Frequently asked questions

As much or as little as you choose, beyond the compulsory Quantitative Economics or Mathematical Economics modules in the first two years. Although economics necessarily contains an element of mathematics, you can choose the more applied modules to make up your 120 credits if you wish. 

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Our L140 (Economics and Econometrics) degree is a BSc whereas others (L1R1, L1R2, L1R4, L1R7 , L1T1 and LV15) are BA. The L100 and L160 degrees are available as either a BA or  BSc. During your course you choose which you would like to graduate with– you do not choose between these when you apply. Importantly, those taking the quantitative economics modules (for which A level maths is not necessary) can still graduate with a BSc in the L100 and L160 degrees. We offer L100 and L160 in both BA and BSc forms so that you can choose which is most applicable to your intended career, although we have found that in practice that most employers do not have a preference.

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We do not ask students to have either maths or economics at A level. However, maths is our preferred subject and as we are over-subscribed, this is one of many factors we take into account when distinguishing between applicants, therefore having maths A-level can strengthen an application. 

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We take many other factors into consideration. In no particular order, we look at A-level subject choice, the grade of the fourth AS, your achievement at GCSE, extra-curricular activities, school responsibilities, etc. The personal statement is perhaps the most critical factor and we are looking for students with a wide variety of interests and enthusiasms from a wide variety of backgrounds.

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If you have good reasons for deferring, eg a relevant work placement or a valuable experience abroad, then we would usually allow deferral.

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The School welcomes students with disabilities or special needs (such as dyslexia) and considers their applications on the same academic grounds as those of other students. The School has a Disability Liaison Officer (please contact Dr Elke Renner at elke.renner@nottingham.ac.uk) and a range of support services designed to help you during your studies.

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It is possible to change course within the School of Economics if you have good reason to do so. For example, some students begin on the L100 Economics degree and switch into specialist degrees such as Economics and Econometrics at the end of the first year. 

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There are several ways to spend a semester abroad, such as through Universitas 21, in Vancouver, Singapore and Sydney, and at our own campuses in Malaysia and China. Selection depends mainly on your performance in year one. 

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Because all economics students take the same core modules, you will all have lectures together, so there might be 250-300 students in the lecture theatre. Optional modules will have fewer people in the lectures, and tutorials are smaller still, so there are plenty of opportunities to work in small groups.

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There is a lot of help available should you need it. Within the School, you will be allocated a personal tutor in the first few days. You will usually keep the same tutor for the whole of your course and he/she will help you with any pastoral or academic concerns. There is also a team of friendly and helpful admin staff who will be happy to help with any problem. Outside the School, there is a University Counselling Service, trained to help you with any problems you may have. Cripps Health Centre, with which you will register when you arrive, provides full dental and medical services.

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If you have just missed the grades, it is always worth phoning us on results day to see what our situation is. Even if we have no places left available, we may be able to offer advice about what to do next.

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