About this course
Use advanced data analysis techniques to explore pressing economic problems. This 3-year economics and data science degree combines training in economics with modern skills in data science. You'll graduate with the skills to work in finance, industry and the public sector.
Combine an in-depth understanding of economics with the ability to use a range of data science techniques. You’ll study with experts from the department of economics and learn to apply advanced techniques from data science and econometrics to economic problems.
You'll gain a specialist knowledge of:
- economic theory from different schools of thought
- applied economics
- use of large datasets
- machine learning
- data and statistics
- computational economics
You'll have the opportunity to:
- use our Financial Laboratory (FinLab), a realistic trading room environment
- put your economic theories to the test in our behavioural economics laboratory
- gain vital work experience on Santander's Student Innovation Projects
- gain a Bloomberg Markets Concepts qualification
On this flexible economics with data science course you can choose to learn the principles of finance, international trade theory or developmental economics. You'll be able to choose the subjects you want to study to suit your interests or future career.
This degree has a focus on employability, with options like a year in employment, and a semester abroad available in your third year.
You’ll graduate with a rare combination of advanced skills in data analysis, including big data, and training in economics. This will make you highly employable in a range of fields, including finance and the government data service.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202526
A-levels
AAA including Mathematics
A-levels additional information
Excluded subjects are General Studies, Use of Maths and Critical Thinking. If you are taking four A levels, you will receive the standard offer as well as an alternative offer of AABB including A in Maths.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including grade A in Mathematics plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 points from Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics
DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
If you are studying a BTEC Extended or National Extended Diploma (DDD) you will also need an additional A Level in Mathematics (grade A). However, we can accept an Engineering BTEC Extended or National Extended Diploma (DDD) without the additional A Level requirement.
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, all of which must be at Distinction
Access to HE additional information
Mathematics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard to be considered.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics at H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A1 including Mathematics
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from 3 A levels including Mathematics or AA from two A levels including Mathematics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
There are no T levels accepted for this programme.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
You’ll study the same modules as all our economics undergraduate students. These provide training in mathematics, statistics, microeconomics and macroeconomics. In addition, you'll study data science and we'll enrol you in our employability modules to boost your career prospects.
You can follow your interests by taking optional modules from different departments, such as languages or business.
Year 1 overview
You will take one core module in Microeconomics. There are two options depending on if you did or did not study economics a A Level.
Modules you must study are:
- Exploring the Social World
- Economics with Experiments
- Mathematics for Economics
- Economics with Data
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Statistics for Economics
- The non-credit bearing module in Economic Skills and Employability 1
You can also choose an optional module such as ‘Quantitative Modelling in Economics’, or modules from the Languages departments, the Business School or in Demography.
Year 2 overview
You must choose to study an introduction to econometrics or econometric theory. You'll also take a preparatory module for the research modules in the third year.
Other compulsory modules include:
- Intermediate Macroeconomics
- Intermediate Microeconomics
- Computational Economics
- Applied Econometrics
- Econometrics with Big Data
- The non-credit bearing module in Economic Skills and Employability 2
You'll choose one or two modules from:
- Development Economics
- Industrial Economics
- Business Cycles
You can also choose to take a module from outside the Economics department, such as an interdisciplinary module, or language.
Year 3 overview
In year 3, you must choose between completing a research project or a dissertation. You'll also take the following compulsory modules:
- Advanced Econometrics with Machine Learning
- Empirical Finance
- The non-credit bearing module in Economic Skills and Employability
You can also choose from a wide range of optional modules, including Behavioural Economics or Choice and Decision. You can also choose a module from another department, such as Politics.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Economics Skills and Employability 1
The aim of this module is to equip you with some analytical and professional skills that will be useful in your economics degree and future careers. The module will also provide information about employability opportunities in your discipline, such as int...
Economics with Data
This module gives an introduction into economic policy analysis that is based on empirical data. A range of economic policy questions covering different areas of economics will be presented. Policy recommendations will be derived using analytical economic...
Economics with Experiments
This module will familiarise students with some fundamental insights and principles in economics through participating, analysing and discussing experiments and it will introduce students to experimental methods as used in economics. This is done by using...
Linear Algebra I
Linear maps on vector spaces are the basis for a large area of mathematics, in particular linear equations and linear differential equations, which form the basic language of the physical sciences. This module restricts itself to the vector space R^n to ...
Mathematics for Economics
This module provides a bridge between A-level mathematics and university mathematics. It provides a good grounding and an in depth understanding of the theory and application of differential calculus, and other techniques widely used in Economics and Fina...
Principles of Macroeconomics
This module provides an introduction to macroeconomics – the study of the economy as a whole. Combined with Foundations/Principles of Microeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic modules. We begin by discus...
Statistics for Economics
All economics students, on both single and joint honours programmes, take this course. It is optional for students outside of economics. The module is designed to prepare students for the econometrics modules taken in second and third year. It also comple...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Foundations of Microeconomics
This module will provide an introduction to microeconomic analysis, the detailed analysis of individuals and groups within the economy. Combined with Principles of Macroeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic m...
Operational Research I and Mathematical Computing
The module has two parts. The first part provides an introduction to the topic of operational research (OR). The key role of using models in OR to obtain solutions of practical problems arising in a variety of contexts is emphasised. Some classical pro...
Principles of Microeconomics
This module will provide an introduction to microeconomic analysis, the detailed analysis of individuals and groups within the economy. Combined with Principles of Macroeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic m...
Quantitative Modelling in Economics
The module will provide an opportunity for students to use A-level mathematical skills in studying Economics, Econometrics, Actuarial Science, and Management Sciences throughout their degrees. Pre-requisite for ECON2041 One of the pre-requisites for...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Applied Econometrics
The module will enable you to apply statistical and econometric techniques to the estimation and testing of economic models and for causal inference. It will thereby provide you with the skills necessary both to undertake your own empirical studies and to...
Computational Economics
This module will familiarise students with various computational methods and software tools used in economics and econometrics. Topics include programming, numerical simulation and optimisation, data processing and estimation. The module will provide stud...
ECON Dissertation: Prelim Info
This is a blended learning module to provide students with the basic tools and information necessary to embark in their third year dissertation modules.
Econometrics with Big Data
The module will proceed from a review of known content (like matrix algebra, linear regression, hypothesis testing) to more advanced topics such as multiple linear regression, heteroscedasticity, restrictions in hypothesis testing, issues of model misspec...
Economics Skills and Employability 2
The aim of this module is to equip you with some analytical and professional skills that will be useful in your economics degree and future careers. The module will also provide information about employability opportunities in your discipline, such as int...
Intermediate Macroeconomics
This module will equip students with the central concepts of macroeconomics, building on the foundations laid in ECON1021 Principles of Macroeconomics. Students will gain a clear understanding of the equilibrium behaviour of economies at the macro level. ...
Intermediate Microeconomics
This module will familiarise students with the central concepts of microeconomics, building on the foundations laid in ECON1001/ECON1003. Students will gain a clear understanding of the role of the price mechanism in organising economic activity and of ch...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Development Economics
The module will introduce students to the economics of development.
Dynamic Macroeconomics
The aims of the module are to develop a simple dynamic framework in order to: (b) give microeconomic foundation to macroeconomic analysis, (a) learn to approach macroeconomic problems from a general equilibrium perspective, (c) enable students to eva...
Econometric Theory
The module will familiarise students with the parts of statistical distribution theory and statistical inference that are essential to a full understanding of econometrics and applied statistics. It will give student a thorough introduction to the theoret...
Games
This module gives a comprehensive overview of the modelling of strategic behaviour in modern microeconomics, building on the foundations laid in Intermediate Microeconomics. It will familiarise students with the central concepts in game theory, covering c...
Industrial Economics
In this module we study the working of imperfectly competitive markets, the behaviour of firms in these markets, welfare implications and competition policy.
Introduction to Econometrics
This module provides an introduction to the nature and use of empirical investigation in economics. The module will familiarise students with the basic concepts in econometrics as well as outline the statistical theory underpinning econometrics and statis...
Population Analysis
The module will discuss age-sex structures and relevant demographic measures, standardisation, the principles of the Lexis chart, period and cohort measures, life tables, uncertainty in demographic outcomes and measures, review of simple population estima...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Econometrics with Machine Learning
Building on the econometric content learned in the second year this module introduces students to advanced topics in econometrics. The module will familiarise students with state of the art methods of model selection in econometrics, giving them access to...
Dissertation: Literature Review
This module forms the first part of a dissertation in Economics. You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work in composing a literature review on your chosen research topic. You will motivate the research topic, survey and review the relevan...
Economics Skills and Employability 3
The aim of this module is to equip you with professional skills and knowledge that will be useful in your future careers, as well as when applying for graduate jobs. The module consists of up to three timetabled lectures per semester plus independent stud...
Empirical Finance
Specifically the module aims to provide a bridge to the more theoretical articles in finance theory, by offering a simple framework of conceptual knowledge that enables thinking while making financial decisions. As such the module gives an appreciation of...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Social Data Science
The human sciences are evolving fast to incorporate new forms of data and powerful new analysis tools. Advances in machine learning have allowed huge improvements in our ability to predict individual characteristics and preferences, while our interactio...
Applied Social Quantitative Analysis
This module will develop the skills of the student as a social researcher to conduct in depth analyses of secondary, large scale datasets, leading up to the use of these techniques in the final year dissertations and ensuring that students have appropriat...
Behavioural Economics
This module gives an overview of the concepts, models, and findings in behavioural economics. Behavioural economics is a field of economics that imports relevant insights from neighbouring disciplines, like psychology and anthropology, to inform economic ...
Choice and Decision
This module familiarises students with central concepts and findings in decision theory. It will explore in detail how decisions should be made, introducing normative benchmarks such as rationality and consistency, and will present how decisions are made,...
Dissertation: Research Project
This module forms the second part of a dissertation in Economics. You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work in form of composing a piece of economic research on your chosen topic. This is designed to demonstrate your ability to manage you...
Dissertation: Research Topics
This module forms the second part of a dissertation in Economics. You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work in form of composing two reports addressing specific economic questions. This is designed to demonstrate your ability to manage yo...
International Macroeconomics
This module provides a short course in international macroeconomics. We begin by studying exchange rates before turning to wider issues in international macro, such as the costs and benefits of participation in global capital markets; sovereign debt and c...
International Trade
This module explores key questions in the area of international trade. Should countries trade freely with each other? What are the gains/losses from free trade and are they distributed evenly within the population? What are free trade agreements and what ...
Labour Economics
The module will introduce students to key theories in the analysis of labour markets and to develop knowledge of the relevant institutional framework. The module aims to relate both theory and evidence to key policy issues.
Principles of Finance
The module aims to provide a bridge to the more theoretical articles in finance theory, by offering a simple framework of conceptual knowledge that enables thinking while making financial decisions. As such the module gives an appreciation of the scope of...
Public Economics
The objectives of this module are to introduce students to the major themes of public economics and to develop their skills in using microeconomic tools to analyse public policy.
Topics in Macroeconomics
The main objective of this module is to expose students to the state-of-the-art discussion in a range of macroeconomic topics: growth, unemployment, taxation, and monetary policy. The approach is to study a simplified version of some widely used models in...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Jana Sadeh is the course leader.
Careers
Employability is embedded into modules from the very start of this programme. You'll be supported with modules that offer a variety of information on employability-related topics and resources. The skills that you'll develop are in high demand, with graduates from both disciplines being sought after by employers.
You're encouraged to take part in short-term internships in industry over the Easter and Summer breaks. You have the option to take a Year in Employment.
You're also encouraged to engage in projects during term time such as the Santander Student Innovation Projects or with the Social Enterprise Laboratory. You'll be trained in the use of the Bloomberg terminals in our Financial Laboratory (FinLab) and are strongly encouraged to obtain your Bloomberg Markets Concepts qualification.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £23,400.
The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Related courses
Economics with Data Science (BSc) is a course in the Economics subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area: