MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BSc Economics with a Placement Year
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc Economics with a Placement Year at the University of Reading is a comprehensive undergraduate program that combines theoretical knowledge in economics with practical real-world experience. The course is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and applied economics, while also giving them the opportunity to work in a professional environment through the placement year. This hands-on experience allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real business and economic challenges, enhancing their employability upon graduation. The program aims to prepare students for a successful career in economics, whether in government, business, finance, or consultancy.
Curriculum: The BSc Economics with a Placement Year follows a carefully structured curriculum that ensures students build a deep understanding of both microeconomics and macroeconomics, alongside the quantitative methods essential for economic analysis. In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamentals of economics, including microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, econometrics, and mathematics for economics. In the second year, the program delves into more advanced topics, including international economics, financial markets, and economic policy. The third year includes the placement year, where students gain professional experience in an organization, applying their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. In the final year, students undertake specialized modules in areas such as behavioral economics, labor economics, and applied econometrics, and complete an independent research project, giving them an opportunity to explore a specific area of interest in depth.
Research Focus: The University of Reading’s Economics department is committed to high-quality, impactful research in a variety of economic subfields. The research focus includes areas such as applied economics, economic policy, international trade, environmental economics, and econometrics. Faculty members are actively involved in cutting-edge research, which is integrated into the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest developments in economic theory and practice. This research-driven approach allows students to learn from experts in the field and provides them with the opportunity to engage with contemporary economic issues. The research expertise within the department also supports students who wish to pursue their own research interests in their final-year projects.
Industry Engagement: The BSc Economics with a Placement Year offers extensive industry engagement opportunities to ensure students gain practical experience and develop a network of professional connections. The program's placement year is a key feature, providing students with the chance to work in an organization for 12 months. The University of Reading has strong ties with leading companies in various sectors, including finance, consultancy, government, and international organizations. These placements help students gain insight into the day-to-day operations of the industry, develop essential professional skills, and apply their academic learning to solve real-world economic problems. In addition to the placement year, students have access to guest lectures, career workshops, and industry-focused events that further enhance their professional development and career prospects.
Global Perspective: The University of Reading’s BSc Economics with a Placement Year program places a strong emphasis on global economics, reflecting the interconnected nature of today’s economy. The curriculum includes modules on international trade, global economic policy, and development economics, encouraging students to think critically about the economic challenges facing different regions and countries. The university’s diverse student body and global research collaborations provide students with a broader perspective on economics. Additionally, students are encouraged to take part in study-abroad opportunities, allowing them to experience different economic environments and gain a deeper understanding of global economic issues. This international outlook helps students develop a global mindset, which is invaluable in a career where understanding worldwide economic trends and issues is essential.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% 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 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
Graduates of the BSc Economics with a Placement Year program at the University of Reading have a wide range of career opportunities across multiple sectors, thanks to their strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and hands-on professional experience. The program equips students with the analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills needed to thrive in a competitive job market. With the added benefit of a placement year, students not only gain academic knowledge but also valuable work experience that enhances their employability.
Economist: One of the most common career paths for graduates of the BSc Economics with a Placement Year is becoming an economist. Economists analyze data, interpret trends, and provide insights to guide business and government decisions. This role is crucial in various sectors, including finance, government agencies, international organizations, and think tanks. Graduates can work as policy advisors, economic researchers, or financial analysts, using their knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics to address economic issues on both a national and global scale. The placement year enhances this career option by providing direct exposure to the economic decision-making process within organizations.
Financial Analyst: A career as a financial analyst is highly sought after by graduates with a BSc Economics degree. Financial analysts work in investment firms, banks, insurance companies, and large corporations to assess financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and provide recommendations. They use tools such as financial modeling, statistical analysis, and market trends to support decision-making processes. With expertise in economic theory and quantitative methods, graduates of this program are well-equipped to thrive in this field, which can also lead to specializations such as risk analysis, corporate finance, or portfolio management.
Management Consultant: Management consulting is another popular career path for economics graduates. Management consultants provide organizations with strategic advice to improve their performance, reduce costs, and optimize their operations. They analyze data, assess business processes, and recommend solutions to complex problems. Economics graduates are particularly well-suited for this role because they are trained to think analytically, solve problems efficiently, and interpret economic data, which are essential skills in consultancy. With a placement year, graduates can gain hands-on experience in this field, making them even more attractive candidates for top consulting firms like McKinsey & Company, Deloitte, and PwC.
Data Analyst: Data analysts are in high demand across many industries, including finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology. As a data analyst, graduates use statistical techniques and software to analyze large datasets and identify trends or insights that inform business decisions. The BSc Economics program equips students with a solid foundation in econometrics, statistics, and data analysis, making them well-prepared for this career. The placement year allows students to apply these skills in a professional setting, gaining practical experience that further strengthens their data analysis capabilities.
Policy Analyst: For those with an interest in public policy, a career as a policy analyst is an excellent option. Policy analysts research and evaluate the impact of government policies on various sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, education, and the environment. They provide recommendations based on economic research, often working with government agencies, international organizations, or think tanks. Graduates with a background in economics are well-equipped for policy analysis, as they can apply economic models and data to understand the potential effects of policy decisions. The placement year often provides an opportunity for graduates to work directly with policymakers or public-sector organizations.
Risk Manager: Risk management is another field where economics graduates excel. Risk managers identify and assess potential risks that could negatively impact an organization’s financial stability or operations. They analyze market trends, financial reports, and other relevant data to develop strategies that mitigate these risks. Whether working in banking, insurance, or corporate governance, risk managers are essential to helping businesses navigate financial uncertainty. The BSc Economics program, with its focus on quantitative analysis, econometrics, and economic theory, equips students with the skills needed to assess and manage risks effectively.
Market Research Analyst: Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They collect and analyze data on consumer preferences, competitors, and market trends to help businesses make strategic decisions about product development, pricing, and marketing. Graduates of the BSc Economics program are well-equipped for this role due to their ability to conduct statistical analysis and interpret economic data. The placement year allows students to gain firsthand experience in market research, further enhancing their skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Investment Banker: Investment banking is a highly competitive and rewarding career choice for economics graduates. Investment bankers help clients raise capital, assist in mergers and acquisitions, and offer financial advice. They work with corporate clients, governments, and institutions to structure financial transactions and manage investments. The BSc Economics with a Placement Year program provides students with the financial knowledge and analytical skills needed to excel in investment banking. Graduates can work at major investment banks, such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, or Barclays, and pursue career paths in areas like corporate finance, mergers, and trading.
International Trade Specialist: Graduates with an interest in global economics may pursue a career as an international trade specialist. These professionals analyze international markets, trade policies, and economic conditions to advise businesses and governments on strategies for global trade. They often work in multinational corporations, international trade organizations, or government agencies. The BSc Economics program’s emphasis on international economics, along with the global perspective gained during the placement year, prepares students for the challenges of global trade and international business environments.
Graduate Schemes and Corporate Trainee Programs: Many large corporations and financial institutions offer graduate schemes designed to fast-track recent graduates into leadership positions. These programs typically involve rotational assignments across different departments, providing a well-rounded view of the organization’s operations. Graduates of the BSc Economics program are well-suited for these programs, which focus on developing business acumen, leadership skills, and industry-specific knowledge. Employers such as HSBC, Deloitte, and EY are just a few of the companies that recruit economics graduates for their graduate schemes.
