
| Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 176 overall, with no paper below 162 |
| International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature | Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level |
| International Baccalaureate English B | Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 5 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions