Economics and Finance, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

Our Economics and Finance degree provides a strong foundation in modern economic theory and the analytical, quantitative, and financial tools needed to understand how markets function, how financial institutions operate, and how economic forces shape decision-making in firms and governments. The programme is designed for students who want to combine a deep understanding of economic principles with specialised training in financial analysis, risk management, and corporate finance.

On this course, you will develop proficient analytical capabilities through the study of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistical and econometric methods, giving you the tools to understand how economies behave, how policy affects outcomes, and how markets respond to shocks and incentives. This is supported by the finance modules that explore how financial markets function, how firms make investment and financing decisions, and how financial assets are valued in practice.

Designed to meet the expectations of employers in finance, consulting, policy, and research, the BSc Economics and Finance supports a wide range of career ambitions - whether you aspire to work as an economist, financial analyst, investment banker, risk manager, or portfolio analyst, or whether you intend to continue into postgraduate study.

Why Economics and Finance at Swansea?

Economics and Finance at Swansea is ranked:

  • 4th in the UK for Academic Support (NSS 2025)
  • 7th in the UK for Outstanding Learning Opportunities (NSS 2025)
  • 9th  in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025)
  • 17th  for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)

You will be taught by staff who are highly praised for their clarity, expertise, and ability to make complex ideas accessible and engaging. Students frequently highlight how intellectually stimulating the courses are, encouraging curiosity, independent thinking, and deeper understanding. You will be supported and motivated to achieve your best throughout your studies, reflecting our strong culture of academic excellence and student‑centred learning. 

At Swansea you can:

  • Tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions by choosing from a wide range of optional modules
  • Learn from lecturers with expertise in both academic research and industry practice
  • Join a diverse and welcoming student community, with peers from around the world

Your Economics and Finance Experience

Our degree is designed to help you engage with the complexity of real‑world economic, social, and environmental issues, and to develop meaningful, informed financial strategies in response, through a combination of analytical training and practical experience.

In your first year, you will develop a solid foundation in the core tools of the discipline through modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, finance, accounting, and research methodology. This enables you to understand how economic behaviour interacts with financial decision‑making to shape market outcomes.

As you progress, you will deepen your expertise in both economics and finance. In economics, you further strengthen your quantitative and econometric skills and explore how theory and data inform policy and business decisions. In finance, you study specialist areas such as corporate finance, asset pricing, portfolio management, and international financial management.

Teaching at Swansea is research‑informed, and your lecturers bring a combination of academic expertise and real‑world experience. This means you will benefit from insights that connect economic theory with practical application, helping you understand how your learning fits into today’s global economy.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, spent in locations such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Economics and Finance Employment Opportunities

A degree in Economics and Finance from Swansea equips you with a highly valued set of analytical, numerical, and problem‑solving skills, preparing you for a wide range of financially rewarding and intellectually stimulating careers. Whether you’re aiming for fast‑paced roles in financial markets, want to shape policy through government or research, or aspire to become a specialist in business and economic analysis, this degree will make you a strong candidate for leading graduate employers.

Your future career could include roles such as:

  • Economist
  • Analyst, Researcher
  • Government Adviser
  • Management Consultant
  • Derivatives Trader
  • Financial Analyst
  • Econometrician

Swansea graduates enjoy an excellent reputation, with many progressing to positions at world-leading firms such as Barclays, HSBC, and PwC.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Economics and Finance, BSc (Hons)

Economics and Finance with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Economics and Finance with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Economics and Finance with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)