BSc (Hons) (Econ) Economics and Public Policy
Get to grips with essential economic principles and analysis and the government policies that shape modern economies.
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Course overview
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Get to grips with how modern market economies work. Our BSc programme in Economics with Public Policy has a key focus on understanding the essential economic principles and analysis to assess how governments and major market regulators make economic decisions, and the pros and cons of the public policies that they offer.
Throughout your degree, you will learn how to effectively apply theoretical and IT skills and knowledge to the analysis of relevant economic problems and government policies that shape modern economies. The programme focuses on how governments make decisions on key public policies, including health and education, housing, pension systems, as well as the regulation of major public utilities. In order to analyse and assess key public policy options, you will learn how governments and market regulators make decisions in real-life scenarios when confronted with limited information and uncertainty.
Our Economics with Public Policy degree aims to give students a solid understanding of economic theory and its applications to real world situations. We combine the study of core economic models and economic analysis with a range of policy-based modules, with a view to enable students to apply them to the understanding and assessment of practical economic issues, affecting both leading and emerging economies.
The syllabus also offers a broad range of subjects so that students can learn about how institutions, history and politics affect macroeconomic outcomes and how economic policies are made. You’ll also gain key IT, statistics and computational skills to undertake economic modelling and economic analysis, and apply it all to the understanding of real economy issues in different institutional scenarios.
Small group tutorials offer unique opportunities for rigorous and dynamic discussion and debate in a familiar, informal and stimulating environment among students, led by the teaching staff. The characteristic international nature of the student body, and the uniquely personalised teaching conditions which Buckingham favours, offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to understand how modern economies run and public policies are made in globalised economies interconnected through international trade, migration and capital flows.
Course Highlights
Students will be able to:
- Assess and compare different public policy options and systems, as well as the intended and unintended effects of these policies.
- Calculate and evaluate the sustainability of different public policies and of public finances.
- Develop the technical, research and communication skills to explain complex economic issues and assess critically a wide range of policy options.
- Learn through active and rigorous discussion and debate, encouraged in small group tutorial environment.
- On campus internship opportunities at the Vinson Centre.
- Off-campus opportunities that will enhance your employability:
- Integrated industry experience: engagement with public and economic policies in the think tank market or a research and policy analysis-oriented institution.
- Academic Experience Abroad: graduates will have the opportunity to apply for placements with one of our partner academic institutions abroad during the summer, following the successful completion of their examinations.
Course breakdown
The programme is structured with three progressive stages (where we teach Level 4, 5 and 6 modules), transitioning students from foundational knowledge to practical application and advanced policy analysis and evaluation.
In Terms 1 and 2 (at Level 4), the degree teaches core concepts in Economics and research methods, as well as providing AI application and leadership training in Economics. Once you have studied these foundational modules, the programme will proceed in Terms 3 and 4 (Level 5) with more advanced content, where you will gain a solid foundation of maths for economists and economic modelling, as well as study the relevant models to engage in microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis. You will also learn about the theories that explain growth in a globalised economy. It is at this level where you will have the opportunity to gain industry experience with a placement in a think tank or research policy institute.
In the final two terms (Level 6) you will deepen your understanding of practical policy design and policy making with the study of advanced economic policies (microeconomic and macroeconomic), econometric modelling and data science, and of public sector economics, with a devoted module of public policy analysis.
At the end of the programme, graduates will have the opportunity to apply for placements with one of our partner academic institutions abroad.
Year 1
In Year 1 (Terms 1-3), you will learn useful research methods that will help you process and understand data in Economics, as well as how we can use and engage with artificial intelligence in a responsible manner. You will also gain a foundational understanding of key microeconomic and macroeconomic theories alongside ethical leadership practices.
Towards the end of Year 1, you will learn how to apply mathematical modelling to practical economic problems, and you will also gain work experience and professional skills by working directly within the public policy industry.
Year 2
In your second year (Terms 4 to 6), you will learn more advanced statistical methods and how to use microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis to understand key government policies and their intended and unintended effects overt time, as well as study how innovation and globalisation drive economic growth over the long term.
You will be able to apply the techniques and knowledge learned throughout your studies to assess how governments operate in a modern economy through taxation, public spending and regulation, as well as assess critically key public policies in real-world scenarios.
Placements
The programme offers two placement opportunities:
Integrated Industry Experience (at the end of Year 1)
Students will be given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in one of our modules at Level 5. This module provides structured practical engagement with public and economic policies in the think tank market or a research and policy analysis-oriented institution. This is one of the most attractive industries for recent graduates interested in the analysis and assessment of economic policies, by the government and the national central bank, as well as market regulators
Academic Experience Abroad – Opportunity at the end of the programme
In addition to our innovative and engaging content, the programme offers also provides an Academic Experience Abroad. Graduates will have the opportunity to apply for placements with one of our partner academic institutions abroad during the summer, following the successful completion of their examinations. These placements offer hands-on experience in research projects and academic work under the guidance of experienced faculty.
In addition, our students will have the opportunity to join the Vinson Internships, which are only available for Buckingham students.
View course modules
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Teaching and assessment
We keep class sizes small so you won’t get lost in the crowd. You will be assigned a personal tutor to support you every step of the way, and our academic and student support teams will ensure you have the tools to success in your studies. We value the quality of your learning experience.
Teaching methods
You will learn through active and rigorous discussion and debate, encouraged in our small group tutorial environment. This is the best way to test your progress throughout the programme, be able to identify issues or barriers in your progression and enhance your knowledge with tailored content discussed in the tutorial sessions.
Throughout our modules, we provide a combination of lectures, workshops and interactive tutorial sessions to enhance your learning. We will use simulations in small groups to assess economic policies, as well as debates and short oral presentations to foster active discussion and learn how to convey and communicate complex policy issues in an effective manner. In addition, you will benefit from specialised seminars and conferences hosted by two research institutes based on campus: the Vinson Centre and the Institute of International Monetary Research). These institutes offer an impressive range of events both in Buckingham and in London, with the opportunity to discuss key policy issues with senior economists, government officials and leading academics from the UK and abroad in the economic policy and public policy world.
Timetabled activities
In your first year, you can expect:
| Activity | Hours per week |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 8 |
| Tutorials | 2 |
| Optional activities | 1 |
Assessment Methods
This degree is assessed mainly by a combination of:
- A written two-hour examination, with up to 50% of the final mark.
- Your performance in coursework: Whilst this plays a key part in the assessment process, the nature of the coursework varies: from the (oral) presentation of an essay, to exercises/problems in the tutorial sessions, or a debate on controversial policy issues.
After your course
Graduate Career Pathways
The BSc (Hons) in Economics with Public Policy equips graduates with a rigorous grounding in economic theory and analysis, integrated with applied competencies in responsible leadership, data-driven decision-making, and public policy design and evaluation. This combination prepares students for policy and analytical roles across a wide range of sectors, including economic and industry consulting, regulatory agencies, the public sector, and think tank and policy research institutes. The placement opportunities in the programme will equip our graduates with key professional and practical skills, adding particular value to applications in competitive graduate programmes, government and regulatory agencies positions and research-linked roles.
Postgraduate and Academic Pathways
The programme provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study across a range of disciplines. Graduates can progress to MSc programmes in Economics, Public Sector Economics, Public Policy and Political Economy. Those with a strong academic record may pursue doctoral study (MPhil/PhD) in Economics, Political Economy or a related discipline. The programme also supports entry to professional postgraduate qualifications for those who return to study following early or mid-career experience.
Here are just some of the career opportunities and skills that can stem from studying on this course:
Career opportunities
- Public Sector
- Regulatory agencies of major public utilities
- Research and policy institutes, including think tanks
- Consultancy.
Career skills
- Advanced critical assessment of public policies
- Public policy design
- Practical policy knowledge in real-world scenarios
- Advanced evaluation of market regulation of major public utilities
- Excellent communication skills, including briefing writing and oral presentation skills
- Leadership skills and ability to use AI responsibly.
Careers and Employability Support
Our courses strive to effectively combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. The Buckingham tutorial teaching model means that our students are well prepared as they embark on their careers and future study.
Find out more about our Careers and Employability Service.
Postgraduate study
Our two-year degrees mean you can begin your postgraduate studies quicker than your peers.
“Buckingham helped make the impossible, possible. The strong support offering and small class tutorials make the degree less daunting.”
Reni, Undergraduate student
Entry requirements
See our general University entry requirements for information on flexible entry, mature students and alternative qualifications.
UK Offers
The standard entry requirements are: A-level: BBB-BBC, IB:31-32 or equivalent qualifications.
Applicants must also have: GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4, or above (or equivalent)
International Applicants
We have a number of standard entry requirements for our international applicants:
If you are uncertain on whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact our Admissions team.
Course fees
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 | |
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Scholarships and bursaries
How to apply
We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form, or through UCAS.
Apply direct
Apply online from this page as:
- The most flexible option.
- You can apply until shortly before the course starts.
- There are no application fees.
- Apply as an additional option to your UCAS choices.
You can apply directly through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button.
Apply via UCAS
Alternatively, if you do not wish to apply directly with us, you can apply via UCAS where you can easily make Buckingham one of your UCAS choices.
Do bear in mind that the application and decision deadline are set by UCAS and there is an application fee to UCAS.