Industrial Economics
A BSc in Industrial Economics from the University of Nottingham opens up a world of opportunities.
This versatile degree equips you with a comprehensive understanding of economic principles and business strategies, preparing you for a diverse range of career paths.
Graduates can pursue roles in finance, consultancy, public policy, economics and beyond, leveraging their skills to influence business decisions, shape economic policies, or innovate within various industries.
Whether you aim to enter the corporate world, work in government, or continue with further studies, this degree provides the foundation and flexibility to achieve your career aspirations.
What skills will I develop during my degree?
- Economic analysis. Develop the ability to analyse and interpret economic data to understand market trends and economic behaviour
- Strategic thinking. Learn to make informed business decisions by understanding the strategic interactions between firms, markets, and industries
- Quantitative skills. Gain proficiency in quantitative methods and statistical techniques essential for economic modelling and analysis
- Problem-solving. Enhance your problem-solving skills to tackle complex economic issues and devise effective solutions
- Research skills. Acquire strong research skills to investigate economic problems, conduct data analysis, and present findings clearly
- Communication and presentation. Improve your ability to communicate complex economic concepts effectively, both in writing and through presentations, to various audiences
These skills collectively prepare you for a wide range of careers in economics, business, and beyond.
What are my career options?
There are an array of business, finance or public policy roles a graduate with the above skills can go into.
Here are just a few that link with this degree:
- Economic consultant. Provide expert advice to businesses and government agencies on economic policies, market strategies, and economic impacts
- Financial analyst. Analyse financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and provide recommendations for businesses, banks, or investment firms
- Policy analyst. Work in government or think tanks to analyse and develop economic policies that address public issues and economic challenges
- Management consultant. Advise companies on improving business performance, efficiency, and strategy through economic and business analysis
- Market research analyst. Study market conditions to identify potential sales opportunities, understand consumer behaviour, and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing strategies
- Corporate strategy analyst. Assist businesses in developing long-term strategies by analysing market trends, competitive dynamics, and internal capabilities
These careers leverage the analytical, strategic, and quantitative skills developed in the industrial economics degree.
What do graduates from my course go on to do?
Graduate Outcomes is a national survey capturing the activities and perspectives of graduates launched in 2018 and is the biggest annual social survey in the UK.
You can view the destinations of graduates, who completed the survey, from your course by booking an appointment with an adviser. This can help you to explore your options if you are unsure what you want to do.
Find out more about the Graduate Outcomes Survey
What are my further study options?
You have several further study options to enhance your knowledge and career prospects.
Here are some common pathways linked to your degree:
- Master’s in Economics. Deepen your understanding of economic theory and applications, preparing for specialised roles in economic analysis, policy, and research
- Master’s in Finance. Focus on advanced financial concepts, investment analysis, risk management, and financial markets to pursue careers in banking, investment, or corporate finance
- Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Develop comprehensive business management skills, with a focus on leadership, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurship
- Master’s in Data Science or Business Analytics. Gain expertise in data analysis, statistical methods, and computational techniques to analyse large datasets and inform business decisions
- Master’s in Public Policy. Specialise in the development and implementation of public policies, working in government, NGOs, or international organisations
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Earn a professional credential focusing on investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management
- PhD in Economics or a related field: Pursue advanced research in economics, preparing for academic careers or high-level research positions in think tanks and policy institutions
How can I develop my skills and gain experience during my degree?
Work experience and volunteering
Depending on what area of work or role you might be interested in, and where, there will be specific strategies, from speculative applications to formal processes you need to be familiar with.
Work experience - what, how and when
Consider some of these options:
- Government Economic Service (GES) Summer Scheme: If you aim to work as an economist, consider applying for a place on the GES summer scheme
- Internships in accountancy, banking or finance
- Easter vacation ‘Insight Days’ and ‘Spring Weeks’: Firms offer these early talent identification programmes, often leading to summer internships and full-time job offers
- Summer Internships. Available particularly for students in their penultimate year, these internships provide a fuller experience of a firm's work and culture.
- Civil Service offer a Summer Internship Programme (SIP)
Optional placement year
You can now undertake an optional placement year as part of your degree at the end of your penultimate year of study. The placement can be aligned to your degree discipline or related to your career aspirations. Speak to a career adviser or your school for more information.
If you are no longer at Nottingham, you can access work and volunteering opportunities at home. Depending on your location and what you want to do, your strategy may vary so come and speak to us or arrange a telephone appointment.
Nottingham Internship Scheme
We work closely with a huge variety of local and national businesses to bring you an exciting range of internship opportunities, for both current students and recent graduates.
Nottingham Consultancy Challenge
The Nottingham Consultancy Challenge offers the chance for you to gain hands-on experience of managing a short term project for a local business or charity as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Digital Centre of Excellence
Take industry-recognised digital qualifications by Microsoft and SAP alongside your course, which will develop your digital skills and help you stand out to future employers.
Nottingham Advantage Award
Through the completion of extracurricular modules, the Nottingham Advantage Award helps you develop key life and work-based skills and reflect on your experiences, allowing you to demonstrate your achievements and skills more effectively when applying for jobs.
Apply for part-time jobs
The university advertises part-time, casual and temporary jobs on campus and with local businesses.
Created just for you, the advertised vacancies can fit around your studies and other commitments.
Students' Union
The Students’ Union offers a wide range of volunteering options both locally and internationally which you can fit around your studies.
Alternatively you could get involved in a society or sports club - there's so many, you're bound to find one that interests you!
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory Year Abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university's control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.