MA Migration Studies
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BA (Hons) Economics (with a professional placement year)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Economics with a Professional Placement Year at the University of Sussex is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the dynamics of economic systems and want to gain practical experience in the field. This program combines a solid academic foundation in economics with real-world industry exposure, allowing students to develop essential skills for a successful career in economics, business, finance, or related sectors. The professional placement year offers valuable opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in a professional setting, enhancing their employability and providing insights into the working world of economics.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Economics with a Professional Placement Year integrates core economic theories, quantitative methods, and practical applications. Students explore topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and economic policy. The course is designed to balance theoretical learning with hands-on experience, equipping students with the tools to analyze real-world economic issues. The placement year offers an immersive experience in a professional environment, where students can apply their academic knowledge to solve real-world challenges. Key modules may include topics like international trade, development economics, and financial economics, ensuring that students graduate with a broad understanding of the global economy.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex’s economics department is renowned for its cutting-edge research in a variety of economic fields. Students in the BA Economics program benefit from the department's strong research focus on issues such as environmental economics, development economics, economic policy, and econometrics. The department is home to internationally recognized academics whose research informs the curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to engage with the latest economic trends and methodologies. Furthermore, students are encouraged to participate in research projects, fostering a deeper understanding of economic theory and practice.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex maintains strong connections with industry, providing students with access to a wide range of professional placements, internships, and networking opportunities. These engagements are integral to the BA Economics with a Professional Placement Year, where students gain real-world experience by working in various economic sectors, including government agencies, financial institutions, and international organizations. The program's emphasis on industry engagement ensures that students are well-prepared for their post-graduation careers, with the chance to build professional relationships and develop skills that are highly valued by employers.
Global Perspective: The University of Sussex fosters a global perspective on economics, with a curriculum that emphasizes the interconnectedness of global markets and economic systems. Students gain insights into international economic policies, trade relations, and development issues, ensuring they are well-equipped to analyze and address global economic challenges. The diverse, international student body and faculty further enrich the learning experience, offering students a broad understanding of economic systems from various cultural and geographical contexts. The professional placement year also allows students to gain international work experience, enhancing their global perspective on economic practices and challenges.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19050
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 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduating with a BA (Hons) Economics (with a Professional Placement Year) from the University of Sussex opens up a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors, thanks to the program’s strong academic foundation and practical experience gained during the professional placement year. The combination of theoretical knowledge and real-world exposure ensures that graduates are well-equipped to enter the job market with the skills and insights needed to excel in their chosen field.
Economics Analyst: As an economics analyst, graduates can work in both public and private sectors, helping organizations make data-driven decisions. This role involves analyzing economic trends, financial markets, and government policies to provide valuable insights for business strategy and economic forecasting. A strong understanding of econometrics, macroeconomics, and microeconomics gained during the program allows graduates to excel in this career path.
Financial Consultant: The BA Economics program prepares graduates for careers in financial consulting, where they can advise clients on investments, risk management, and economic policy impacts. Many financial consultancies seek individuals with a solid grounding in economics to help clients navigate complex financial markets. With a professional placement year, students gain practical experience in financial institutions, enhancing their consulting skills and increasing employability in this field.
Policy Analyst: Graduates can pursue careers as policy analysts, working for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. In this role, they analyze economic policies, their impacts, and propose new initiatives to address societal issues. The University of Sussex’s focus on development economics and policy analysis ensures that graduates are well-prepared for this challenging but rewarding career.
Economic Researcher: For those interested in the academic side of economics, pursuing a career as an economic researcher is a natural progression. Graduates can work for research institutions, universities, or private think tanks, conducting studies on economic issues ranging from global trade to environmental economics. The research-focused curriculum at Sussex, alongside the opportunity to engage with academic experts, provides a solid foundation for this career.
International Development Specialist: With a global perspective on economics, graduates can also pursue careers in international development. They may work for international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to analyze and develop economic policies that drive social and economic development in developing countries. A strong understanding of development economics, as taught in the program, prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to global development projects.
Management Consultant: The skills developed during the program, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis, make graduates of the BA Economics program highly sought after in the management consulting industry. Management consultants advise businesses on how to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and navigate complex market dynamics. The placement year also provides students with real-world business experience, giving them a competitive edge when applying for management consultancy roles.
Economist in the Public Sector: Graduates can work as economists in government bodies such as the Bank of England, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), or local government departments. These roles typically involve analyzing economic data, advising on fiscal policies, and contributing to national economic strategies. With the professional placement year offering exposure to government and public sector environments, graduates gain valuable insights and connections in this field.
Financial Risk Manager: A role as a financial risk manager is ideal for those with an interest in identifying and mitigating financial risks within organizations. Graduates can work for banks, investment firms, or large corporations, where they assess economic and financial risks and develop strategies to minimize potential losses. The program’s focus on financial economics and quantitative methods prepares students for this analytical and highly sought-after role.
Data Scientist/Analyst: With a strong foundation in econometrics and statistical analysis, graduates can transition into data science or data analysis roles. Many businesses, including tech companies, consultancies, and financial institutions, seek professionals who can analyze large sets of data and derive actionable insights. The technical skills learned during the program, particularly in data analysis, make economics graduates well-suited for these roles.
Graduate Roles in Banking and Financial Services: The banking and financial services industry offers diverse career options, from investment banking to retail banking and insurance. Graduates can work as analysts, relationship managers, or financial advisors, using their economic expertise to guide financial strategies. The placement year often provides direct experience with financial institutions, making graduates highly competitive in this sector.
Marketing Analyst: In the marketing industry, economists can work as marketing analysts, using their data analysis skills to assess market trends, consumer behavior, and campaign effectiveness. This role requires a strong understanding of economic principles and the ability to apply them to business strategies, which graduates of the BA Economics program possess.
Teaching and Academia: Some graduates choose to pursue further studies and enter academia or teaching roles. With the strong research foundation provided by the University of Sussex, students may decide to pursue postgraduate qualifications, leading to careers in teaching or academic research within economics departments worldwide.
