BSc Econ Economics with a Professional Placement Year

This program is designed for students who seek both an in-depth understanding of economics and practical experience in a professional setting. The first two years provide a comprehensive grounding in economic principles, while the third year is dedicated to a professional placement, offering students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems. This structure enhances employability, providing valuable skills that are highly regarded by employers.

Curriculum: The BSc Economics with a Professional Placement Year program covers a broad range of core topics in economics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and quantitative methods. Students will also study specialized areas such as financial economics, development economics, and behavioral economics, allowing them to tailor their learning to specific interests. In the first and second years, the curriculum focuses on building foundational knowledge and analytical skills, while the third year is dedicated to gaining professional experience in a relevant industry, ensuring students apply their academic knowledge in practice. The final year brings students back to the university for advanced modules and the completion of their degree.

Research Focus: Cardiff University is well-regarded for its research output, and the BSc Economics with a Professional Placement Year program reflects this strong research culture. The university is particularly known for its research in areas such as international trade, environmental economics, and labor economics. Students have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and may have the chance to contribute to academic projects, deepening their understanding of economic concepts and real-world applications. This research-driven approach prepares students to critically assess data and economic policies, skills that are essential in both academic and professional settings.

Industry Engagement: A key feature of the BSc Economics with a Professional Placement Year is its emphasis on industry engagement. The professional placement provides students with the opportunity to work in a real-world setting, allowing them to gain practical experience and build industry-specific skills. Cardiff University has established strong links with a wide range of employers in sectors such as finance, government, consultancy, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The placement year enables students to apply their academic knowledge to solve practical problems, making them more competitive in the job market upon graduation. Additionally, Cardiff’s career services offer guidance and support to help students secure placement opportunities.

Global Perspective: The program is designed with a global perspective in mind, reflecting the interconnectedness of today’s economies. Students explore international economic issues such as globalization, trade policies, and international finance, while also gaining insights into global challenges such as economic development and environmental sustainability. The professional placement year can also be undertaken with international companies or organizations, offering students a unique opportunity to gain experience in a global context. This global outlook ensures that graduates are equipped to work in diverse and international economic environments.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

International Foundation Programme Scholarships: For international students who need to complete a foundation year before beginning an undergraduate degree, Cardiff University offers scholarships to cover part of the foundation year tuition fees. This scholarship supports students in their transition to full-time degree programs at the university.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Graduates of the BSc Economics with a Professional Placement Year program at Cardiff University are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors. The combination of rigorous academic training and hands-on professional experience makes graduates highly attractive to employers, giving them an edge in the competitive job market. 

Economic Consultant: Graduates can work as consultants, advising businesses, government bodies, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on economic strategies, policies, and market trends. Economic consultants help organizations improve decision-making and address complex challenges in sectors such as finance, public policy, and development.

Financial Analyst: With strong analytical and quantitative skills, graduates can pursue roles as financial analysts, working in investment banks, commercial banks, or other financial institutions. They analyze economic trends, market conditions, and financial data to support investment decisions, risk management, and strategic planning.

Policy Advisor: Many graduates work as policy advisors for governmental agencies, think tanks, or international organizations. They use their expertise in economics to shape public policies, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, taxation, or economic development.

Data Analyst: Given the growing demand for data-driven insights, graduates with strong quantitative skills can pursue careers as data analysts. They work in various industries such as healthcare, technology, or retail, analyzing large datasets to inform business strategies, policy decisions, and market forecasts.

Investment Banker: Some graduates choose to pursue roles in investment banking, working on mergers, acquisitions, and financial transactions. Their deep understanding of economics and finance allows them to navigate complex financial markets and provide valuable advice to corporations and clients.

International Trade Specialist: With the global perspective emphasized in the program, graduates can pursue careers in international trade, advising companies on global market entry, trade regulations, and supply chain strategies. This role may involve working for government bodies or multinational corporations.

Public Sector Economist: Many graduates work in the public sector, analyzing economic data to inform government policies and decisions. They may work for national governments, local councils, or international institutions like the UN or World Bank.

Market Research Analyst: Graduates can also work as market research analysts, conducting research to understand consumer behavior, market trends, and economic conditions. These professionals provide valuable insights to businesses looking to optimize marketing strategies and product development.

Corporate Strategy Analyst: Graduates with a keen understanding of economics can join corporations in strategy roles, helping them make data-informed decisions on expansion, mergers, and competitive positioning. These positions are found across industries including technology, retail, and manufacturing.

Economic Researcher: For those interested in academic or think-tank environments, graduates can become economic researchers, contributing to studies that influence policy, economic practices, or market dynamics. This role often involves data analysis, report writing, and academic publishing.