Economics

Economics is the social science that studies how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions under conditions of scarcity, and how those decisions aggregate into the markets, prices, and resource allocations that shape the world. It provides a rigorous analytical framework for understanding questions ranging from why some countries grow rich while others remain poor to how central banks manage inflation, how firms compete, and how taxes and subsidies change behaviour. The discipline develops quantitative reasoning, mathematical modelling, and the ability to evaluate evidence about economic phenomena.

At Edge Hill University, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year in professional practice, a year abroad, and a work placement component, making it one of the more experientially rich economics degrees available. You will develop microeconomic and macroeconomic theory alongside econometric and statistical methods, learning to apply economic reasoning to real questions in areas including labour markets, finance, development, and public policy. The sandwich year and placement give you the opportunity to work in an organisation, bringing your analytical tools into contact with real economic problems, while the year abroad broadens your perspective considerably.

Economics graduates are among the most employable of any discipline, precisely because the analytical rigour and quantitative skills the subject develops transfer so widely. Careers in banking, financial services, economic consultancy, the civil service, central banking, international organisations, management, and policy analysis are all common destinations. Many graduates pursue professional qualifications in finance or accountancy alongside their economics background.

Further study in economics, econometrics, finance, public policy, or data science is a well-trodden path for those who wish to deepen their expertise or pursue research.