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BSc Economics with Spanish

Start date
September 2025
Duration
4 years
UCAS code
L1R4
Course Type
Undergraduate, Study abroad year
Fees

For 2025-2026:
£9,535 (UK students)
£25,520 (International students)

More detail.

This degree will develop your analytical and problem-solving skills, also giving you the confidence to speak another language in a variety of settings. Economics graduates that can apply their skills overseas have never been more sought after, opening up exciting new horizons for a successful international career.

Responsible economics

Every decision we make, as individuals and right up to the level of global business and government, is based on scarcity and choice. The world has limited resources – and they’re becoming more limited every day. ‘Responsible’ means making sure those resources are used strategically and fairly to make people and society as a whole better off.

In the Department of Economics within the University of Birmingham Business School, we study Responsible Economics, and you will be involved in our research from the start. We take learning to the next level, applying what is taught in lectures and seminars to real life problems and being able to communicate findings to stakeholders. In your first two years of study you will focus on core theory, applied economics and quantitative techniques. This provides you with the key skills needed to be an economist.

Your third year is spent abroad at one of our partner universities and is conditional upon you achieving the necessary grades. Your tutor will help you to choose the right course for you. In your final year you will have the chance to focus on areas that reflect your interests, take modules in Economic Theory and the Spanish Language and take advantage of the specialist research conducted by our staff. 

As well as learning the detail of your subject, you will develop the all-round skills needed for a modern working world - critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and creativity. For many students this is a big transition but you can be reassured that right across campus support and help is available if you need it. University is a time for self-discovery and adventure - shape your own experience and discover who you are.

Birmingham Business School continues to climb the rankings for Economics courses and is currently ranked 17th in the Complete University Guide for 2025 .

I was impressed by the quality of teaching staff as they range across a broad spectrum of specialist fields and are all engaged in exciting research projects, of course providing several opportunities for students to help gather research if they are particularly interested. I found the department would often go out of their way to help you reach your potential and get the best knowledge and skills out of the experience. It is clear there is an intention for each student to leave well-rounded and have the advantage of a broad skill-set. After my University experience, I will be moving to London to begin my career with a multi-asset class investment fund where I will be a Financial Analyst.

Sonia Rehman, BSc Economics

Modules


Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2025.

First year

Core modules

You must also take one of the following: (dependent on whether you have A level Mathematics)

Second year

Core modules

Optional modules

Choose two modules from the following list:

Third year

  • Study abroad year

Final year

Core modules

  • Economics Dissertation
  • Spanish Language modules

You must take one or both of the following:

Optional modules

If taking one of the above, you will choose two modules from the optional modules list. If taking both, then one optional modules is chosen. Optional modules include:

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Fees for students starting in 2025-2026

UK students

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

International students

Full-time Band 2 £25,520

Visit our tuition fees page for more information.

Scholarships

At Birmingham we ensure that fears about finance do not constrain prospective students from considering university and that excellence is rewarded.

The University offers a range of additional financial support for students studying at Birmingham in the form of bursaries, grants and scholarships.

Learn more about our scholarships and awards. 

How To Apply

Apply through the UCAS website using code L1R4.

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

View further information on How to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

Standard offer

International Requirements



Number of A levels required:
3
Typical offer:
A*AA-AAA
Required subjects and grades:
A Level Spanish at grade B. GCSE Mathematics grade 7/A if not taken at A Level; grade 6/B if taken at A Level.
General Studies:
not accepted
Previous offer(s)
AAA

Widening participation and contextual offer grades:
Grade 6/B if Mathematics is NOT being taken at A level. 5/B is Mathematics is being taken at A level.

Find out more about our different types of offers

BTEC Extended Diploma 

Only the following subjects can be considered: Business, Information Technology (Note that the above are not suitable for LG13 unless offering Maths at A Level.  Not suitable for language options unless also offering a modern language in an appropriate subject and at appropriate level). 

BTEC Diploma 

Only the following subjects can be considered (in combination with 1 A Level): Business, Information Technology.

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma 

Only the following subjects can be considered (in combination with 2 A Levels): Business, Information Technology.

T-Levels

Only the following subjects can be considered: Management and Administration; Accounting; Finance. You will also need A Level Spanish. 

Pathways to Birmingham 

Our typical Pathways to Birmingham offer is ABB with GCSE Mathematics at grade 6/B.  The typical contextual offer for this programme is AAB GCSE Mathematics at grade 6/B.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 7,6,6 (to include Spanish) at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall.

Standard English language requirements apply.

Learn more about international entry requirements

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

As part of the Birmingham Business School, you will be supported to achieve your best and that includes all aspect of your wellbeing. This includes making sure you have access to our extensive welfare services, mentoring programmes, student societies, including the Economics Society, and more. You will be part of a warm and extensive community in a vibrant city, building personal and professional relationships to last a lifetime.

You will be taught by an international faculty who research across all major areas of economics, using a combination of lectures and tutorials. We have staff working on Environmental Economics, Economic Theory, Development and International Economics, Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics, Banking and Financial Economics. 

Find out more about our economics staff

How you will be assessed

Your modules will be assessed using a combination of coursework, exams and tests, the mix of which will be dependent upon the modules you choose. During your year abroad, you will write two essays on Economics topics, one of which will be in Spanish.

Your personal tutor

From the moment you begin your economics degree you will have a personal tutor who will help to guide your academic progress and support your general wellbeing. They will meet you on a regular basis either individually or in a small group throughout the year.

Contact hours

You can expect around 15 contact hours per week, depending on your year of study and the optional modules you've chosen. The remainder of the week consists of self-guided study.

Relationships for life

Your life at university isn’t just about study and work. Whilst your degree is at the heart of your time here, the relationships you build will last you a lifetime. Whether they are friends you live with in accommodation, from your course or from clubs, societies and activities, there is no shortage of opportunity to build your own community of like-minded people. Your journey through university is personal, but it will be made special by the people around you.

We have over 300 societies and clubs at Birmingham, from baking to skydiving, you can build on your existing passion or trying something brand new. We have a thriving Economics Society within the department that offers so much to our students, both professionally and personally. Choose to participate and get to know your fellow students. Choose to lead and challenge yourself in developing new skills. 

A place to call home

University is your next step on the road to independence and with at least three years ahead of you, it’s important that you choose a place that you can call home. At Birmingham the accommodation is on the doorstep of a stunning campus, which itself is within touching distance of a major, vibrant city centre, making this a truly unique place to live and study. If you choose to stay at home, you can ensure you’re plugged in to campus life through the range of events and activities on offer to you. 

You will join a large and diverse student community and our campus is constantly evolving with exceptional facilities, plenty of space to study and peaceful grounds to relax so that you can build your life here. As for Birmingham itself, we’re proud of our city. Our community is diverse and friendly, our people are down to earth, and as one of the original pioneering cities Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. Visit us and we know you will love it here.

As a graduate of Birmingham Business School and a Russell Group University, you are an attractive prospect to employers, of which there is an impressive pool within Birmingham itself: for example, ONS, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Bank of England, KPMG, Ernst and Young, etc. Economics also gives you a wealth of transferrable skills that will be desirable if you decide to go on to work in a different field: from strategic, logical thinking to clear communication. 

Ready for work

You understand just how competitive the graduate job market can be, and you will be looking for opportunities to ensure that you stand out from the crowd. In your first year alone the Birmingham Project gives you the opportunity to work with academics and leading employers from the world of business, industry and the arts to tackle a ‘real world’ challenge. As you shape your ambition throughout your time at university, or simply want to explore what your options might be, opportunities to undertake summer internships, gain work experience, work with an alumni mentor, take part in research projects and seek careers advice are all open to you. 

Careers Network

Our award-winning Careers Network is a dedicated service for you. Our expert professionals can provide you with guidance and support to help you succeed after university. We hold workshops, fairs and 1:1 consultations to help you develop your skills. All the support you need is here for you, it’s up to you to make the most of it.

Visit the Careers Network website for more details

Exclusive to Birmingham - the Capgemini Challenge

Global consultancy firm Capgemini work exclusively with us every year to deliver a second-to-none consultancy training experience that you won’t find at any other UK university. Taking place over one week at Capgemini’s world-renowned facilities, this is an amazing opportunity to make a difference by enagaging in projects for charitable organisations.

Learn more about the challenge here