Overview
At LSBU we will introduce you to the wider macro and microeconomic world. Our Economics with foundation year degree is a four-year course incorporating a built-in foundation year. On successful completion of year one, students will be well-prepared to explore more specialised areas of the economy and develop their own economic models to forecast what the future holds.
Our curriculum is informed by the challenges and tasks professional Economists face in a variety of industries. This allows us to equip you with key graduate skills, turning you into an educated, passionate and competitive graduate who will be successful in any career path you choose.
Why Economics at LSBU?
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- We are ranked 4th in London for Economics (Guardian 2021).
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- We are ranked 3rd among our Modern London competitors for Economics (Complete University Guide 2022)
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- We are ranked 1st for course satisfaction, teaching satisfaction and feedback satisfaction in Economics in London (Guardian University League Tables 2021).
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- We are a member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), sister brand of AMBA.
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- Access to the software widely used in industry: Stata, Bloomberg, Excel and more.
| ModeFull-time | Duration4 year | Start dateSeptember | Application codeL10F | Application method UCAS |
| ModeFull-time | Duration5 year (With Placement) | Start dateSeptember | Application codeL10F | Application method UCAS |
Course Accreditations
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ACCA
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CIMA
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ILM
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
In order to be considered for entry to the course(s) applicants will be required to have the following qualifications:
- A Level DD or:
- BTEC National Diploma MPP or:
- Access to HE qualifications with Pass or:
- Equivalent Level 3 qualifications worth 64 UCAS points.
- Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including English and Maths, or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
- We welcome equivalent qualifications from around the world.
We welcome equivalent qualifications from around the world.
English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.
Choose your country
Select country here:
Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
United Kingdom
£9250
Tuition fees for home students
International
£15900
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.
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Full-time
full-time
BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Economics] (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 1FS00 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Business Strategy] (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 1FS01 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Finance] (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 1FS02 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Economics] (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 2FS00 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Business Strategy] (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 2FS01 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Finance] (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 2FS02 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Economics] (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 3FS00 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Business Strategy] (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 3FS01 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Finance] (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 3FS02 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Economics] (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £0 International fee: £0 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 4FS00 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Business Strategy] (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £0 International fee: £0 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 4FS01 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Finance] (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £0 International fee: £0 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 4FS02 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Economics] (FT) - Year 5
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 5FS00 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Business Strategy] (FT) - Year 5
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 5FS01 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600 BSc (Hons) Economics (with Placement) (with Foundation Year) [Finance] (FT) - Year 5
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 5880 Session code: 5FS02 Total course fee: UK: £37000 International: £63600
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home
| Mode Full-time | Duration 4 year | Start date September | Application code L10F | Application method UCAS |
| Mode Full-time | Duration 5 year (With Placement) | Start date September | Application code L10F | Application method UCAS |
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
The course offers a variety of modules including options in the final year, which cover current economic trends and themes which shape the global economy. Students will be able to gain a practical experience by applying their knowledge to work on real cases and with real data.
Year 1
- Apps and Applications This module will introduce students to software that can be used in the academic and business environment to support their IT confidence, enhance their IT proficiency and work together in online spaces. The students will develop practical skills enabling them to use software to communicate effectively and collect, manipulate and present information. Further, students should develop a confidence with learning and using new software, preparing them for the changing business environment, and the increasing use of virtual spaces and emerging software.
- Academic Development Academic writing is the foundation upon which student success is built. This module will explore the contextual nature of communication, comparing the features of spoken language with the written word. Further, it will explain the key steps that students will need to undertake to complete a persuasive piece of academic writing, providing students with guidance on how to express opinions and form logical academic arguments underpinned by research.
- Business Communication and Culture This module supports students in their personal and academic development as they transition into business education, ensuring familiarisation with academic processes and resources, and through the development of sustainable communication and effective coaching skills. Furthermore it facilitates the student’s self-development, through the exploration of their core values and beliefs, enabling them to develop their social and cultural capital through individual and group work, networking, social activity, and exposure to the current business environment and the good coaching practice within organisational culture.
- Problem-solving for business This module introduces students to the basic concepts of business research. Students will apply introductory research skills to a real-world problem in the shape of a local project, which will require students to undertake primary and secondary research into an issue facing a local organisation such as a community service, local charity or small business. The students will select a project as a team and then discuss the research problems with the tutor before starting the project. The students will evaluate outcomes of the research undertaken and provide recommendations for tfhe business. The aim of this module is to expose students to the research process so, in instances where companies pull out, students can complete their research using secondary data and addressing the issues they faced in their methodology section. The students will also conduct a short programme of coaching.
- Maths This module provides a mathematical underpinning for L4 of the Economics degree, in particular the Business Mathematics module.
- Introduction to Economics This module will introduce students to basic economic concepts, and the principles of micro and macroeconomics. The main concepts with regard to resource allocation, supply, demand and elasticity will be discussed and their effects on business. Students will also be introduced to macroeconomic goals, how to measure a nation's income and the cost of living. Major economic issues including unemployment, production and growth will also be illustrated.
- Finance and the Economy This module introduces students to a range of economic and financial topics and shows how these can be applied to understand the world around us. The module develops student understanding of the external environment businesses face, and aspects of finance relevant to the business context. 100% coursework assessed.
- Business Mathematics It is important for Economics students to learn about the application of quantitative methods and techniques to analyse and solve problems that exist in business, economics and finance. For this purpose the module introduces and applies the powerful analytic method of calculus for finding optimal solutions to specific issues in economics and business. Coursework and exam assessed.
- The LSBU Discovery Project In this module students will be utilising business project frameworks, problem-solving skills and idea generation techniques that will support them through the key stages required to complete a small business project from concept to delivery. Throughout the stages of their project, and by incorporating a facilitated coaching process, students will be supported to develop key skills vital to successful leadership and management. 100% coursework assessed.
- Economic Concepts This module will continue to develop students’ understanding of the essential micro- and macroeconomic theories which are the bedrock to the economic concepts and methods studied in Finance and the Economy. The emphasis of the module is upon the theoretical frameworks underpinning the business applications of economics in facilitating the decisions of policy-makers, managers and entrepreneurs in a variety of situations as well as the implications of the open macroeconomy on the operations of modern firms. 100% coursework assessed.
- Management and Organisations This module introduces students to the basic concepts of management in organisations. It gives students an appreciation of the complexities of organisations that affect employee behaviour within them. It introduces them to human resource management strategies to manage people in organisations. The module incorporates key management, organisational behaviour and people management theories and practices. 100% coursework assessed.
- Principles of Strategy This module aims to equip students with the knowledge of skills of basic strategic analysis. Students will be exposed to the use of simple strategic tools to evaluate the business and its wider environment. They will also be able to identify creative strategic solutions to simple organisational issues. The module further aims to develop students’ ability to make decisions between different strategic alternatives. 100% coursework assessed.
- Microeconomic Modelling The aim of the module is to provide an intermediate level analysis of the principles governing the allocation of resources in market economies, and the operations of the micro-economy. The module develops the theoretical concepts introduced at level 4, by investigating in greater depth the decisions of individual consumers, and firms in order to explain why, and how, such choices are made. The course also introduces the student to welfare economics, and considers general equilibrium, economic efficiency, and social welfare questions and issues. Market failure and the policy responses to such failure are also explored. Coursework and exam assessed.
- The Analytical Economist This module provides comprehensive insights into graduate employability and career development for economics students. It teaches students essential techniques of self-awareness building, career exploration, job search, succeeding in recruitment and selection processes and teamwork, enabling them to secure employment and thrive in the world of work. In addition, the module covers specific skills of particular relevance to economists, especially digital and communication skills that are valued and highly sought after by relevant employers. 100% coursework assessed.
- Introduction to Econometrics This module introduces the student to the basics of econometrics. It starts with the standard OLS methodology and beginning with simple regression analysis, moves to multiple regression analysis. The problems associated with OLS are explained along with their consequences and potential alleviating measures. Indicator or dummy variables are also considered along with their applications. A heavy emphasis on addressing econometric problems with the use of statistical software will also be pursued. 100% coursework assessed..
- Macroeconomic Modelling This module embeds both the definition and importance of macroeconomic indicators, including what they mean and how they are calculated. Students will have a clear story of the history of economic though in the context of macroeconomics. This will involve understanding historic theory including Say’s Law, Keynesianism, Monetarism as well as modern economic thought within macroeconomics. Students will work with and manipulate macroeconomic data and gain an understanding of current economic conditions within the United Kingdom using government economic reports. Coursework and exam assessed.
- Economic Policy Analysis This module will help students to learn how to use economics to understand and articulate reasoned views on some of the most pressing policy problems facing our societies: inequality, financial instability, the future of work, climate change, wealth creation and innovation. It addresses positive and normative dimensions as well as political-economy constraints. 100% coursework assessed.
- The Digital Economy This module offers an excursion into the digital economy and novel types of industries and businesses arising within. It introduces students to the key drivers, which are currently transforming various industries and includes examples of the UN SDG on Industry Innovation & Infrastructure. The module aims to equip students with an understanding of the changing digital environment and trends in digitalisation, which define current economic developments. It further aims to raise awareness of the regulatory challenges these recent trends impose. 100% coursework assessed.
- Microeconomic Strategy This module introduces the students to an understanding of fundamental models in microeconomics and introduces them to methods of formal microeconomic analysis. It differs from previous modules on microeconomics the students will have completed in that it treats the models in a more formal manner, and additionally introduces the student to the treatment of the models using various mathematical (and graphical) techniques including calculus. Coursework and exam assessed.
- Macroeconomic Policy Students will learn ways to connect the behaviour of households, firms and governments and central banks to aggregate economic outcomes. The module will focus on linking policies on economic growth to innovation, market structure and firm dynamics; and more generally by taking institutions seriously into account when looking at growth, business cycles and unemployment and the interplay between them. Coursework and exam assessed.
- Economic Research The Economic Research Methods module runs over two semesters aims to help students to develop an understanding of the research process in semester one and to undertake research in semester two leading to successful completion of their applied project. It covers ideas, techniques, and methods relevant to different stages of the research process, stressing the interdependence of each stage in conducting effective, coherent and rigorous research.
- Big Data Econometrics This module introduces students to the methodologies and techniques of evaluating big data in economics, finance and business. This module aims to raise students’ awareness of the challenges surrounding the analysis of big data and develop students’ ability to identify appropriate statistical solutions to such complex big data econometrics problems. It exposes students to the use of statistical software packages and the application of big data econometrics. 100% coursework assessed.
- Financial Econometrics This module focuses on the use of modern econometric methodology for dealing with problems in the area of finance and economics and provides students with the necessary econometric tools. It applies the techniques of mathematics, statistics and econometrics to analyse financial data so as to understand and model the underlying financial and economic conditions. In achieving the above, use of specialist software packages is employed to analyse real world examples. Empirical applications are considered in the stock, bond and exchange rate markets. 100% coursework assessed.
- International Trade and Globalisation This module forms part of the area of international economics and studies the role played by multinational firms in the global trading system. The module introduces students to the global trading system, both the theories of how and why countries engage in trade and the role played by governments, regional trading agreements and international institutions in the regulation of trade. The module is further concerned with multinational companies, examining the growth of multinationals, the theories advanced to explain the growth of multinationals and the effects of multinationals on the countries where they operate. 100% coursework assessed.
- Development Economics This module explores the economic reasons that have led to increasing development inequality (national and international). It focuses on how formal and informal finance can encourage economic development; the relationship between gender equity and growth, and analyse core issues regarding the development policymaking and strategy. The aim of the module is to provide an in-depth analysis of the challenging development process and the various problems facing economies striving to develop and combat poverty and inequality. 100% coursework assessed.
- Global Finance and Technology This module introduces students to the concept of International Finance and the role of exchange rates and their determination in financial markets. The module covers theories of exchange rate determination and the difference between fixed and floating exchange rate systems. It further offers an excursion into modern financial topics such as cryptocurrencies, Fintech and automation in the banking sector as key drivers in the finance industry. Students will be exposed to the regulatory challenges, which come with financial innovation. 100% coursework assessed.
- Behavioural Economics The module examines the psychological underpinnings of economic behaviour and in particular when this behaviour deviates from predicted economic theory. It introduces the necessary skills within economics to test theoretical predictions and hypothesis. This includes designing and running lab based experiments as well as structuring clear testable predictions. Alongside this practical application the module will introduce students to recent behavioural theories that have emerged to explain the empirical observations (both from existing literature and their own research), and will discuss the implications for economics, business and politics. Coursework and exam assessed.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Optional placement year in industry (if you choose not to do a placement year, you will take the modules listed below in your third year).
Year 4
Year 4 Options
Careers
Employability Service
We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Our integrated foundation year provides you with a solid foundation in academic skills and business-related disciplines; instilling knowledge and practical skills that will prepare you for an LSBU Business School degree which can add value to any company or organisation. You will specifically develop practical and research skills in the Problem Solving for Business module but all modules will require you to engage in practical tasks which will enhance your employability.
LSBU Business School is an esteemed member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), an international membership and quality assurance body of world-leading and high-potential Business Schools who share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning, and are looking to provide positive impact on their students, communities, and the economy as a whole. BGA is the sister brand to the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the world's impartial authority on postgraduate management education.
As a BGA member institution, students of LSBU Business School are able to access BGA's individual membership, which offers a range of tools and resources designed to support the professional and personal development of business students and graduates, free of charge. This includes CV building services, a job search function, skill assessments, thought-leadership, partner discounts and much more.
Teaching and Assessment
The academic team is made up of a range of lecturers from research, industry and charity backgrounds with subject specialisms in Economics, Enterprise, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Mathematics.
Where possible, guest speakers from business and academia will bring specialisms and real world contextualisation. Interactive seminars and workshops will support the lectures and have a strong focus on small group activities and application of knowledge to business case studies and real life. Examples of activities students will engage with during seminars are: question practice and case study analysis to reinforce and contextualise key lecture topics, debate and discussion. Processes and techniques are demonstrated during lectures and are then developed and applied to questions and exercises during seminars to reinforce learning.
Examples of the range of assessment types are: Business Reports, Case Study Analysis, Closed Book Exam, Multiple choice test, Individual Reflections, Essays, E-poster, Social Media Presence Development, Individual Portfolio, Excel Assignment, Coaching Diary, and Group Presentation.
Personal Tutoring
Personal tutoring and pastoral care will be provided through a dedicated team of personal tutors. As part of the Academic Development, students will meet in groups to discuss and identify their own individual SMART objectives related to the current course of study and career objectives. From this they will then work alongside their Personal Tutor to develop the Personal Development Plan for the coming semester and to be developed in all modules and finalised in the Problem Solving for Business module.
At the end of Semester 1 / beginning of Semester 2 students will meet to review their semester one results and develop their plan. In Semester 2 the personal development will focus on extra curricula opportunities for students to increase student engagement. The division will work closely with support services and societies and the student to ensure opportunities for personal development are supported.