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2024/25
2025/26

Economics

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Alicia discusses the BA Economics with a Placement Year course

Almost all issues of public and private policy involve economics, as do our personal decisions.

Is global warming the inevitable consequence of economic growth? Why are so many rich countries in debt? Does money bring happiness? Why do people migrate?Why are energy prices rising? Why are so many rich countries in debt? Does money bring happiness?

Economics helps provide answers. To do so, it works closely with a wide range of other subjects, including finance, history, politics, environmental sciences, mathematics and statistics. As well as standard topics of economic analysis, this interdisciplinary approach helps us explore a wide range of issues. There is little that an economist would regard as having no economic content.

Explore the theoretical aspects of economics, as well as its real-world applications. Our research clusters include: Behavioural Economics, Business Economics and Finance, Development Economics, Labour and Household Economics, and Sport Economics. To deliver research-led teaching, we align our modules to our research clusters, ensuring your learning is being informed by the latest developments.

Our staff are active researchers who are experts in a wide range of fields in economics, with many involved in research that informs policy decisions by governments, major multinational organisations and international agencies like the UN.

In addition to traditional lectures, you will take part in group tutorials in which you can discuss and analyse theory and practice through case studies, exercises, group presentations and open debate. You will have the opportunity to extend your study of economics beyond the classroom through our student-run Economics Society, which has arranged lectures on topics ranging from 'How happy are you?' to 'Are you a Marxist economist?' as well as weekly conversations with economists on topical matters such as the economics of health and feminism.

The Department of Economics offers a wide choice of modules covering the theoretical aspects of economics as well as its real-world applications in areas such as development economics, business economics, public economics and urban economics.  You also have the option to select modules from other subject areas, including history, politics and international relations.

You can extend your single honours degree by a year by studying at one of our approved partner universities in the USA, Europe or Australia, or by incorporating a one-year placement into your degree programme.

The University of Reading is ranked 10th in the UK in Business and Economics subjects (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024, United Kingdom providers only) and 100% of our research impact has been classed "outstanding" or "very considerable” (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).

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