We have an outstanding reputation for our teaching and research, ensuring you will have an excellent experience studying with us.

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Economics at Leicester

The Department of Economics was established in 1932, and is now one of the largest departments of economics in the UK. We have 35 academic staff, nine of whom are professors. We have a reputation for teaching and research excellence that few other economics departments can match.

We offer a range of degree programmes, all of which include a core component that provides students with a thorough grounding in the ideas, techniques and principles of modern economic analysis. The wide variety of core and optional modules that we offer reflect the diverse research interests of the 35 academic staff in the Department. We also offer a number of taught postgraduate MSc programmes as well as research degrees leading to a PhD. We have eight degree programmes.

All our BA degree programmes are suitable for those with a mathematics background equivalent to GCSE Grade B. All our BSc degree programmes require the equivalent of A-level mathematics Grade B or above. Our range of provision, in Economics, Business Economics, Financial Economics, and Banking and Finance enables you to focus on your particular interests. In addition, we offer specialist joint degree programmes with, the Department of Mathematics, the School of Management and the Department of Politics and International Relations, which enable students to study the core elements of two subjects and explore how they interconnect.

Why Choose Economics at Leicester?

National Student Survey Ranking: Average of 89% of students satisfied with their course over last three years.
Research rating: 100%
Places: 167
Applications: 1804

We have gained formal recognition for our teaching in 2001 with the award of the maximum score of 24/24 by the UK governments Quality Assurance Agency. In the last three years, the Department of Economics average score for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey is 89%.

In macroeconomics, we have produced research on central bank independence, economic growth and development, economic transition in Eastern Europe, the East-Asia crisis and UK monetary and fiscal policy. All our degrees include core modules in micro and macroeconomics. These cover issues relating to behaviour of individuals, households and firms, as well as issues relating to the economy as a whole.

You will be given the opportunity to produce a dissertation or project in the Final Year, in a particular area of interest chosen by you. Our team of helpful and approachable staff will always be at hand to offer guidance and support throughout your studies.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Typically, you are likely to have eight hours of lectures and four hours of classes or tutorials per week, although this may vary between modules. The lecture programme is supported by small-group tutorials, seminars or practical classes, designed to encourage discussion, exploration and application of issues arising from lecture material.

During the course of your degree you will be assessed by a mixture of examinations, course work and, in your Final Year, an independent research project. This will give you the opportunity to work on a topic of your choice that you are particularly interested in.

Course Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to transfer, during the First Year, to a four-year ‘With a year in Europe’ degree programme through the Erasmus scheme. Appropriate language tuition is offered during the Second Year. The Third Year is spent at a partner university in Europe before returning to complete the Final Year at Leicester. Currently there are opportunities to study in Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands. Students will receive an Erasmus grant.

Skills Gained

You will be given a coherent knowledge of ideas, concepts and issues that are central to economics, as well as being prepared for careers and training opportunities in both public and private sectors. The course also encourages the development of quantitative, communication and IT skills, and their application in business contexts.

Graduate/Career Opportunities

We have a high success rate in the graduate employment market, with students going on to senior positions in industry, accountancy, finance, education, research, marketing, government service and local and national media. Our Final Year programme, which offers a broad range of options in applied economics, business and finance, helps to give our graduates this competitive edge.

The BA Degree Programmes

Our specialist BA degree programmes follow a common First Year involving economics, basic mathematics, statistics and IT. They then diverge, in the second and Final Years, through the provision of modules specific to each programme.

The main aim of the BA Economics degree programme is to develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of the ideas, concepts and issues central to economics.

The main aim of the BA Business Economics degree programme is to develop an understanding of the relevance of modern economic analysis to business and financial decision making contexts.

The main aim of the BA Financial Economics degree programme is to develop an understanding of the application of the principles of economics to the study of financial systems and institutions.

The main aim of the BA Banking and Finance degree programme is to combine the study of modern economics with banking and finance.

Skills Gained

You will gain transferable skills in problem-solving, written and oral communication, quantitative methods, statistical analysis and the use of information technology. You will learn to critically analyse and evaluate economic events and issues with specific reference to the business environment, government policy and the financial world.

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates from these degree programmes at the University of Leicester are equipped for many career directions, including business management; accountancy; banking; business, market and financial analysis; government service; teaching and postgraduate study.

The BSc Degree Programmes

All of our BSc degree programmes develop specialist skills in applied statistics and modelling for students entering with a background in mathematics. After a common First Year involving economics, mathematical statistics, mathematics and IT, the four programmes diverge through the provision of modules specific to the chosen specialism.

For example, BSc Economics students study mathematical approaches to economics, advanced microeconomics and advanced macroeconomics; BSc Business Economics students study managerial economics, management strategy and management science; BSc Financial Economics students study money and banking, international finance and financial derivatives. BSc Banking and Finance students study principles of banking, international finance, corporate finance and accounting.

All programmes have Final Year modules in econometrics or economics and business forecasting from which students prepare an applied computer-based statistical project.

Skills Gained

Students in all degree programmes will gain transferable skills in critical analysis, problem-solving, group working, written and oral presentations. They will also have numerical, mathematical, IT and statistical skills.

Graduate Opportunities

These degree programmes prepare students for a wide range of careers including business management, finance and accounting as well as quantitatively orientated careers in business research and statistical forecasting.

Full entry requirements

Opportunities to Visit and Further Information

Choosing where and what to study at university is an important decision for you. If you would like further information about whether our degree programmes are the right choice for you, including information about opportunities to visit the Department, please contact us:

0116 252 2890
Fax: 0116 223 1028
economicsug@le.ac.uk
www.le.ac.uk/economics

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