Economics and Finance BSc
AAB at A level, Mathematics; graduates earn a median £35,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB
Mathematics · 96% of entrants came with A levels · 95% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AABtypical A level offer; aab including mathematics
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1Mathematics
Who actually got in: 96% with A levels. 1% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 85 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications5
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 36 credits at Distinction and 9 at Merit or higher plus Level 3 units in Mathema36 credits at Distinction and 9 at Merit or higher plus Level 3 units in Mathematics or in conjunction with an alternative Level 3 Mathematics qualification | — |
| BTEC | DDDDDD including Mathematics or in conjunction with an acceptable alternative Level 3 Mathematics qualification | Mathematics or in conjunction with an acceptable alternative Level 3 Mathematics qualification |
| IB | 35 points35 points with a minimum grade of 5 points in Higher level or 7 in Standard Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations). | — |
| Scottish Highers | BBBB | — |
| Advanced Highers | B in Mathematics plus | — |
Years 1–3
What do you study?
5compulsory modules in year 1, 1 optional
Compulsory modules this year: mathematics & statistics 43% · green & sustainability 33% · business & administration 20% · language & communication 3%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
York course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 5 core, 1 optional · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
- Mathematics for Economists
What you learn (2)
- identify core mathematical techniques used in economics
- apply mathematical techniques to typical economic problems
- Introduction to Finance
What you learn (11)
- explain the time value of money and compound interest
- define the internal rate of return
- apply the perpetual growth model to value financial instruments
- apply the net present value rule to appraise investments
- describe the distinguishing features of bonds and stocks
- explain how financial instruments are priced
- describe common uses of financial instruments
- explain the concept of market efficiency
- analyse portfolio risk and diversification benefits
- describe the characteristic line of a security
- define the equity risk premium
- Principles of Economics
What you learn (4)
- produce written analysis of economic issues
- construct numerical and graphical representations of economic models
- explain key concepts of economic theory
- evaluate real-world economic problems using economic theory
- Foundations of Economic History
What you learn (6)
- describe major patterns of economic growth and development through world history
- explain how historical analysis and economic theory inform each other
- apply an economist's perspective to interpret historical events and data
- structure a written argument on applied economics questions
- present an argument on applied economics questions orally
- assess the quality of academic economic literature
- Probability and Statistics
What you learn (12)
- apply fundamental tools of probability theory to solve problems
- explain basic probability concepts underlying statistical reasoning
- calculate conditional probabilities for related events
- illustrate applications of probability theory in economic and financial contexts
- describe the concept of statistical populations and samples
- describe the concept of a sampling distribution
- describe procedures for estimating statistical quantities
- apply estimation procedures to determine quantities of interest
- apply hypothesis testing procedures to evaluate claims about quantities
- describe how correlation measures relationships between two variables
- describe how simple regression models relationships between two variables
- apply correlation and regression techniques to analyse empirical data
1 optional module
- Data, Evidence and Policy
What you learn (17)
- explain why data matter for economic analysis
- identify different types of data used in economics
- locate existing datasets relevant to an economic question
- construct new data suitable for economic analysis
- organise and store data using appropriate management practices
- assess the quality and reliability of a dataset
- apply reliable methods to measure economic variables
- summarise data using descriptive statistics
- interpret patterns in data through exploratory analysis
- create clear graphical representations of data
- use Excel functions to manage and manipulate data
- build pivot tables and charts to summarise data in Excel
- evaluate empirical evidence critically
- apply empirical evidence to analyse policy problems
- present evidence-based findings to a non-specialist audience
- collaborate effectively within a team to complete tasks
- manage time to meet set deadlines
Year 2 · 4 core, 5 optional · 80 credits ≈ 800 hours
- Econometric Analysis
What you learn (12)
- use OLS regression results to test economic hypotheses
- discuss the limitations of OLS regression methods
- describe panel data estimation techniques
- describe instrumental variables estimation techniques
- manage and prepare datasets using Stata
- estimate econometric models using Stata
- test statistical hypotheses using Stata
- interpret the results of an econometric analysis
- explain the methods used in applied economic papers
- evaluate the econometric approach of applied economic papers
- collaborate effectively within a team
- manage time to meet deadlines
- Microeconomic Theory
What you learn (2)
- explain core concepts used in microeconomic analysis
- apply standard analytical tools to economic problems
- Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
What you learn (15)
- apply macroeconomic models to analyse short-run economic issues
- apply macroeconomic models to analyse medium- and long-run growth issues
- explain causes of inflation and unemployment using macroeconomic theory
- evaluate the effectiveness of monetary policy measures
- evaluate the effectiveness of fiscal policy measures
- contribute actively to problem-based learning tutorials
- design a research strategy to investigate macroeconomic issues
- evaluate macroeconomic theories and policies relevant to a given issue
- adapt problem-solving techniques to tackle unfamiliar economic problems
- communicate economic arguments clearly in written form
- communicate economic arguments clearly in verbal form
- work independently to complete economic analysis tasks
- collaborate effectively within a problem-based learning group
- evaluate personal contribution to team-based learning activities
- evaluate peers' contribution to team-based learning activities
- Corporate Finance
What you learn (32)
- identify key activities of the accountancy profession
- describe the duties and responsibilities of company auditors
- discuss problems associated with the auditor's role
- identify main legal and accounting entity types in the private sector
- compare advantages and obligations of different business entities
- describe the typical content of a public company's annual report
- explain the process of setting accounting standards in the uk
- describe desirable qualities of financial statements
- identify main sources of company capital
- explain the components of a company balance sheet
- discuss valuation issues relating to inventory and other balance sheet items
- differentiate accruals accounting from cash-flow accounting
- describe entries in an income statement and statement of changes in equity
- explain the purpose of a company cash-flow statement
- distinguish between solvency and profitability
- identify users of company accounts and their information needs
- apply ratio and trend analysis to evaluate company performance
- evaluate limitations of ratio analysis including inflation effects
- identify main sources of tax revenue and tax types
- explain the accountant's role in tax compliance and tax planning
- prepare basic financial statements from company transaction data
- perform ratio analysis on company financial statements
- calculate basic corporation tax from company data
- evaluate advantages and disadvantages of different securities for project funding
- perform capital budgeting analysis for investment decisions
- critically assess theories of capital structure and dividend policy
- solve agency models applied to corporate financing decisions
- describe incentive problems caused by asymmetric information
- explain contract design solutions to information asymmetry
- explain motivations for mergers and acquisitions
- evaluate theoretical explanations for corporate events
- explain corporate finance issues in an international context
5 optional modules
- Environmental Economics
What you learn (6)
- explain how economic theory contributes to understanding environmental problems
- describe alternative policy instruments used to address pollution and resource depletion
- evaluate the effectiveness of different environmental policy approaches
- critique the methods economists use to assign value to environmental goods
- apply economic tools and methods to analyse real environmental issues
- identify key literature and concerns relevant to environmental economics
- Development Economics
What you learn (3)
- identify theories explaining economic development
- discuss theories of economic development
- evaluate empirical methods for determining development factors
- Econometric Theory
What you learn (2)
- apply statistical theory concepts to economic data
- select appropriate statistical models and tests for datasets
- Industrial Organisation and Strategy
What you learn (5)
- define key terms used in industrial economics
- explain core concepts underpinning industrial economics
- apply industrial economics concepts to describe industry structure
- explain firm behaviour within selected industries using economic concepts
- apply theoretical models to analyse real-world industry examples
- Alternative Perspectives in Economics
What you learn (6)
- distinguish between different heterodox schools of economic thought
- compare alternative economic schools in terms of their assumptions and methods
- explain the central arguments underpinning heterodox economic approaches
- evaluate the validity of alternative economic theories and ideas
- apply non-neoclassical frameworks to interpret contemporary economies
- evaluate economic policy using perspectives beyond neoclassical economics
Year 3 · 3 core, 14 optional · 60 credits ≈ 600 hours
- Contemporary Economic Issues and Analysis
What you learn (8)
- justify why a given economic outcome constitutes a policy problem
- evaluate the social and economic consequences of low social mobility
- identify economic theories relevant to analysing a defined policy problem
- compare alternative theoretical predictions and explanations of an economic outcome
- assess the reliability of different types of empirical evidence used in policy design
- critique flawed analytical approaches unsuitable for informing policy decisions
- propose feasible policy measures to address an identified economic problem
- evaluate the practical limits and trade-offs of proposed economic policies
- Commodity Markets and Derivative Securities
What you learn (13)
- evaluate the valuation of financial derivatives such as options and futures
- describe basic approaches to valuing derivative securities
- describe the structure and features of forward contracts, futures and options
- apply valuation methods to different derivative contracts
- explain hedging policies and risk management techniques
- identify key problems and controversies in primary commodity trading
- explain theoretical and institutional aspects of commodity markets
- explain how commodity market mechanisms serve social interests
- describe distinctive features of financial futures markets
- analyse the interaction between spot and forward or futures markets for commodities
- analyse static and dynamic market models theoretically
- model the structure of financial markets
- evaluate empirical methods and findings in commodity market research
- Structure and Regulation of Financial Markets
What you learn (6)
- explain the role of banks and financial markets in the economy
- describe the concept of asymmetric information
- explain the consequences of asymmetric information for financial markets
- explain how financial crises develop
- justify the need for financial regulation
- explain the function of central banks in financial markets
14 optional modules
- Econometric Methods for Research
What you learn (8)
- describe the structure of a multiple linear regression model
- describe the structure of simultaneous equations models
- describe the structure of nonlinear econometric models
- explain the relevance of key econometric modelling techniques to empirical research
- apply multiple linear regression to a simple empirical example
- apply simultaneous equations and nonlinear modelling techniques to simple examples
- apply maximum likelihood and generalised method of moments estimation to simple examples
- describe the concept of statistical hypothesis testing with an example
- Bubbles, Panics and Crashes
What you learn (7)
- describe the recurring patterns across historical financial crises
- explain the causes and development of speculative asset booms
- evaluate the significance of the lender of last resort function
- analyse how regulation, liquidity and credit constraints influence financial instability
- assess the extent to which monetary expansion drives financial crises
- estimate the economic costs resulting from financial crises
- evaluate the appropriateness of policy responses to historical crises
- Applied Econometrics
What you learn (6)
- interpret econometric evidence reported in academic journals and books
- apply instrumental variable methods and binary choice models to data
- analyse panel data combining cross-section and time series dimensions
- use econometric software packages to analyse provided datasets
- formulate economic hypotheses in a testable form
- select appropriate statistical methods for testing economic hypotheses
- Macroeconomics: Topics in Theory for Policy
What you learn (2)
- explain modern macroeconomic models based on microfoundations
- evaluate current policy debates in macroeconomics
- Game Theory
What you learn (6)
- define core game-theoretic concepts including strategy, best-response and equilibrium
- explain the purpose and relevance of game-theoretic concepts
- evaluate a strategic game using game-theoretic methods
- predict the likely outcome of a strategic game
- apply game-theoretic methods to analyse real-world economic problems
- evaluate economic policy using game-theoretic analysis
- Economics Dissertation
What you learn (7)
- formulate testable research hypotheses using economic theory
- identify and gather relevant economic data sources
- apply econometric methods to test economic hypotheses
- compile a structured report summarising research findings
- explain research findings in accessible non-technical language
- manage own research project independently
- present and discuss research progress with peers
- International Economics
What you learn (17)
- explain why countries engage in international trade
- assess the economic effects of international trade on nations
- describe patterns of trade flows between countries
- analyse how market structure influences trade outcomes between nations
- identify different policy tools used to regulate trade
- evaluate the effects of trade policy instruments on markets
- explain political factors shaping trade policy decisions
- explain short-run determinants of exchange rate movements
- explain long-run determinants of exchange rate movements
- analyse how international transactions influence domestic economic conditions
- evaluate how international transactions affect national policy choices
- evaluate the costs and benefits of alternative exchange rate regimes
- assess implications of exchange rate regime choice for an economy
- identify common characteristics of financial and currency crises
- evaluate policy measures designed to prevent financial crises
- compare economic theories of trade with empirical evidence
- compare international macroeconomic theory with empirical evidence
- Monetary Economics
What you learn (3)
- explain conditions under which money has an economic role
- analyse monetary policy implications for the optimum quantity of money
- describe factors influencing liquidity in financial markets
- International Economic Growth and Development
What you learn (4)
- explain how individual studies contribute to broader development debates
- select a suitable topic for an independent research project
- develop a research idea into an oral presentation
- produce a written research paper from an initial project idea
- Advanced Topics in Microeconomic Theory
What you learn (6)
- construct formal economic models for information and market design problems
- analyse formal models applied to matching and market design problems
- explain how information shapes outcomes across different market structures
- describe how institutional frameworks influence the use of information
- identify core concepts of information economics such as equilibrium and efficiency
- explain techniques used to analyse incentives and stability in institution design
- Health Economics
What you learn (7)
- explain why health economics emerged as a specialised branch of economics
- describe major theories used in health economics
- evaluate empirical studies within health economics
- interpret findings from health economics research
- apply economic frameworks to health and health care problems
- explain how economic models inform health policy debates
- evaluate current health policies using economic analysis
- Economics of Social Policy
What you learn (5)
- evaluate economic objectives underpinning the Welfare State
- evaluate non-economic objectives underpinning the Welfare State
- apply economic analysis methods to social policy issues
- evaluate existing social policies using economic frameworks
- critique social policy issues using independent reasoning
- Financial and Time-Series Econometrics
What you learn (10)
- describe key models for analysing stationary time series
- describe key models for analysing nonstationary time series
- interpret empirical research papers in macroeconomics and finance
- apply time-series econometric techniques using EViews software
- forecast future interest rates using term structure information
- evaluate market efficiency and potential for abnormal profits
- estimate the value at risk of an investment portfolio
- model asset returns using single-factor and multi-factor models
- analyse asset return behaviour using factor-based models
- analyse portfolio risk using principal component methods
- Political Economics
What you learn (5)
- construct theoretical models to represent political economy questions
- assess how empirical data can confirm or refute hypotheses
- critically evaluate published research in political economy
- formulate a personal position on political economy issues
- communicate views on political economy topics in speech and writing
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£35,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£28k
Median£36k
Upper quarter£43k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 265 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 14, 23
Half of graduates earned between £27,500 and £43,000. Five years on, the median is £51,000. 87% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 73% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 15% left | 95% | 40 |
| In work or study, 15 months on9% studying | 87% | 90 |
| Professional or managerial job | 73% | 65 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £30,000 | 50 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £35,500 | 265 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £51,000 | 280 |
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
86%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 58% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 20 students answered
Highest: 95% agreed on question 15; lowest: 59% on question 14.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 91% |
| Question 2 | 68% |
| Question 3 | 86% |
| Question 4 | 82% |
| Question 5 | 91% |
| Question 6 | 91% |
| Question 7 | 86% |
| Question 8 | 91% |
| Question 9 | 68% |
| Question 10 | 77% |
| Question 11 | 73% |
| Question 12 | 82% |
| Question 13 | 73% |
| Question 14 | 59% |
| Question 15 | 95% |
| Question 16 | 82% |
| Question 17 | 86% |
| Question 18 | 80% |
| Question 19 | 91% |
| Question 20 | 86% |
| Question 21 | 95% |
| Question 22 | 91% |
| Question 23 | 82% |
| Question 24 | 64% |
| Question 25 | 62% |
| Question 26 | 86% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of York’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.