Study economics
Economics is the study of money and the choices individuals and societies make when spending it. At the University of Sheffield, you will learn about the management of this limited resource.
Study the effects of money on the world around you
Economics at the University of Sheffield
One of the few standalone economics departments in the north of England, the University of Sheffield’s Department of Economics is a small and friendly department where you will get one-to-one support from tutors and form strong bonds with your coursemates.
The Department of Economics conducts leading research which influences and forms real economic policy, even advising government departments.
International Foundation Year students can progress to degrees including:
Pre-Masters students can progress to degrees including:
Degree preparation at the International College
The University of Sheffield International College offers specialist university preparation for international students. On our pathway programmes, you will study key subject modules to prepare you for your degree, while also building confidence in your English language and study skills. Whether you are aiming for undergraduate or postgraduate study, you will have the confidence to succeed once you progress to the University of Sheffield.
Your pathways to studying at the University of Sheffield:
Department of Economics rankings
97% of graduates
in employment or further study six months after completing their course.
Destination of Leavers of Higher Education survey data 2016/17
A leading research university
You will be taught by experts in their field.
Top for student satisfaction
Number one economics department for student satisfaction in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2021
Undergraduate pathway
The International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities prepares you for a degree at the Department of Economics. Choose the Economics pathway and progress to an economics degree at the University of Sheffield.
Postgraduate pathway
The Pre-Masters in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the International College prepares you to succeed in a postgraduate degree at the University of Sheffield. Choose the Economics pathway and progress to your chosen masters programme within the Department of Economics at the University of Sheffield.
Entry requirements
International Foundation Year
- 2 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 with minimum 5.0 in writing (minimum of 4.0 in other skills)
- 1.5 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.0 in all skills)
Pre-Masters
- 2 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)
- 1.5 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)
Why study economics?
Economics is a broad field that will help you develop a broad range of transferrable skills for your career. Some of the benefits include:
Studying economics, you will learn to work as part of a team, develop your leadership skills and build confidence in presenting ideas.
Economics is all about the study of a central problem: money is a finite resource and there is insufficient money to satisfy all human wants and needs. Economics students consider how best to allocate resource when it is scarce.
You will develop your research skills and learn to look deeper into some of life's biggest questions.
What can I do with an economics degree?
When you graduate from the University of Sheffield Department of Economics, you’ll have an exciting choice of career or further study options. Sheffield is in the top 15 of universities targeted by top employers (High Fliers Graduate Market Research 2021).
Economics careers include:
- chartered accountant
- data analyst
- economist
- financial risk analyst
- stockbroker.
Related careers include:
- actuary
- business development manager
- management consultant
- policy officer
- quantity surveyor.
Economics FAQs
Economics is the study of production, distribution and consumption of money. Learn about the economic choices made by normal people every day and how these feed into wider economies. Find out how governments and organisations choose to spend money and the implications this has on different societies.
To study an economics degree at university you will need to meet certain entry requirements that vary depending on the institution. A Level requirements are typically high, with the minimum entry typically being BBC, but with some universities asking for AAA. If you want to study economics in the UK as an international student, you can study the International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities which will prepare you for a degree in economics at the University of Sheffield.
Graduating with an undergraduate degree in economics means you can pursue a variety of careers, all with varying salaries. You could become an economist and expect a starting salary up to £35,000, rising to in excess of £75,000 at a senior level. You could also become an investment analysis where with substantial experience, you could earn between £65,000 and £100,000. Alternatively, you could follow a more finance-based career such as a chartered accountant where salaries can reach £84,500 with large yearly bonuses.
An undergraduate economics degree typically lasts three years. Some universities other dual honours degrees with economics and another subject, which can last four years.
Most universities do not have specific subject requirements to study economics. However, there are a number of subjects that will be beneficial to students applying for an economics degree; such as Economics, Maths, History and Statistics.
You do not typically need a maths qualification to study economics at university however it can be beneficial as it will be used throughout the degree.
The key skills you will develop from studying an economics degree include:
- Data analysis
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Logical and critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Simplify complex issues
Born in Taiwan. Made in Sheffield.
I really became more responsible here. I didn't know I could be such a hardworking student before. I like the way that I’ve become more responsible for myself. Here they give out the information, the support, but you have to catch it.
Jennifer from Taiwan
Studied International Foundation Year in Business, Law, Social Sciences and Humanities
Progressed to BSc (Hons) Economics with Finance
Entry requirements
Find out the academic and English language entry requirements for your chosen programme at the International College.
Fees
Find tuition fees for all International College programmes, as well as information on insurance and taxi transfers from the airport.
