Business Economics BSc (Hons)

Why choose this course?

This course has a unique pluralistic approach. You'll discover a wide variety of economic thought and theories, and therefore learn to understand and address problems from a range of perspectives. You'll study why businesses, people and governments make decisions and the consequences of these decisions.

This course focuses on the real-life application of economics. You'll explore how businesses operate in the economy and can choose to study the financial aspects of business and specialist aspects of economics.

You'll use industry-standard IT facilities and develop many further skills that are highly valued by employers. These include analytical, numerical, data analysis, and problem-solving skills, and the use of specialist statistical software.

Apply for this course in Clearing
Attendance UCAS code/apply Year of entry
3 years full time L1N1 2023 (Clearing)
2024
4 years full time including foundation year L101 2023 (Clearing)
2024
4 years full time including sandwich year L103 2023 (Clearing)
2024
6 years part time Apply direct to the University 2023 (Clearing)
2024
Location Penrhyn Road
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Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • We are ranked No.3 in London for Economics (Guardian University Guide 2023).
  • You'll study both mainstream and heterodox schools of thought in a pluralist department.
  • After your first year, you have the flexibility to stay on this programme or switch to Economics or Financial Economics.
  • You'll have the option to study abroad at one of our partner universities.

Kingston's Department of Economics

What you will study

This course builds your knowledge of core topics and different schools of thought in economics. Our Business Economics BSc (Hons) focuses on how economics can be applied to business. You will focus on economic analysis of business activities and understand how businesses operate in the economy. You can also choose to study the financial aspects of business and specialist aspects of economics.

Year 1

Year 2

Optional year

Sandwich Year

Final year

Year 1 provides a historical background to modern economics, whilst exploring a range of economic principles and perspectives. You will also begin to study the mathematical and statistical foundations essential to the study of economics.

Core modules

Becoming an Economist

30 credits

The module is designed to help you develop many of the basic skills used in the discipline of economics. The module explores and covers a variety of study and research techniques. You will develop skills in the use of language, writing, ICT usage, data collection, data interpretation and group work. Key threshold economic concepts will also be incorporated. Particular emphasis will be placed on small group learning and personal development planning.

Economic Policy and Principles

30 credits

In this module, you are introduced to the techniques of model building and analytical reasoning used in microeconomics. Some of these techniques are then used as an input into the analysis of economics at the macroeconomic level. In the early phase of the module, you are taught about microeconomic models and explore the application of these models, to current economic issues. Whilst, in the later phase, you learn about the main macroeconomic aggregates, the basic model of aggregate demand and supply and the importance of the time horizon in macroeconomics.

Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on highlighting and considering the pros and cons of the suggested solutions to real problems faced by market economies.

Introductory Mathematics and Statistics for Economics

30 credits

This module provides an introduction to mathematical and statistical techniques; you will be prompted to appreciate how mathematical reasoning is used in economics and develop skills in the numerical, graphical and statistical analysis of economic data. The course starts with a review of material that may have been encountered in your previous studies, such as mathematics at GCSE or IB level, and moves on to developing your knowledge, understanding and ability to apply quantitative concepts, of particular relevance for microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.

Capitalism

30 credits

This module is a core course for students pursuing full-field programmes in Economics.

This module offers a detailed survey of the origins and emergence of capitalism and the economic thinking that paralleled these developments.  It will develop key aspects of the contemporary economy - firms and competition in the national and international environment and the role of the state in national and supra-national contexts. It will then proceed with an introduction to the role of finance in capitalism and the nature and causes of financial crises.

Year 2 further develops your knowledge of microeconomics (individual or company decisions) and macroeconomics (national decisions). You'll consider mainstream and alternative approaches to economic modelling.  

Core modules

Competition and the Firm

30 credits

This module examines the nature of competition and the role of the firm in contemporary capitalism. It examines the different forces shaping market structure so as to clarify in what sense a market structure is competitive or not - for example the role of barriers to entry, government policy or technology. The module explores different market structures, from monopolistic to highly competitive, throwing light on the conduct and performance of firms within these structures. The role, nature and aims of the firm are examined. The module also analyses how some firms are capable of imposing themselves on market structure and are not simply passive recipients. Different categories of firms – multinational, large, medium, small and micro – are outlined, to build a more complete picture of modern firm structure.

Mathematical Economics and Econometrics

30 credits

This module will extend knowledge of mathematical and statistical techniques acquired at level 4 and will introduce you to multivariate techniques in mathematics and statistics.

It will assist your comprehension of level 5 economics modules and encourage you to understand the benefits of using a mathematical and statistical vocabulary and reasoning to analyse economic models.

This module will equip you with sufficient quantitative techniques to be able to undertake any level 6 module in economics requiring quantitative analysis.

Macroeconomics

30 credits

This module develops and builds mainly on knowledge acquired in the Economic Policy and Principles module at Level 4 but also the economics quantitatively treated module of the same level. It provides fundamental knowledge on the key areas of macroeconomic theory and policy in the short-run and long-run and within both closed and open economy settings. Real world applications are signposted at the earliest opportunity.

On completion of this module, you will be able to comprehend key macroeconomic theories and policies and illustrate the application of macroeconomic models and principles in the context of policymaking.

Microeconomics

30 credits

This module will develop the model building techniques encountered at level 4, and extend the scope of these models to a wider range of problems. It will show the use of microeconomic models in a problem solving context and provide an analytical basis for subsequent elective modules.

On completion of the module, you will have a good knowledge of the major techniques and issues in modern microeconomic theory and policy and how to apply this knowledge in the discussion and evaluation of contemporary microeconomic issues.

Study abroad optional year

You have the option to take an additional year to study abroad or to undertake a year-long work placement overseas (or even a mix of both.)

This course has a sandwich year option which takes place between Year 2 and your Final Year. During this sandwich year you will take a placement within a relevant setting, ensuring you gain essential experience to add to your CV and help you secure a graduate job.

In the final year, Economics of Organisations and Strategy explores strategic decision-making in companies, economic analysis of organisational structures and the development of business organisations. In Working as an Economist you will focus on a topic in business economics, and develop your research, writing and communication skills. You will also choose two optional modules.

Core modules

Working as an Economist

30 credits

The capstone module is designed to further your skills in writing and presenting economic analysis, together with achieving a higher level of understanding in a chosen economic subject area. You will refine your ability to communicate economic subjects to a broad audience in an academically sound fashion.

Economics of Organisations and Strategy

30 credits

This module is a core requirement at Level 6 for students taking the BSc Business Economics. It develops pluralist approaches to understanding the aims, methods and outcomes of production and exchange organisations (businesses), with particular reference to the limitations as well as the possibilities of markets.

The core theme is the contrast between neo-classical and other perspectives, including the "capabilities" approach, transaction cost economics and other heterodox schools of thought.

Particular themes include the aims and methods of business strategy, the "make or buy" decision, the nature of relationships within and between businesses, and the costs and benefits of different systems of governance of economic exchange.

Optional modules

International Trade and Finance

30 credits

The module analyses the essential theoretical and policy issues of international trade and finance. In doing so care is taken to link both international trade and finance theory with real world events.

Money, Banking and Financial Markets

30 credits

The module focuses on understanding the monetary sector of the economy. The role of banks and financial markets will lay the foundations for understanding the ensuing topics. The module proceeds to explain the interaction between money and the economy, and moves on to monetary policy institutions and strategies. The module closes with a discussion of financial crises.

Development Economics

30 credits

This module will introduce the economic structure of developing countries, the specific challenges they face and their position in world economy today. It is an optional module for all Economics full-fields and Applied Economics. It should interest all students who wish to acquire a good background in issues of growth and development in lower-income countries and their significance for the world economy.

The module will start by introducing theories of economic development and measurement issues. It will examine some problems affecting all, or groups, of these countries, such as population growth, poverty, environment, income distribution, structural adjustment and volatile capital flows. It will also deal with policy issues specific to developing countries.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Foundation year - Business

If you would like to study this degree at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year.

Find out more about the foundation year

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

Learn employability enhancing Future Skills
A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Life on the course

Careers and employability series

Dedicated to giving Economics students' advice and opportunities to plan for their future at whatever stage of their journey.

Themed week: an inter-play of subjects

Students experience the interdisciplinary nature of their subject

What our students say

I did a placement year in the civil service. I was a student economist at the Department for International Trade. I was based in the Chief Economist's office where I assisted the Chief Economist in a range of tasks, including producing macroeconomics briefings and working on strategic trade papers. I plan on becoming an economist in the future, which is a very theoretical and analytical career. I think my course will help me develop these necessary skills to become a competent economist.

Mahima Moolchand

Mahima Moolchand, Business Economics with Professional Placement BSc (Hons)

Entry requirements

If you would like to join us through Clearing 2023, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 (or +44 020 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK) and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable hotliners who will be able to provide information on available courses and will guide you through your options.

Please note the entry requirements listed below are for 2024 entry only.

Typical offer 2024

  • 120-136 UCAS tariff points (to include at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications); Degree with foundation year 64
  • BTEC Lvl3 National: Distinction, Distinction, Merit (DDM)
  • Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects grades A*-C including Mathematics and English Language (or comparable numeric score under the newly reformed GCSE grading.)

Typical offer 2023

  • 112-128 UCAS tariff points (to include at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications); Degree with foundation year 48
  • BTEC Lvl3 National: Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM)
  • Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects grades A*-C including Mathematics and English Language (or comparable numeric score under the newly reformed GCSE grading.)

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio

International

  • We welcome applications from International Applicants. Please view our standard entry requirements from your country. 
  • All non-UK applicants must meet our English Language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no element below 5.5

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Timetabled learning and teaching on this course includes lectures, small group tutorials and seminars.  

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking coursework assignments, and preparing and giving presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, support you throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University. 

Your workload

Year 1

Year 2

Final year

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 242 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 958 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 242 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 958 hours
Final year
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 82 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 518 hours

 

  • Year 1 - 20% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity
  • Year 2 - 20% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity
  • Final year - 14% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:

Year 1

Year 2

Final year

Year 1
  • Coursework: 57%
  • Practical: 5%
  • Exam: 38%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 38%
  • Practical: 12%
  • Exam: 50%
Final year
  • Coursework: 70%
  • Practical: 5%
  • Exam: 25%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback to you on your assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, the economics courses normally attract 100 students and lecture sizes are normally 90-50. However, this can vary by module and academic year.

Course fees and funding

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students)

£9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2024/25): £16,200 
Year 2 (2025/26): £16,800
Year 3 (2026/27): £17,500
Year 4 (2027/28): £18,200

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught international fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students)

£9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2023/24): £14,300 
Year 2 (2024/25): £14,700
Year 3 (2025/26): £15,100
Year 4 (2026/27): £15,500

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught international fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Text books

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences.

Free WIFI is available on each of the campuses.

Printing

In the majority of cases coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel

Travel costs are not included but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks – this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston-upon-Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placement

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2000.

Materials

We recommend you purchase a Casio FX8 Series calculator. This will cost approximately £10 to £15.

Field trips

There may be a day trip to an economic institution (e.g. Bank of England) or business (e.g. a local company). Travel and expenses are estimated at £15 to £30 per year.

After you graduate

Economics graduates work as economists, analysts and consultants, for both private and public sector businesses and organisations. They often pursue careers in the City of London and the civil service. Many also progress to postgraduate study.

Type of jobs:

  • Area manager
  • Consultant
  • Marketeer
  • Sales consultant

Employers:

  • Arcadia Group
  • Backstop
  • Edexcel
  • London Eye
  • Talarius
  • United Biscuits

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.