Course information

Entry requirements

UCAS code

L100

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655

Length

3 years full-time

Course overview

This degree offers you rigorous training in economic theory and a range of quantitative techniques. It also provides a deep understanding of economic contexts, so that you can use the most appropriate data and techniques for each problem you address.

Why study BSc Economics at Goldsmiths 

  • The BSc Economics offers you rigorous and relevant training in economic theory, economic history, modelling, coding, statistics, and econometrics with real-world applications. You'll investigate broad empirical questions that explore the different uses of data within economics and the social sciences.

  • We offer you an understanding of the real-world context of economics. So that you'll be able to effectively use the most appropriate data and techniques to solve key empirical problems in today’s economy.

  • You'll learn in small groups and will be assigned a personal tutor during the three years of your undergraduate degree. Your tutor will meet regularly with you, follow your progress, and will be your first point of contact in our programme. See what our students say about the small-group teaching environment.
  • London is the financial hub of the UK and you will have access to today’s best business leaders, economists, and policy practitioners. Find out what our students say about Economics programmes on our YouTube channel.
  • The BSc Economics gives you access to a wide range of jobs in consultancy, finance, data analysis, and government. Recent employers include Lloyds Bank, Deloitte, KPMG, CapGemini, Public Health England, Civil Service Fast Stream, Department for Transport. They also go on to postgraduate studies at top institutions in the UK and abroad. Institutions include Cambridge, LSE, New York University, King’s College London and Imperial College.
  • Through the new UK Turing Scheme, you can spend half of your third year at a university in Europe. You will attend modules, experience a different culture and academic environment, and you will have the option of learning a foreign language.
  • You'll be part of the Institute of Management Studies, a highly interdisciplinary department featuring academics researching not only in Economics and Political Economy but also in Consumer Theory, Management, Business Psychology, Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The Goldsmiths research community that you will come in contact with is in fact even larger and includes leading experts from Sociology, Psychology, Computing, Media Studies, History, Politics, Design and other departments teaching optional modules for our Economics degrees.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Tomás Rotta.

Watch videos about your course

What you'll study

Year 1

In your first year you'll take the following compulsory modules.

Module title Credits
Introductory Economics 30 credits
Economic Reasoning 15 credits
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Economy 15 credits
Mathematics for Economics and Business 30 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 1 15 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 2 15 credits

Year 2 (credit level 5)

In your second year, you'll take the following compulsory modules.

Module title Credits
Intermediate Microeconomics 15 credits
Intermediate Macroeconomics 15 credits
Quantitative Economics 15 credits
Applied Quantitative Economics 15 credits
History of Economic Ideas 15 credits
Economic History 15 credits

You’ll also have to choose one of the following two modules:

Module title Credits
My Career Strategy 15 credits
or
Goldsmiths’ Social Change Module 15 credits

In addition, you'll choose another optional module from the Institute of Management Studies or other relevant options in other departments. Choices include: Accounting and Finance, Development Economics, Money, Banking and the Financial System, Entrepreneurial Behaviour, and many more.

Year 3 (credit level 6)

In your third year, you'll take the following compulsory modules

Module title Credits
International Economics 15 credits
Public Economics 15 credits
Econometrics 15 credits
Advanced Econometrics 15 credits
Communications and Presentation Skills 15 credits

You'll also have to choose one or more of the following options:

Module title Credits
Manias, Bubbles, Crises and Market Failure 15 credits
Individual and Institutional Economic Behaviour 15 credits
Gender, Race and Economic Relations 15 credits
From National Statistics to Big Data 15 credits

Depending on how many of the above modules you’ve chosen, you will have to choose up to another two options from the Institute of Management Studies or other relevant options in other departments.

Teaching style

This programme is taught through scheduled learning - a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.

The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*:

  • Year 1 - 16% scheduled learning, 84% independent learning
  • Year 2 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning
  • Year 3 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work and projects.

The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*:

  • Year 1 - 55% coursework, 45% written exam
  • Year 2 - 51% coursework, 49% written exam
  • Year 3 - 66% coursework, 28% written exam, 6% practical

*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2022/23. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Find out more about .

Students will also take an optional module of 15 credits:

Module title Credits
Topics in Economic Policy 15 credits
Development Economics 15 credits
Money, Banking and the Financial System 15 credits
Topics in Mathematical Economics 15 credits
Ethics and Economics of Environmental Protection 15 credits
Finance and the Global Political Economy 15 credits
International Business 15 credits
Marketing Analytics 15 credits

Teaching style

This programme is taught through scheduled learning - a mixture of lectures, seminars and computer labs. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.

The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*:

  • Year 1 - 16% scheduled learning, 84% independent learning
  • Year 2 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning
  • Year 3 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work and projects.

The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*:

  • Year 1 - 55% coursework, 45% written exam
  • Year 2 - 51% coursework, 49% written exam
  • Year 3 - 66% coursework, 28% written exam, 6% practical

*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2020/21. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Find out more about how this information is calculated.

Credits and levels of learning

An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. If you are a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 modules in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 modules in your final year. A standard module is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half modules or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation or a Major Project.

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

What our students say

Oliver Ferreira

University can be an incredible tool and investment that will propel your trajectory in life, regardless of your specialism.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Goldsmiths and the BSc Economics programme. I loved that the curriculum was pluralist and holistic, and didn't solely focus upon mainstream economics. This definitely differentiates itself from other economics programmes and gives it a competitive edge.

This approach to teaching and the curriculum, in general, has taught me to consider the perspective and experiences of all individuals when forming opinions and arriving at conclusions.

I am currently training to be a chartered accountant with the ICAEW, after completing further study at the University of Cambridge. Both of which would never have been achievable without Goldsmiths, and the opportunities they provided me.

University can be an incredible tool and investment that will propel your trajectory in life, regardless of your specialism. However, the magnitude of your success, amongst other factors, is proportionate to how much effort and time you invest into your experience. Make the most of university and the experience it offers, both inside and outside the classroom.

One of my favourite parts of studying at Goldsmiths was the college green, especially in the summer. It was a lovely place to meet with friends to socialise and relax, and get in that extra last-minute revision for an exam.

Also, the diversity of the cuisine that New Cross and South East London in general offered was amazing.

Annie Krzeminska

Goldsmiths has given me the confidence and tools to seek new employment. I am very lucky to have a fantastic job that I love.

During my time at Goldsmiths, I have definitely grown up! During my first year, I moved into student halls – I met a lot of new people from different courses so I was up to date with what people from other degrees were up to, which was really great. I also managed to find a job really quickly during my first year through the careers website. I was employed as a nanny/tutor by a lovely family and stayed with them for over a year.

Studying economics with econometrics and having work experience as a maths/physics tutor allowed me to seek other employment as well. In my second year, I was hired by Starling Bank – a mobile bank with HQs in the City (to work in the City was always my biggest dream!).

I also took part in a mentorship programme that was shared with us through one of the faculty staff at Goldsmiths. It was for people from diverse backgrounds. We were matched with employees of Skanska and had goals to achieve throughout the duration of the programme. In February this year, I was contacted by a tech company in Cambridge who were looking for analysts. I had my interview in March and signed my contract a couple of weeks later! I started working at Techspert just after my third-year exams and within a week my position changed to associate.

Goldsmiths has given me the confidence and tools to seek new employment. I am very lucky to have a fantastic job that I love. I really struggled financially when I first moved to London and thanks to Goldsmiths, I found a job within a month. Now, in two weeks I am finalising my first house purchase!

Arturo Roman

Goldsmiths' campus and students are characterised by contrasts. Everyone is different and feels free to express their identity yet there is an overriding sense of community and care for each other.

Before coming to Goldsmiths, I was studying an International Baccalaureate in Madrid, Spain. Throughout my last years of high school, I developed a growing desire to get out of my comfort zone and study abroad. London seemed like the perfect candidate which narrowed down my university hunt. I remember stumbling upon Goldsmiths Economics programme structure and thinking the course was tailored to my interests. The contents of the course modules have encouraged me to think critically and to refuse theories at face value. It has also broadened my perspectives on the purpose and reach of Economics as a social science. I sought after an Economics degree that is pragmatic in its approach and links past historical events as well as current world issues to an economic framework thus offering an insight into the gears of our societies. Goldsmiths has certainly delivered.

Goldsmiths campus and students are characterised by contrasts. Everyone is different and feels free to express their identity yet there is an overriding sense of community and care for each other. We are all well aware of the importance and benefits of diversity which sets the grounds for a united student body.

Overall, I believe my dear lecturers and seminar leaders have prepared me to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The teaching staff for my degree are highly averse to complacency and will push you to expand the seemingly unbreakable limits of your perspective. They are also attentive and caring people whose main goal is to lead you on a successful journey.

See more profiles for this programme

Entry requirements

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Alternative qualifications

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

Fees & funding

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

From August 2021 EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for 'Home' fee status. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will be classified as 'International' for fee purposes, more information can be found on our fees page.

  • Home - full-time: £9250
  • International - full-time: £19640

If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.

Careers

Skills

This degree equips you with an array of skills that will help you stand out in the marketplace and launch your career. Through our modules you will learn economic theory and application, and practice your skills in writing, presenting and data analysis.

The structure of this programme of studies also equips you with the following skills:

  • An ability to explain economic ideas to non-economists in government and the business world
  • A knowledge of the limits of economic models for analysing real-world data
  • An understanding of the economy that can meet new challenges and unforeseen crises
  • A personal philosophy of how the economy works that distinguishes you from the crowd

You'll also gain skills in teamwork, time management, organisation, critical thinking, reflection and independent research. All of these skills are greatly sought after by graduate employers. 

How we help you achieve your career goals

We believe employability and becoming career-ready should be an absolutely integral part of your time with us. We will work with you to help you discover the kind of role that might be right for you, how to access those opportunities and then how to market yourself effectively into the role and be successful.

Core elements of our offering are about helping you get career-ready early on in your second year so you are well placed to secure a placement or internship in the summer, an all-important step to securing that dream graduate role. We have two second-year optional modules you can select:

Developing an Employability Strategy Module (credit-bearing):  Get yourself career-ready. This module will take you through the employability journey. What kind of skills and motivators do you have, what kind of role and industry might be right for you and how to successfully market yourself into those roles?

Work Placement Module (credit-bearing): Get real-life experience in industry. A work placement will help you expand your network and provide valuable insights into the world of work. Some students have gone on to receive a graduate offer just after their placement!

Other ways we support you on your career journey

Tools: We have a range of tools to help you understand yourself, your skills, values and motivators and what kind of role might be right for you. Then make a detailed career plan to achieve success.

Careers resources:  We have a wealth of online resources to help you research what employers are looking for and where you might fit, then access those job opportunities.

Workshops – Discover Opportunities, Network and Market Yourself Effectively:  A number of workshops both within the IMS and wider College covering topics such as what our students go on to do, how to find and apply for intern and graduate roles and personal branding. As well as how to market yourself effectively, successful CVs and application forms and how to succeed at interview and assessment centres. 

Events on campus:  Benefit from a range of careers fairs, speaker series, panel discussions, career clubs and networking events to get as much industry exposure and connections as you can. 

1:1 Support: Meet with the careers consultant to explore your career strategy. The consultants can give you advice on your job search strategy, help with CVs and cover letters, help with psychometrics. As well as helping you hone your interview skills.

Mentoring: A wide range of mentoring opportunities are available with industry experts and alumni. Get advice and insights from industry professionals, many of who have been where you are now. Helping students understand where they can fit into the world of work and how to successfully access opportunities.

Gold Award: Is a personal and professional development programme designed to help identify your current skills, develop new skills and gain experiences through co-curricular activities. A well-rounded portfolio of skills and experiences is essential in the competitive working world. 

GoldReach: We recognise that students from underrepresented groups* may face additional barriers accessing graduate-level employment. GoldReach aims to help you reflect on your aspirations and reach your potential. GoldReach will provide you with the opportunity to broaden your career horizons, develop your employability skills and access a range of opportunities.

Destination Data for our Economics Programmes

Our well-rounded students go into a wide range of roles across different industries. We have students going into more traditional economist roles such as finance, investment banking, the civil service, development agencies and economic consulting. However, we also have some that go on to teach as well as alumni going to work in organisations as diverse as Warner Music Group, The Ministry for Justice, marketing agencies and even starting their own business. 

The careers of our graduates from the past two years are mainly in government (19%), finance (17%), technology (10%) and professional services (9%) among other sectors (26%). Around 19% of our graduates have gone on to pursue postgraduate degrees.

Jobs include M&A analyst at Ackroyd Legal, equity risk analyst intern at Kings Investment Fund, foreign exchange trader at TY Assets, junior investment writer at FE Investment, Head of Strategy at Dual International, consulting analyst at Deloitte, audit assistant at KPMG, rewards analyst at Wills Tower Watson, graduate analyst at CapGemini, trainee teacher of economics at Harris Federation, assessment team lead at BPP, business and finance analyst in the Civil Service Fast Stream, funding and incentive officer at the Department for International Trade, public health intelligence analyst at Public Health England, and assistant economist at Department for Transport.

Institutions where our graduates have gone for postgraduate degrees include Cambridge, LSE, New York University, King’s College London, Imperial College, Durham, and Queen Mary. 

Facilities

We are proud to be associated with the Goldsmiths’ Library of Economic Literature, which is the main collection in Economics literature in Senate House Library. This is one of the most important libraries in the history of economics and business in the world. Find out more about the Library's History on the University of London website.

Research

Economics lecturers at Goldsmiths have recently completed a project called Economics: Past, Present and Future, a website produced used across universities in the UK which features interviews with celebrated economists such as Sheila DowGeoff HarcourtCharles GoodhartTony LawsonJulie Nelson and Ha-Joon Chang.