Course overview

On our Economics and Finance course, you will develop strong analytical and decision-making skills by combining economics, finance and quantitative methods. You will build foundations in microeconomics, macroeconomics, finance, accounting, mathematics and statistics, before progressing to advanced topics such as corporate finance, econometrics and financial economics.

You will explore how markets and financial decisions interact, with a distinctive focus on the real estate sector. Optional modules allow you to tailor your degree, with topics including fintech and behavioural economics.

As part of an industry placement year, you will gain valuable real-world experience. In your final year, you will deepen your expertise by applying your knowledge to complex economic and financial challenges.

This course is delivered by Aston Business School which is part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

"The Global Financial Crisis demonstrated the crucial interdependence between the economic and financial systems. Therefore, in this degree we take an applied approach to understand the relevance of financial markets and institutions in affecting the economy and our everyday lives by linking theory with evidence."

Dean Garratt

Senior Teaching Fellow

Aston University

Why Economics and Finance at Aston University?

Recognised for quality

Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation

Taught by experts

Including six winners of national teaching awards in economics and co-authors of one of the best-selling economics textbooks

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Earn more

Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £37,600 three years after graduating (Economics, Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025)

Advancing your skills

Provides rigorous foundations in economic and financial theory and empirical analysis, applied to real-world issues from day one

Ranked 14th in UK

Economics at Aston University ranked 14th overall in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2026)

Tackling society's biggest issues

Hear all about our undergraduate economics programmes at Aston University from Karishma Patel and Jon Guest.

Delicious' story

As Delicious Orie marched towards attaining a first class honours degree in Economics and Management at Aston University, the GB boxing squad came knocking.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.

AI & Digital

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Inclusive Leadership

Environmental Sustainability

Discover Power Skills

Course description

BSc (Hons) Economics and Finance

This course combines economics, finance and quantitative methods to analyse financial decisions and understand risk, investment and economic policy.

What we will provide
First class teaching in the UK’s second largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will benefit from applied learning, research-informed teaching and authentic assessment. Our teaching staff include co-authors of a leading economics textbook used by most UK universities, and many are recognised with awards for teaching and economics.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a passion to learn and an ambition and drive to excel. A willingness to ask questions and take risks.

What skills we teach
You will develop logical reasoning and problem-solving skills to help you better understand complex real-world problems. Furthermore, you will work in teams and be able to analyse and interpret economic and financial data using Excel and R.

Placement year
We all know that taking a placement year will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston University graduates some of the most employable in the country. It’s for this reason that we encourage every student to take one. The placement year gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills.

The placement year is compulsory for BSc (Hons) Economics and Finance students. International students can request permission to opt out of the placement year, but we strongly recommend that it is completed where possible.

Career prospects

As an Aston University Economics and Finance graduate, you will be equipped for a range of different career options across the private and public sector. Our graduates are successful in finding employment in a range of such as:

Government economist
Economic consultant
Economic analyst
Business consultant
Market risk analyst
Business intelligence analyst
Commodity trader

How you will learn

We adopt an innovative range of teaching methods including the use of in-class games and experiments, large interactive classes, computer workshops, and smaller classes that focus on student participation.

Through case studies, real-world examples and challenges, you’ll explore economics and finance in an applied context and your placement year gives you an opportunity to develop your employability skills. In addition, outside speakers from both business and government bodies will be integrated into the courses. Our renowned Visiting Professors, top UK business figures, will be sharing their expertise and expectations from students and graduates.

In-class teaching is supported by our virtual learning environment, which hosts a range of electronic supporting materials. You also have access to the University Library which provides a wide range of books, electronic journals, news sites and databases to support your studies.

At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor; this member of academic staff can offer individual study advice and guidance and is there to help support your studies. Module tutors are also on hand to answer any questions.

What you will learn

First year

This is designed to give you core foundations in economics, finance, as well as mathematics and statistics. Furthermore, you will apply economic concepts to a diverse range of real-world issues, and learn how to prepare and interpret financial statements of businesses.

Second year

You will develop a detailed understanding of economic and finance theories. In addition, you will learn to perform data analysis using quantitative methods and computing techniques. You will also have the option to specialise in different areas of economics and finance.

Placement year

The Aston University placement year forms an integral part of your educational journey and gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills. Our award-winning careers and placements team are on hand to support you through every step of your placement journey.

Placement stories

Final year

You will deepen your knowledge of economic and finance by exploring advanced topics such as Financial Economics and Further Topics in Macroeconomics, to prepare you for your future profession.

My placement year at St Philips Chambers

Delicious Orie spent his placement year working at St Philips Chambers in Birmingham city centre as a fee controller, helping the barristers to organise their cash flow.

Discover Delicious' journey

Course objectives

Equip you with the core principles and methods of economics and the ability to apply them in a wide range of specialist areas of the discipline.
Equip you with quantitative and empirical methods to analyse economic and financial data to inform evidence based decision-making.
Enable you to critically evaluate economic and finance theories and data analysis.
Develop a sound understanding of financial markets and institutions, including the operation of capital markets, the role of banks, financial instruments, and the principles of investment and risk management.
Stimulate your interest in economics and finance and develop appreciation for its application to a range of real-world issues and its relevance in a variety of contexts.
Facilitate you to work effectively as self-directed and independent learners.
Develop a range of generic skills that will be of value in employment and self-employment such as team working and communication skills.
Provide you with the knowledge and skills base required to proceed to further studies in economics or in finance.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Principles of Finance	15
Principles of Microeconomics	15
Accounting for Business	15
Mathematics for Economics	15
Financial Markets and Institutions	15
Principles of Macroeconomics	15
Statistics for Economics	15
Applied Topics in Economics	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key principles in economics and finance.
Apply economic concepts and ideas to analyse a range of real-world issues.
Apply quantitative methods including mathematical and statistical tools to analyse data.
Describe the structure and functions of financial markets and institutions, including the roles of banks, central banks, and key financial instruments, and explain their significance within the wider economy.
Prepare and interpret basic financial statements for business organisations, demonstrating an understanding of fundamental accounting principles and their use in assessing organisational performance and financial position.
Work effectively as independent and self-managed learners, as well as part of a team, to manage time constraints.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Managerial Finance	15
Intermediate Macroeconomics	15
Econometrics 1	15
Intermediate Microeconomics	15
Corporate Finance	15
Real Estate Economics & Finance	15
Total	90

In term 1 you will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Fintech	15
Personal Wealth Planning and Management	15
Sports Economics and Finance	15
Applied Business Economics	15

In term 2 you will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Accounting Information for Management Decisions	15
Taxation Principles	15
Econometrics 2	15
Business Management Simulation	15
Industrial Organisation	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate a knowledge of intermediate-level economics.
Analyse financial decision-making within firms, applying principles of managerial and corporate finance to issues such as investment appraisal, financing choices, and risk management.
Evaluate the operation and pricing of assets in financial and real estate markets, using economic and financial frameworks to assess risk, return, and market efficiency.
Conduct data analysis using relevant econometric methods and specialist software to interpret financial and economic data.
Interpret and critically assess quantitative economic and financial evidence, drawing reasoned conclusions to support decision-making in applied and policy-relevant contexts.
Apply economic and financial theory to evaluate public policy, regulatory frameworks, and real-world economic issues.

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement year

Module Title	Credits
Integrated Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Identify and analyse an issue or process relevant for your placement organisation using academic theory and/or techniques.
Recommend appropriate actions for your placement organisation.
Evaluate the use of academic theories and/or techniques in analysing issues, processes and supporting recommendations.
Reflect upon and articulate your own learning, plan and implemented strategies to build upon this learning.

Final Year modules

In your final year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Financial Derivatives	15
Financial Economics	15
Further Topics in Macroeconomics	15
International Finance	15
The Consulting Challenge	15
Total	75

In term 1 you will choose two of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Islamic Finance	15
Advanced Taxation	15
Further Topics in Microeconomics	15
Advanced Econometrics	15
International Trade	15

In term 2 you will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Governance, Ethics and Sustainability	15
Python for Finance	15
Behavioural Economics	15
Environmental Economics	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Year 4 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Critically evaluate advanced theories and models in economics and finance, including their assumptions and limitations, and apply them to contemporary economic and financial issues.
Analyse and value financial instruments and derivatives, demonstrating an understanding of risk, uncertainty, and hedging strategies within domestic and international financial markets.
Integrate economic and financial perspectives to assess policy decisions, market outcomes, and institutional frameworks in an international and global context.
Apply advanced analytical and quantitative reasoning to investigate economic and financial problems, selecting and justifying appropriate theoretical or empirical approaches.
Communicate complex economic and financial concepts, arguments, and findings clearly and persuasively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Apply strategic, analytical, and collaborative skills in a consultancy or applied project, working effectively in teams to synthesise knowledge and propose solutions to real-world challenges.

We regularly review our modules to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience, incorporating academic developments, student feedback and employer feedback.

There may be some change to some of the modules on this course for 2025/26 entry.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any changes to modules at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints may mean it isn’t possible to take some module combinations. The structure of some courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.

Entry requirements

A Levels

BBB (standard offer)
BBC (with EPQ minimum grade B)
BBC (contextual offer)
Contextual offers

Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDD (standard offer)

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM (contextual offer)

The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.

31 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,5 in 3 higher level subjects.

You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3.

You must obtain a minimum of 21 credits at distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - grade D
Digital Production, Design and Production - grade D
Education and Childcare - grade D
Onsite Construction - grade D
Building Services Engineering for Construction - grade D
Digital Business Services - grade D
Digital Support Services - grade D
Health - grade D
Healthcare Science - grade D
Science - grade D
Accounting - grade D
Finance - grade D
Management and administration - grade D
Design and development for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Legal Services - grade D

GCSE Maths – grade B/5
GCSE English Language or English Literature – grade C/4

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a first year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 2 entry: Please note that second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme. Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 3 entry onwards: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3 or final year.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

The fees set out below are not confirmed. We will update this webpage with the confirmed fees for 2027/28 by 31 July 2026.

UK students
(2027/28)

First year tuition fee:	£10,050*
During placement year:	£1,250*

International students
(2026/27)

First year tuition fee:	£23,500**
During placement year:	£2,500**

*UK students (Home Undergraduate):

Subject to parliamentary approval, the first year tuition fee will be £10,050, increasing annually in line with inflation for subsequent academic years.

On 20 October 2025, the Government announced that tuition fees in England will be increased annually in line with inflation, starting in 2026. The Government have since confirmed that it intends to determine the inflation-linked increase using the Retail Price Index, although this is subject to parliamentary approval.

According to the Department for Education’s Policy Paper published on 26 November, the annual tuition fee for the Programme commencing in the academic year 2027/28 is expected to be £10,050, subject to parliamentary approval. If you are holding an offer at Aston, when the annual tuition fee for your Programme for the 2027/28 academic year has been confirmed, we will write to update you. We will also provide as much information as we can about the inflation-linked increase in tuition fees for future academic years.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this webpage and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. We expect to publish our 2027 entry Terms and Conditions in summer 2026. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

**International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The first year tuition fee and placement year fee are not confirmed. The annual tuition fee and placement year fee stated here are for the September 2026 entry for this course. The updated fees for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

Assessment is provided through a mix of coursework and examinations. This will include consultancy reports, group projects, statistical reports, and briefing notes - communicating complex ideas to people without specialist subject knowledge. Many of the assessments require you to apply relevant economic and finance theories to gain a better understanding of controversial real-world issues.

The assessment for the placement year will give you the opportunity to reflect on your work experience and draws on learning from your previous studies.

Career prospects

As an Aston University Economics and Finance graduate, you will be equipped for a range of different career options across the private and public sector. Our graduates are successful in finding employment in a range of such as:

Government economist
Economic consultant
Economic analyst
Business consultant
Market risk analyst
Business intelligence analyst
Commodity trader

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as TikTok, PWC, Barclays, HSBC, Deloitte, KPMG, Accenture, Ernst & Young, Wells Fargo, Jaguar Land Rover, AON, HMRC, PepsiCo, The Cabinet Office, The House of Commons, and the Office For National Statistics, JCB and Amazon Logistics.

Victoria Rogers Economics and Politics graduate

My graduate role at Microsoft UK

Victoria Rogers' passion for economics led her to Aston University, where she was supported to achieve her ambitions.

Discover Victoria's journey

Aston Business School graduates achieve some amazing things - whether it's setting up their own businesses, landing competitive graduate schemes, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Simba's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I went on The Apprentice

Sunjay's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I worked with Kylie Minogue

Christine's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I founded a global football franchise

Frequently asked questions

Why study Economics and Finance?

Studying Economics and Finance equips you with the analytical, quantitative and decision-making skills that employers across industries value. You’ll build a strong foundation in economic theory, financial analysis and mathematics and statistics, enabling you to interpret data, assess risk and make informed decisions in real-world contexts.

With options to specialise in areas such as corporate finance, econometrics, fintech and behavioural economics, you can tailor your degree to your career goals while gaining insight into sectors like real estate.

How will a placement year benefit me?

Whether you choose to study abroad or do a work placement, Aston University’s links with employers and universities around the world mean you will have a wide range of options to boost your employability and explore the world of work.

Our work placements give you the opportunity to apply what you have learnt on your course while gaining valuable professional and paid experience. It can enhance your graduate employment prospects and help you to make more informed career decisions. Around one in five of our placement students are offered graduate jobs by their placement employer.

Find out more

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham