Economics

Economics is the discipline that uses theory and empirical method to understand how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions, and what the consequences of those decisions are for markets, inequality, and the broader economy. At the University of Sussex, this three-year full-time programme focuses on the practice of economics and policy analysis to understand growth and equality issues. By studying the principles of economics at microeconomic and macroeconomic levels, you learn how to analyse real-world issues and events with the analytical tools the discipline provides.

The programme includes an integrated foundation year, making it accessible to students who wish to build their mathematical and analytical foundations before engaging with degree-level economics. You will study microeconomic theory, macroeconomics, econometrics, and a range of applied fields, developing your ability to work with data, evaluate evidence, and make policy-relevant arguments. The programme also includes a sandwich year with a year abroad and work placement, giving you direct professional experience in an economics or finance-related environment and international exposure to different economic contexts.

Entry typically requires around 120 UCAS tariff points.

Economics graduates work in banking, consultancy, the civil service, international organisations, research, public policy, and a wide range of commercial roles where analytical thinking about markets and behaviour is valued. The rigorous training in quantitative and economic reasoning that the degree provides opens doors across virtually every sector of the economy. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in economics, public policy, finance, or related disciplines.