Skip to main content

Business Economics BSc(Hons)

2023-24 (also available for 2024-25)

Places available in clearing. Find out more.
Places available in clearing. Find out more.

Start date

18 September 2023

Duration

4 years inc. placement year. Offered as a 4 year degree only, exception if you fail to find or complete a placement

About the course

Reasons to study

  1. You will also have the opportunity to use the University’s Trading room which enables you to use advanced technology to analyse economic, business and financial data in real time.
  2. You'll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement, providing real-world experience of a range of industry settings. Our previous graduates have gone on to work at DRAX, NHS, KPMG and Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
  3. Study at an AACSB International accredited Business School. Globally, less than 6% of institutions offering business degrees achieve this accreditation.

Why Business Economics?

Businesses are hungry for people who understand the core principles of economics. This specialist expertise can help businesses grow, develop and succeed. Our Business Economics BSc(Hons) aims to give you a good grounding in the key concepts of the subject, getting you ready to apply economics in the business arena.

The course focuses on key areas such as Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Business. Macroeconomics gives you the chance to explore how high-level factors such as incomes, inflation and consumption affect each other. Microeconomics looks at how individual businesses and even households behave, and how to develop models to analyse them in even greater detail. Business studies are aimed at analysing how economic issues are relevant in the business context, but also how business start-up and small enterprise develop, and how culture affects business and management

How will you learn?

You'll learn through practical application and delivered lectures, workshops, seminars and group work sessions.

  • Here at Huddersfield, you’ll be taught by an academic team with a diverse range of academic and professional experience. This ensures that what you’re taught, and how you’re taught, reflects what you need to know now, as well as giving you the resources to understand future trends and practices. Your tutors will help you prepare to thrive in the ever-changing world of business economics.
  • You'll have the opportunity to develop a deep knowledge of how businesses operate and how managers make decisions, subject to resource constraints and competing economic objectives.
  • In your third year we’ll give you the opportunity to take a placement year that could see you working in a business and gaining real world experience.
  • Throughout the course you'll have the opportunity to study mathematics and statistics for social sciences, and econometrics. The quantitative modules will equip you with the tools used by professional economists to evaluate the impact of economic policies and analyse contemporary economic, financial and business phenomena.
  • During your studies you'll have the opportunity to learn how to use Industry standard databases, such as Datastream, alongside sector leading software packages such as Stata, R and Eviews.
  • You should come away from the course being able to understand and respond to situations in the business world, using a framework that you’ve established during your study of economics.

We don’t expect you to be fully versed in business or economics before your course begins, as we aim to build up your understanding from first principles. We’ll also be looking at how mathematic tools can be used to analyse economic decisions. So any mathematics is very much applied rather than pure.

What subjects will you cover?

You’ll explore subjects such as an Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Creativity and Innovation for Business, Leadership, International Economics and Applied Business Economics, Industrial Economics and Decision Science.

Course detail

Core modules:

Introduction to Macroeconomics

This module helps to develop an understanding of the basic concepts in macroeconomics and provides you with the foundations to develop macroeconomic theory in year two. You’ll have the opportunity to develop and apply analytical skills to understand and explain various macroeconomic events such as such as unemployment, recessions and inflation.

Introduction to Microeconomics

This module enables you to develop an understanding of microeconomic concepts and theories through a critical consideration of current economic issues, problems and institutions that affect everyday life. You’ll have the opportunity to apply microeconomic concepts and theories in a range of contexts and to appreciate their value and limitations in explaining real world events.

Statistics for Social Sciences

This module will introduce you to statistical methods necessary for the study of applied economics and social sciences. You’ll be introduced to modern economic theory and this will be linked to applied content. Statistical and quantitative techniques will be used to gain a greater understanding of economic data and applied economics and help you develop an understanding of how these might be applied to real world data, as well as giving you the skills and experience to carry out data analyses that are often required in the economics profession.

Mathematics for Social Sciences

This module introduces you to the mathematical methods necessary for the study of applied economics and social science. The main techniques applicable to the study of modern economic theory will be introduced and where appropriate linked to applied content and will be used to develop your understanding of economic theory. This module provides you with the opportunity to use quantitative techniques and gain an understanding of how these might be useful in theoretical and applied economics, as well as learning something about their limitations.

Understanding Business Analytics

In this module you'll understand the importance of data and how managing this data can help organisations to make decisions. This will be achieved through the analysis and identification of various data management techniques and how these methods are used to support organisational innovation and growth. You'll critically apply various data analytical approaches and look at the various concepts and current prevailing ideas in data management. In addition, you'll investigate some of the key legislative, operational, and strategic issues which support the collection and usage of data within a digital business environment. This will be underpinned by looking at both internal and external data sets such as, data.gov.uk and the World Bank.

Option modules:

Choose one from a list which may include:

Introduction to Financial Services

This module introduces you to the key areas in the financial services industry in the United Kingdom. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about different financial products and evaluate the needs of different clients and the relative benefits of those diverse financial products.

Two options from a variety of modern foreign language modules can be chosen from the available range and entry levels appropriate to the student’s prior experience and knowledge. We currently offer French, German and Spanish.

Entry requirements

To find out if you’re eligible to start this course in September 2023 and get more information on how to apply, please see our Clearing pages or call our Clearing Helpline on 0333 987 900001484 472777.

If you’re interested in studying this course in September 2024, please view the 2024-25 course information.

What our students have to say


The University of Huddersfield offers a diverse and vibrant student environment, located on one central town centre campus site. Huddersfield Business School provides you with a modern, professional environment to learn and develop, located right next to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal it's in a leafy and picturesque location at the heart of the campus.

Watch our profile video to hear Amandeep describe why he chose the University of Huddersfield.

Placements


The course offers an optional one-year (48 weeks) work placement after the second year, in the UK or abroad.

Our Placement Office works with national and international employers to ensure excellent work experience opportunities are available to you on placement courses as well as giving advice in areas such as interview skills and preparing CVs and covering letters.

Previous placement providers have included Bewley's Tea and Coffee UK (The Roastery), CLS (Conveyancing Liability Solutions), Cummins Turbo Technologies, Freemans Grattan Holdings (FGH), Government Economic Service, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Kiddies Kingdom, Kirklees Council Transport Services, LiFE Residential, Lloyds Banking Group, NHS England, PwC and Thornton and Ross.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

You can find more information on placements here.

A placement with Enterprise has made me more confident and developed my skills, which I can utilise in the final year of my degree. Having industry experience, coupled with theory from my academic studies, has strengthened my position in the competitive graduate job market.

Aman Flora stood outside Enterprise-Rent-A-Car

Amandeep Flora, Management Trainee at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Your Career


Previous graduates from this subject area have gone in to roles such as Associate Resource, Finance Officer, Audit Associate, Assistant Management Accountant and Commercial Finance Analyst with companies such as KPMG, DRAX, Cranford Group and public sector organisations including the NHS, the Government Economic Service and Kirklees Council. **

*  Percentage of graduates from this subject who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 19/20, UK domiciled graduates).

**Source: LinkedIn

85% Graduates employed*

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

Within Huddersfield Business School, there are numerous student support services that you can access to ensure that you make the most of your time with us. In terms of academic support, we have highly qualified Academic Skills Tutors who are able to provide support to those of you who require help in improving your academic skills in areas such as academic writing, presentation techniques, referencing etc. We also offer additional support to our International students by giving free language support sessions to our Final Year/Top-Up and Postgraduate students and co-ordinate the ‘Bud In Hud ‘ programme which provides opportunities for both International and Home students to meet and socialise in an informal setting.

We also have a team of Student Guidance and Support Officers within the School who can provide support and advice to you with any non-academic issues such as health issues, financial problems or personal issues, you may be facing which are having an effect on your ability to study to the best of your abilities. Drop in sessions are always available so you can pop in and have a confidential chat about how we can help and what support is available to you.

Our support services are here to ensure that you are able to achieve your academic, professional and personal potential during your time with Huddersfield Business School.

Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

Equal opportunities

The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Data protection

The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

Students’ Union membership

Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

You may also be interested in...

Economics BSc(Hons)

Our Economics course studies how markets, households and firms facilitate the allocation, distribution and utilisation of scarce resources in society.

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Undergraduate


Economics with Financial Services BSc(Hons)

Economics with Financial Services looks at how markets, households and firms facilitate the allocation, distribution and utilisation of resources in business.

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Undergraduate


Accounting and Economics BSc(Hons)

From company law to tax, Accountancy looks at a wide range of financial topics affecting the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Undergraduate


Accounting and Finance BSc(Hons)

Accounting and Finance could give you the grounding for a career in accountancy, finance, banking, insurance, the public sector or general management.

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Undergraduate