There’s more to Economics than meets the eye. When in pursuit of a degree in this field, it’s wise to be well informed about which area in particular best fits your interest. Here are a few common Economics degrees offered by universities in the UK.
Pure Economics
A degree in pure Economics provides a comprehensive understanding of this broad field and develops in-depth skills in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Pure Economics degrees tend to be mathematical and theoretical. The structure is flexible, meaning it allows you to select optional modules from both within and beyond the Economics department. Students commonly go for modules such as Finance, Accounting, Industrial Economics, Mathematical Analysis, Politics, Environmental Economics among others. Some universities allow students to select modules from other departments such as Languages. Graduates tend to find employment in a variety of sectors including finance and banking, public policy, politics, international organizations etc. Thus, if you’re interested in a degree in Economics but still unsure of which field you wish to pursue, pure Economics is the one for you.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
The puzzling questions of ethics, the understanding of political institutions and the thorough study of consumers, firms, and governments - these areas combined makes PPE a comprehensive package to understand the dynamic world around us. This course offers a rigorous training in all three disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary modules that further the understanding of how these mechanisms simultaneously function in the real world. The first year of the degree allows students to build solid foundations in each of the three individual fields. Moving forward, students are usually allowed to either specialise in two branches at the end of the first year or continue with all three. Compared to pure Economics degrees, PPE degrees may require more reading and focus on essay-based assignments. Optional modules chosen by students in this degree includes International Trade, Philosophy of Terrorism and Counterterrorism, Feminism, Philosophy of Religion, Democracy and Authority etc.
Economics, Politics and International Studies (EPAIS)
If you’re fascinated by burning issues that make global headlines- such as the security in Europe as the Russia-Ukraine war unfolds or the fate of the UK amidst the race to replace the former Prime Minister- a degree in EPAIS may capture your interest. This joint program provides students the foundational principles of Economic Theory, International Relations, and Politics in the first year. Further down the degree students may wish to select optional modules of their choice from across the three areas. Much like PPE, this programme features reading and essay-based learning. Optional modules chosen by students in this degree includes Politics of International Development, International Security, Behavioural Economics etc. The degree opens up pathways for students to pursue jobs in both the public and private sector, policy making etc.
Degree Level Apprenticeship
Its known fact that in the labour market, experience is a crucial element. This lesser-known pathway is the answer for those who wish to get work experience alongside their degree. The Government Economic Service Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GESDAP) allows students to work in a central government department or agency on social, environmental, and economic issues the country faces while simultaneously studying a degree in economics. The degree is provided by the University of Kent. Completing this degree grants the graduate an apprenticeship, an economics degree, and the experience of four years working in the Civil Service, giving them an amazing head start in their careers.
You can find more information about degree apprenticeship here:
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