Economics and Philosophy BA

Course overview

On this course you will divide your time equally between the two subjects. You study the core of each discipline in the first two years, and in the final year you select modules from a variety of specialist modules in the two departments. Both economics and philosophy look at fundamental aspects of human society. The combination allows a deeper understanding of how societies work and the course will provide a unique blend of knowledge from the two disciplines.

Year one 

In economics, you will take Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Quantitative Economics or Mathematical Economics and Econometrics modules. In philosophy, you will take Self, Mind and Body; Elementary Logic; Locke: Appearance and Reality; Reasoning and Argument: An Introduction to Ethics; and other philosophy modules.

Year two

In economics, you will take Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory, Quantitative Economics or Econometrics and Applied Economics modules. In philosophy, you will take The Nature of Meaning, and optional modules including Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Normative Ethics, Political Philosophy, and others.

Year three

You take 60 credits in economics and 60 in philosophy from the wide range of final-year modules available in both schools. You will also have the chance to write a dissertation.

More information 

See also the Department of Philosophy.

Entry requirements

A levels: A*AA-AAA (for those taking four full A2 subjects (not including general studies) A*ABB-AABB)

English language requirements 

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)

Alternative qualifications 

For details please see the alternative qualifications page

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Typical year-one modules

• Self, Mind and Body
• Introduction to Microeconomics
• Introduction to Macroeconomics 
• Reasoning and Argument: An Introduction to Philosophical Method
• Locke: Appearance and Reality
• Introduction to Ethics
• Quantitative Economics I and Quantitative Economics II
  OR
• Mathematical Economics and Introductory Econometrics
• Study Skills

Typical year-two modules

• Microeconomic Theory
• The Nature of Meaning
• Macroeconomic Theory
• Careers Skills

Typical year-three modules

60 credits in economics and 60 credits in philosophy with the possibility of a dissertation in philosophy.

For more information please see the Department of Philosophy

Typical optional modules

• Current Economic Issues
• Economic Perspectives
• Labour Economics
• Industrial Economics
• Public Sector Economics
• Health Economics
• Political Economy
• Financial Economics
• Development Economics
• Monetary Economics 
• Environmental and Resource Economics
• Experimental and Behaviourial Economics
• International Trade Economics

Skills and careers

You will have a thorough knowledge of key economic theories and fundamental philosophical concepts and ideas that underlie how economists approach problem solving and perceive the world. You will also be familiar with the key analytical techniques that economists use in practice. Employers will value your training in lateral and logical thinking and the transferable skills developed as part of an economics and philosophy degree.

Average starting salary

The average starting salary for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the School of Economics was £26,727.88 and for graduates of the Department of Philosophy it was £18,359.38.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.