Economics and International Economics BSc (Hons)

International student

Course overview

Step into the fast-paced world of international economics and discover how global forces shape the way nations trade, grow, and respond to crises. Our BSc Economics and International Economics equips you with a rigorous foundation in macroeconomics, microeconomics, mathematics and international trade, while challenging you to think critically about the policies and events that drive the global economy.

From year one, you’ll be part of a vibrant academic community with the freedom to tailor your studies. Optional modules let you explore areas such as financial economics, development, industrial economics, econometrics, political economy and behavioural economics, giving you the chance to follow your curiosity and sharpen your expertise.

Find out more about studying economics at Nottingham.

Course highlights

Study abroad opportunities at the university’s campuses in China or Malaysia or at partner universities in Australia or Canada.
Our Faculty Placement Programme helps you gain experience during term-time.
You’ll access the annual management, consulting and finance careers fair, which connects you with top employers.

Proven results

We’re top 10 in the UK for economics (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).
90% of economics graduates were in sustained employment, further study or both five years after graduation (LEO data from 2022/23 tax year, published in 2025).

How you will learn

The majority of teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars and computer laboratory classes.

We aim to provide a learning environment that will enrich your life and live up to the ideal of a global education. You will engage directly in our common pursuit of cutting-edge, policy relevant and curiosity-driven research.

Economists study the world around them by applying both mathematical and statistical methods. You will be required to learn both to ensure you have the most up to date skills.

The final year dissertation module provides you with the opportunity to complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice. Under the guidance of a dissertation tutor, you will gain experience of the research process and a range of skills that will enhance your academic profile and CV.

Teaching methods

Computer labs
Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Workshops

Teaching is delivered through a mix of in-person and online methods. The majority of your teaching will be in-person.

How you will be assessed

During each semester you will be examined on the modules you have taken. Except for the dissertation in the third year (which is a coursework assessment), modules typically have exam-based assessment at the end of the semester (or year), and some have seminar or essay-based elements, including group work.

Assessment methods

Dissertation
Essay
Examinations
Presentation
Group presentation
Group exercise

Contact time and study hours

You will have at least the following hours of timetabled contact a week through lectures, seminars, tutorials, computer classes and supervisions.

Year one: minimum of 12 hours
Year two: minimum of 10 hours
Final year: minimum of 8 hours

You will also be expected to engage in substantial independent study.

Modules

Module streams

We have two streams for quantitative economics/econometrics to suit your mathematical background and preferences.

9 modules

Applied Economics

In this module, you’ll explore trends in long run economic growth and globalisation. You’ll gain an understanding of how this has led to dramatic changes in the relative wealth of nations over the last 500 years. We will then ask two key questions: why have modern economic growth started in some places rather than others? And while have some countries been able to catch up, while others have not? These investigations will improve our understanding of why some countries are much richer than others and will give us some important insights on how to promote sustained growth in developing countries.

We will then turn to the economics of globalisation. This will look at the gains from trade, addressing debates regarding free trade and protectionism. You'll consider the movement of capital and migrant workers, looking at the causes of international mobility and the impact on both sending and receiving economies. Particular attention will be given to the rise of China in the world economy, to European economic integration and to potential deglobalisation.

Introduction to International Economics

Module description to be confirmed.

Introduction to Microeconomics

In this module you will learn about the behaviour of firms and households in situations of competitive and imperfectly competitive markets.

Introduction to Macroeconomics

Macroeconomics is the study of the aggregate economy, focusing on the cyclical pattern of aggregate output and co-movement of real and monetary aggregates in general equilibrium. A series of basic models used in modern macroeconomics are introduced, with a particular focus on dynamic general equilibrium modelling tools and techniques necessary to build theoretical models.

Mathematical Economics

In this module, you’ll develop a sound basis in the fundamentals of mathematical methods used in economics. You’ll learn to represent economic problems as mathematical problems and to solve them. You’ll learn to apply mathematical techniques in an appropriate manner.

Foundations of Microeconomics

This module provides you with an introduction to microeconomics; there is no assumption of any prior knowledge of economics.

You’ll begin by analysing how the economic choices of households and firms can be understood using consumer and producer theory. You’ll then examine how these individual choices are aggregated into market demand and supply to be mediated through the price mechanism. A variety of market settings are considered, ranging from the paradigm of perfect competition to the analysis of monopolistic firms. The module continues by introducing the normative evaluation of economic outcomes and market failures.

The module also introduces you to the essential skills required for study as an economist.

Foundations of Macroeconomics

This module is an introduction to macroeconomics; there is no assumption of any prior knowledge of economics.

Macroeconomics is the study of the aggregate economy. This module will focus on the determinants of aggregate output, both in the short run - addressing cyclical movements of booms and busts - and in the long run - introducing you to economic growth. A running theme will be debates over the role of the government in macroeconomic management, covering fiscal and monetary policy.

The module will introduce a series of basic models used in modern macroeconomics.

Quantitative Economics

This module helps develop your understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics most relevant to the study of economics. It will teach you to see how mathematical tools can be applied in the analysis of theoretical economic problems.

Statistical Methods

This module will introduce you to fundamental statistical concepts. You’ll be introduced to the ideas behind regression analysis through simple linear regression. You’ll learn to apply statistical and graphical techniques in an appropriate manner. You’ll also be introduced to data analysis using Excel. You’ll be expected to complete a series of tasks and solve assignments designed to familiarise you with common challenges faced by professional economists in a business environment and in academia.

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2 modules

Current Economic Issues

This module focuses on a range of current issues facing the world economy, seeks to illustrate how economists model such issues, and examines potential policy responses. Example topics to be covered are:

globalisation
economic growth
the global financial crisis
the world economy
emerging economic superpowers
consequences of rising economic nationalism

Introduction to Econometrics

This module formalises the statistical methods required for data analysis in economics. The topics include statistical distribution theory and statistical inference, maximum likelihood and extension of the linear regression model to more than one explanatory variable.

7 modules

Applied Econometrics I

An introduction to the theory and practice of econometric methods, focusing on regression analysis and its application to economic situations. This module will pay particular attention to the principles of estimation and inference in the multiple regression model, and will rely on illustrations and intuition to develop understanding of the techniques and their interpretation.

You will deepen your understanding of the material covered in class via a series of 'hands-on' computer classes using specialist econometric software (STATA) and a set of tutorials that will review worked examples.

Applied Econometrics II

The module introduces the principles, uses and interpretation of regression techniques and testing procedures most commonly employed in applied economics using time series data, cross-section models with a binary dependent variable, and simple panel data models.

In part (a) we cover dynamic models, serial correlation, forecasting and (co)integration; part (b) studies the linear probability model, as well as logit and probit regressions; part (c) introduces basic panel econometrics covering the fixed effects and random effects models.

Students will enhance their understanding of the material covered in the lectures via hands-on computer classes using Stata and in tutorials covering worked examples.

International Trade

This module is an introduction to international trade theory and policy. It covers the core trade theories under perfect and imperfect competition and applies them to understanding the pattern of trade, gains from trade and modern topics like foreign outsourcing. On the policy side, it examines the effects of different government trade policy instruments and the role of international trade agreements.

Microeconomic Theory

This module covers intermediate microeconomics including general equilibrium analysis; welfare economics; elementary game theory; and strategic behaviour of firms.

Macroeconomic Theory

This module will address both the fundamental and applied aspects of macroeconomic theory. In particular, the module will focus on:

introducing the modern theory of expectations and economic dynamics
using this approach to think about short run fluctuations
studying the role of macro policy on short run fluctuations

The module will review the so-called modern approach to aggregate demand and aggregate supply. This entails incorporating into the classical approach to aggregate supply and aggregate demand, insights from Keynesian economics. This will serve as a base to discuss the role of macro policy in controlling for fluctuations in output and employment.

Principles of Microeconomics

Building on the knowledge of microeconomics you gained in year one, this module looks at intermediate microeconomics. Including general equilibrium analysis, welfare economics, social choice, elementary game theory, and strategic behaviour of different actors such firms, voters and governments.

Principles of Macroeconomics

Building on the knowledge of macroeconomics you gain in year one, this module looks at intermediate macroeconomics. You’ll cover simple macro-models of goods, labour and money markets, such as IS-LM and aggregate supply/aggregate demand, including open economy extensions. Dynamic issues incorporating expectations and long run growth will also be considered. You’ll also analyse policy questions surrounding exchange rates, monetary, fiscal and supply-side policy, economic inequality and public debt sustainability.

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Quantitative pathways and study abroad

There is a choice of quantitative pathways and those who wish to emphasise the international dimension of their degree can apply to spend a semester of their second year studying abroad, taking similar modules to your counterparts back in Nottingham or expanding your knowledge through other options.

11 modules

Financial Economics

This module will offer an introduction to some theoretical concepts related to the allocation of risk by financial institutions. Then it will apply these concepts to the analysis of financial and banking crises.

Labour Economics

This module provides an introduction to the economics of the labour market. We will look at some basic theories of how labour markets work and examine evidence to see how well these theories explain the facts.

Particular attention will be given to the relationship between the theory, empirical evidence and government policy. The module will refer especially to the UK labour market, but reference will also be made to other developed economies.

Development Economics

This module is a general introduction to the economic problems of developing countries. The module will cover such topics as:

the implications of history and expectation
poverty, income distribution and growth
fertility and population
employment, migration and urbanisation
markets in agriculture
agricultural household models
risk and insurance
famines

Industrial Economics

Module description to be confirmed.

Monetary Economics

Module description to be confirmed.

Experimental and Behavioural Economics

This module provides a foundation in behavioural economics and the role of experimental methods in economics. The traditional approach in economics is to explain market outcomes and economic decision-making using simple theoretical models based on perfectly rational, self-interested agents who maximise their wellbeing by carefully weighing up the costs and benefits of different alternatives. Behavioural economics, on the other hand, aspires to relax these stringent assumptions and develop an understanding of how real people actually make decisions.

The module will introduce you to behavioural and experimental economics, discuss these fields from a methodological perspective and examine several areas of economic analysis in which they are applied. This will include individual choice under risk and uncertainty, decision-making in strategic situations and competition in markets.

Environmental and Resource Economics

This module will look at:

market failure and the need for environmental policy - the Coase theorem
instruments of environmental policy - efficiency advantages of market instruments
applications of market instruments, especially the EU Emission Trading Scheme
fisheries - the open access problem and rights-based policies
valuation of the benefits of environmental policy
biodiversity and its benefits
international trade in polluting goods
mobile capital: race to the bottom?

Political Economy

Module description to be confirmed.

Public Sector Economics

Module description to be confirmed.

Econometric Theory I

This module generalises and builds upon the econometric techniques covered in the year one module, Mathematical Economics and Econometrics. This will involve introducing a number of new statistical and econometric concepts, together with some further development of the methodology that was introduced in year one. The multivariate linear regression model will again provide our main framework for analysis.

Econometric Theory II

This module introduces you to a range of statistical techniques that can be used to analyse the characteristics of univariate economic time series. The basic theoretical properties of time series models are discussed and we consider methods for fitting and checking the adequacy of empirical time series models. Methods of forecasting future values of economic time series are then considered.

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2 modules

International Economics Dissertation A

A guided research project, involving the application of techniques of economic analysis to a pre-selected research topic in the field of international economics.

Advanced International Trade I

This module looks at:

trade policy
economic policy for trade and international factor mobility
theory and evidence
trade policy and imperfect competition
trade and distortions
the political economy of protection
trade policy reform

15 modules

Advanced Macroeconomics

This module covers:

dynamic general equilibrium models, focusing on how the time path of consumption, and saving, is determined by optimising agents and firms that interact on competitive markets
growth in dynamic general equilibrium, focusing on the Solow model and the data, and the role played by accumulation of knowledge (endogenous innovation) in explaining long run growth
Real Business Cycles (RBC), focusing on how the RBC approach accounts for business cycle fluctuations, and what links short run fluctuations and growth processes

Advanced Public Economics

The module will introduce some major themes of the economic analysis of government. Using the tools of modern microeconomic theory, it will explore how government institutions are designed, how they could be designed better, and how they shape economic policy.

Advanced Development Economics

Adopts a broad focus on factors influencing growth and development, concentrating on core economic policy areas and the role of international organisations, and on historical and geographical factors affecting development. Topics covered include: Economic policies, in particular the role of the IMF and the World Bank.Human development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.Effects of aid on growth and poverty.Climate Change, poverty and conflict.Climate Change: adaptation and mitigation strategies.Trade policy and performance and the role of the WTO.Structural transformation and growthHistorical and geographical determinants of institutions and developmentRegional perspectives for East Asia, China and Africa.

Advanced Financial Economics

This module covers:

saving, focusing on how agents make intertemporal decisions about their savings and wealth accumulation
saving puzzles and household portfolios, focusing on credit markets and credit markets' imperfections, and why do households hold different kinds of assets
asset allocation and asset pricing, focusing on intertemporal portfolio selection, asset pricing and the equity premium puzzle
bond markets and fixed income securities
the term structure of interest rates
the role of behavioural finance in explaining stock market puzzles

Advanced Labour Economics

This module covers an economic analysis of the labour market, with an emphasis on policy implications and institutional arrangements.

Advanced Mathematical Economics

This module is intended to provide an introduction to mathematical techniques used in economics. In particular, examples of economic issues that can be analysed using mathematical models will be discussed in detail.

Particular attention will be given to providing an intuitive understanding of the logic behind the formal results presented.

Economics Dissertation B

You can choose to undertake an independent research project, involving the application of techniques of economic analysis to a research topic of your choice. For this module, you’ll write an economics research paper. You’ll be supported with writing an undergraduate dissertation in economics.

Numerical Methods in Economics

Module description to be confirmed.

Advanced Monetary Economics

This module provides a rigorous introduction to formal models of money in the macroeconomy. Following this, applications for areas of central banking, finance and international macroeconomics will be explored.

Advanced Microeconomics

This module will cover topics in advanced microeconomics and decision theory. The precise content may vary from year to year, but the module will start from the basis established by the Microeconomic Theory module.

Advanced Industrial Economics

This module provides an advanced economic analysis of the theory of organisation of firms and industries. It will analyse a variety of market structures related to the degree of market competition with a special emphasis on imperfectly competitive markets. It will also analyse issues related to the internal organisation of firms.

Advanced Experimental and Behavioural Economics

This module discusses aspects of some of the main sub-areas of experimental and behavioural economics. This includes applications related to individual decision-making, strategic behaviour and market behaviour.

The module encourages reflection on both the role of experiments in economics and the assumptions that economics does (and should) make about people’s motivations. Both experimental economics and behavioural economics are still comparatively new fields within the wider discipline.

The module considers their potential and main achievements, relative to more traditional economic techniques. It encourages development of critical skills and reflection on specific research contributions in experimental and behavioural economics.

Advanced Political Economy

This module covers:

Foundations:
- The rational political individual?
- Voter participation
- Collective action and the role of the state
Core Political Economy:
- The economic approach to politics
- Political aspects of economics: rights and the limits of the state
- Political aspects of economics: inequality and the duties of the state
Political Economy in Action:
- Political economy in action: some current issues in political economy

Advanced Economic History

Module description to be confirmed.

Advanced Econometric Theory

This module generalises and builds upon the material covered in the year two modules, Econometric Theory I and II. In the first part of the module, we study large sample, or asymptotic, theory. This is needed in order to obtain tractable results about the behaviour of estimators and tests when the standard modelling assumptions - which frequently cannot be verified in practice - are relaxed.

The second part of the module continues the time series analysis taken in Econometric Theory II, with the emphasis on the behaviour of typical economic time series, and the implications of that behaviour in practical analysis, such as the construction of models linking economic time series. The key issues addressed will be the identification of non-stationarity through the construction of formal tests and the implications for modelling with non-stationary data. 

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Language study as part of this degree

Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level and you may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.

Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages. If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.

Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree.

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2027 entry.

A levels

A*AA

36 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

A levels

A*AA / A*A*B (AAA / A*AB if you have an A in mathematics)

Excluded subjects

General studies, leisure studies, and global perspectives and research

GCSEs

Maths grade 7 (A) or above, unless taking it at A level; and GCSE English grade 4 (C) or above

IB requirements

IB score

36 points overall or 766 in 3 HL certificates

IB requirements

IBDP 36 points overall or 766 in 3 Higher Level Certificates. Alternatively, IBDP 34 points including HL mathematics or 666 in 3 Higher Level Certificates including mathematics.

GCSE maths 7 (A) or above OR 6 in standard level or 4 in higher level maths - higher level maths preferred.

Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme

Applicants to this course may be eligible for our Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme. If you achieve a grade A in an EPQ, Core Maths*, IB Extended Essay or additional AS level qualification* then you will receive a one grade reduced offer for this course.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer or receive an alternative offer based on taking four A levels, your additional qualification will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

*Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in business, construction, engineering or science D*DD
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in engineering or science, or combined with A level mathematics D*D plus A level grade A (BTEC's in business, construction or ICT DD plus A level grade A*)
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in engineering or science, or combined with A level maths D plus two A levels grades AA (all other subjects D plus two A levels grades A*A)

Access to HE Diploma

Applications are assessed on an individual basis. Where an offer is made, our standard requirements are:

42 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 3 Level 3 credits at Merit

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Foundation years

Applicants taking foundation courses should contact us for more information.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Notes for applicants

We are looking for students who have the ability and motivation to benefit from our courses, and who will make a valued contribution to the department and the university. Candidates for full-time admission are considered on the basis of their UCAS application.

When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors additional to, and in some cases instead of, formal exam results.

Selection of those applicants will be based upon a combination of the candidate's academic record and an assessment of all the information provided in their UCAS application, their academic reference and their personal statement.

Study abroad

On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia.

If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent.

You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.

The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.

Please note

In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.

Optional placement year

If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a placement, our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout this process. Contact placements@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.

The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.

Please note

In order to undertake an optional placement year, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an optional placement as part of your course.

Disclaimer

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.

Tuition fees

2027/28 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 27/28. It may increase for the academic year 28/29 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), please visit our fees page.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

If you choose to take an optional placement module, you will need to factor in travel costs, which will be dependent on location of placement and proximity to term-time address.

Statistical software for second and third-year modules and the dissertation are available to students in university computer labs.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2027 entry.

36 points overall

A levels

A*AA

IB requirements

IB score

36 points overall or 766 in 3 HL certificates

IB requirements

IBDP 36 points overall or 766 in 3 Higher Level Certificates. Alternatively, IBDP 34 points including HL mathematics or 666 in 3 Higher Level Certificates including mathematics.

GCSE maths 7 (A) or above OR 6 in standard level or 4 in higher level maths - higher level maths preferred.

A level and GCSE requirements

A levels

A*AA / A*A*B (AAA / A*AB if you have an A in mathematics)

Excluded subjects

General studies, leisure studies, and global perspectives and research

GCSEs

Maths grade 7 (A) or above, unless taking it at A level; and GCSE English grade 4 (C) or above

Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme

*Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in business, construction, engineering or science D*DD
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in engineering or science, or combined with A level mathematics D*D plus A level grade A (BTEC's in business, construction or ICT DD plus A level grade A*)
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in engineering or science, or combined with A level maths D plus two A levels grades AA (all other subjects D plus two A levels grades A*A)

Access to HE Diploma

Applications are assessed on an individual basis. Where an offer is made, our standard requirements are:

42 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 3 Level 3 credits at Merit

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Mature students

Notes for applicants

Study abroad

On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia.

You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.

The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.

Please note

Optional placement year

The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.

Please note

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

If you choose to take an optional placement module, you will need to factor in travel costs, which will be dependent on location of placement and proximity to term-time address.

Statistical software for second and third-year modules and the dissertation are available to students in university computer labs.

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

The course itself is challenging but extremely engaging because of the diversity of modules offered. I studied a wide range of theories in political economics, monetary economics, trade economics and development economics."

Esther Mpagalile

Inclusive Growth Analyst, UN Development Programme

Careers overview

Our graduates do well in their careers. You can see our statistics in the job prospects section below.

The top five graduate employers for the school based on full-time, high skilled employment are (data from HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2017-2021):

EY
PwC
Deloitte
Civil Service
KPMG

We also have a number of students who choose to do further study. This is around 15 to 17% of cohorts in recent years, based on the HESA Graduate Outcomes data.

As well as providing a high-quality course, we offer many ways to boost your CV and network. A few include:

Placements and internships

The Faculty of Social Sciences runs an exclusive placements programme of term-time opportunities across all years of study. There are both paid and volunteer opportunities at local, national and even international level, across a wide range of organisations and businesses.

Many students take part in internships during their studies. These are found by you but there is support via the Careers and Employability Service and the Nottingham Economics and Finance Society (NEFS). NEFS mentors are available to help you with application advice, and they provide various networking opportunities throughout the year.

Management, Consulting and Finance Careers Fair

This annual fair invites top employers in a range of exciting management, consulting and finance fields, offering graduate roles and internship opportunities. Big names have attended in the past, such as Accenture, Deloitte, Experian and HM Treasury.

School events

Between the School of Economics and Nottingham Economics and Finance Society (NEFS), we offer a dynamic programme packed with events that bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice. From exclusive speaker series to alumni conferences, these events put you face-to-face with industry leaders and successful graduates, giving you invaluable insights.

Previous events have included:

NEFS Women in Finance Conference
Economics Alumni Lunch Series
School of Economics Alumni Conference
Public Lectures
NEFS alumni speaker events

Graduate stories

Listen to graduates who shared with us what they enjoyed about their time at Nottingham and what jobs they are doing now.

Job prospects

Average starting salary and career progression

90% of economics graduates were in sustained employment, further study or both five years after graduation. These graduates earned a median salary of £55,500 (LEO data from 2022/23 tax year, published in 2025).

Support every step of the way

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service will work with you to boost your employability even further – helping with job and course applications, finding relevant work experience and hosting events that connect you with a wide range of potential employers.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers.

We’re also the top UK university for the number of graduates entering highly skilled jobs (HESA Graduate Outcomes survey data 2021–2025 for full-time, UK, UG and PG graduates).

Careers and Employability

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Economics and International Economics - U6UECNIES

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

Module streams

9 modules

Applied Economics

Introduction to International Economics

Introduction to Microeconomics

Introduction to Macroeconomics

Mathematical Economics

Foundations of Microeconomics

Foundations of Macroeconomics

Quantitative Economics

Statistical Methods

Optional modules

Core modules

7 modules

Applied Econometrics I

Applied Econometrics II

International Trade

Microeconomic Theory

Macroeconomic Theory

Principles of Microeconomics

Principles of Macroeconomics

Optional modules

Core modules

2 modules

International Economics Dissertation A

Advanced International Trade I

Optional modules

Language study as part of this degree

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Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£10,050 per year

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

Fees

Careers

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