MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BSc (Hons) Economics (with a professional placement year)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Economics (with a Professional Placement Year) at the University of Sussex is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theory, quantitative analysis, and real-world application. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical work experience, ensuring that students graduate with both the analytical skills and the industry insights required to excel in various economics-related fields. The professional placement year provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the economy’s diverse sectors, from finance to government agencies, and enhances employability prospects in competitive job markets.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Economics at the University of Sussex offers a well-rounded education, focusing on key areas such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and economic policy. Students develop a strong foundation in economic theory while gaining proficiency in advanced quantitative methods, including statistical analysis and econometric modeling. The curriculum also includes modules in international economics, financial markets, and the economics of development, allowing students to explore the various branches of economics. With the professional placement year, students have the opportunity to apply these concepts in a real-world setting, ensuring a seamless transition from theory to practice. The curriculum is designed to balance academic learning with industry relevance, providing a robust skill set for future careers.
Research Focus: The Economics Department at the University of Sussex is renowned for its cutting-edge research in several areas of economics, including environmental economics, economic development, behavioral economics, and global trade. Research within the department informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest trends and methodologies in the field. The program encourages students to engage with research early, providing opportunities to contribute to projects and gain insights into the evolving challenges of the global economy. The University of Sussex has a strong reputation for promoting innovative and interdisciplinary research, which enhances the academic experience of economics students.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key element of the BSc (Hons) Economics (with a Professional Placement Year), with the professional placement year serving as a vital component of the program. Students are encouraged to apply for placements with leading organizations in the public and private sectors, including financial institutions, multinational corporations, and government agencies. These placements allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, gaining invaluable experience that enhances their employability upon graduation. In addition to the placement year, the University of Sussex maintains strong links with industry partners, offering students networking opportunities, guest lectures, and career development services. These connections ensure that students have access to a wealth of resources as they prepare for their careers in economics.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Economics program at the University of Sussex emphasizes a global perspective on economic issues, equipping students with the ability to analyze economic challenges that extend beyond national borders. The curriculum covers topics such as international trade, global financial systems, and the economics of globalization, ensuring that students develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of the global economy. Additionally, the diverse student body and international faculty enrich the learning experience, providing students with a broad cultural perspective on economic issues. The professional placement year also offers students the chance to gain international experience, further enhancing their global outlook and preparing them for careers in an increasingly globalized economy.
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 BSc (Hons) Economics (with a Professional Placement Year) from the University of Sussex provides students with a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and practical experience, opening the door to a broad range of rewarding career opportunities across various sectors. The combination of academic rigor and hands-on industry experience gained during the professional placement year equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in highly competitive job markets.
Economic Analyst: As an economic analyst, graduates can apply their analytical skills to assess economic trends, market conditions, and financial data to help organizations make informed decisions. Economic analysts are sought after in both public and private sectors, including financial institutions, government departments, and consulting firms. Sussex graduates benefit from their strong grounding in econometrics and economic modeling, enabling them to excel in analyzing data and providing insights that inform economic strategies.
Financial Analyst: Graduates can pursue a career as a financial analyst, using their expertise in economics and quantitative techniques to evaluate financial data, conduct market research, and develop investment strategies. Financial analysts are in high demand within banks, investment firms, and corporations, where they play a critical role in advising clients on investments, financial planning, and risk management. The professional placement year allows students to gain direct experience in the finance sector, enhancing their appeal to potential employers.
Policy Analyst: Graduates of the BSc Economics program can work as policy analysts, providing valuable insights into the formulation and evaluation of economic policies. Policy analysts are employed by governments, think tanks, and international organizations, where they analyze economic data and assess the impacts of various policies on economic growth, employment, and social welfare. The strong research focus at Sussex, combined with the practical experience gained during the placement year, prepares graduates to contribute to public policy analysis and development.
Economic Consultant: Economic consultants offer advisory services to businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations on a wide range of economic issues, including market competition, regulatory policies, and economic forecasts. Graduates can apply their understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics to develop strategies that solve economic problems for clients. The skills gained during the professional placement year provide graduates with a unique advantage in consultancy roles, where practical experience is highly valued.
Financial Risk Manager: Graduates can work as financial risk managers, responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks within organizations. This role involves evaluating potential risks related to market fluctuations, credit, and operations, and implementing strategies to minimize losses. Financial risk management is a critical function in banks, insurance companies, and investment firms. The quantitative skills learned during the BSc Economics program are highly applicable to this field, making it a natural career choice for Sussex graduates.
Data Scientist/Data Analyst: With a strong foundation in statistical analysis and econometrics, graduates can transition into data science or data analysis roles. Data scientists and analysts work across various industries, including tech companies, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations, analyzing large datasets to identify trends and generate actionable insights. The quantitative methods learned during the program, combined with the experience gained during the professional placement year, equip graduates to excel in this rapidly growing field.
International Development Specialist: Graduates can pursue a career in international development, where they work to address economic challenges in developing countries. This may involve designing and implementing development policies, assessing the impact of international aid, and contributing to economic growth strategies. Graduates with a global perspective on economics, which is central to the BSc Economics program, are well-positioned to work for organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Management Consultant: The problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills developed throughout the program make graduates highly sought after in management consulting. Management consultants advise organizations on how to improve efficiency, optimize operations, and reduce costs. Graduates of the BSc Economics program at Sussex are equipped with the analytical tools to tackle complex business challenges, making them valuable assets to consulting firms.
Market Research Analyst: As market research analysts, graduates use their knowledge of economics and statistics to study market conditions, consumer behavior, and industry trends. This role involves conducting surveys, analyzing data, and providing actionable insights to businesses looking to improve their products, services, or marketing strategies. The placement year provides students with direct exposure to market research environments, enhancing their understanding of consumer trends and business needs.
Economist in the Public Sector: Graduates can pursue careers as economists in public sector organizations such as government departments, central banks, or public policy institutes. In these roles, they analyze economic data to inform policy decisions, forecast economic trends, and contribute to the development of national economic strategies. The professional placement year offers students firsthand experience in public sector organizations, giving them a strong foundation for a career in government or public administration.
Banking and Financial Services Roles: The financial services sector offers a wealth of career opportunities for economics graduates, ranging from roles in investment banking and retail banking to insurance and asset management. Graduates can work as investment analysts, portfolio managers, or financial advisors, helping clients navigate financial markets and make informed investment decisions. The program’s focus on financial economics, along with the placement year’s real-world experience, makes Sussex graduates highly competitive candidates in the banking and financial services industry.
Teaching and Academia: Some graduates may choose to continue their studies and pursue a career in academia or teaching. With a solid grounding in economic theory and research, Sussex graduates are well-equipped to teach economics at the secondary or tertiary level or engage in further research through postgraduate studies. The university’s strong research focus provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue a career in academic research.
