Economics and Philosophy 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 · 98% 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% via Access courses. 2% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 225 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 credits at Merit or higher plus Level 3 units in36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits 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?
2compulsory modules in year 1, 7 optional
Compulsory modules this year: language & communication 50% · green & sustainability 38% · mathematics & statistics 13%.
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 · 2 core, 7 optional · 40 credits ≈ 400 hours
- 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
- Logic
What you learn (6)
- explain core logical concepts including validity, consistency and necessity
- translate simple arguments into truth-functional logic notation
- apply truth-tables to assess tautological validity of arguments
- translate complex arguments into first-order logic notation
- construct a counter-interpretation to refute validity of a first-order logic argument
- construct a formal proof demonstrating validity of a first-order logic argument
7 optional modules
- Either Maths for Economists AND Probability and Statistics
What you learn (2)
- identify core mathematical techniques used in economics
- apply mathematical techniques to typical economic problems
- OR Quantitative Methods AND Data, Evidence and Policy
What you learn (5)
- apply algebraic techniques to solve economic problems
- calculate terms and sums of sequences and series
- apply differential and integral calculus to economic functions
- apply estimation procedures to determine quantities of interest
- apply hypothesis testing procedures to evaluate claims
- Ethics
What you learn (6)
- describe the main debates in meta-ethics
- explain the principal positions held within meta-ethics
- describe the content of various normative ethical principles
- compare contrasting normative ethical principles
- identify major ethical challenges facing contemporary society
- apply ethical theories to contemporary moral challenges
- Knowledge and Perception
What you learn (2)
- explain differing theories of the nature of knowledge
- explain differing accounts of how knowledge is acquired
- Philosophical Analysis
What you learn (4)
- identify basic forms of argument such as deduction, induction and abduction
- apply logical tools such as contraposition to philosophical arguments
- construct clear and charitable interpretations of philosophical texts
- explain the different aims philosophical texts or arguments may pursue
- Metaphysics and Humans
What you learn (8)
- communicate metaphysical ideas in clear accessible language
- generate alternative solutions to metaphysical problems using course content
- present differing viewpoints on metaphysical issues open-mindedly
- construct arguments supporting alternative views on metaphysical problems
- critique weaknesses and potential improvements in philosophical arguments
- justify a personal position on a metaphysical problem with argument
- assess own work against departmental marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
- Power and Consent
What you learn (4)
- explain how different forms of consent are used in social contract theories
- identify objections to philosophical arguments studied on the module
- articulate objections to philosophical arguments in a clear manner
- evaluate how power dynamics complicate the notion of consent across contexts
Year 2 · 3 core, 14 optional · 60 credits ≈ 600 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
14 optional modules
- Religious Ethics
What you learn (10)
- explain key problems and debates in religious ethics clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to religious ethics problems
- present alternative viewpoints with an open mind
- construct arguments supporting different ethical positions
- identify weaknesses and development points in ethical arguments
- judge the most defensible position on an ethical issue
- defend a chosen ethical position with reasoned argument
- appraise own work against assessment criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
- evaluate contemporary ethical and cultural issues critically
- Philosophy of Language
What you learn (8)
- explain key problems and debates in philosophy of language clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to philosophical problems using module content
- construct arguments supporting alternative philosophical solutions
- identify weaknesses and development points in philosophical arguments
- judge the most convincing position on a philosophical problem
- defend a chosen philosophical position with reasoned argument
- evaluate own work against departmental marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
- Metaphysics
What you learn (8)
- explain key problems and debates in metaphysics clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to metaphysical problems
- construct arguments supporting alternative metaphysical positions
- identify weaknesses and development points in a philosophical argument
- evaluate competing metaphysical views to form a reasoned judgement
- defend a chosen position on a metaphysical question
- assess own academic work against assessment criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
- Philosophy of Mind
What you learn (8)
- explain key problems and debates in philosophy of mind clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to philosophy of mind problems
- construct arguments supporting alternative philosophical positions
- identify weaknesses and potential improvements in an argument
- evaluate competing views to determine the most defensible position
- defend a chosen philosophical position with reasoned argument
- assess own work against academic marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
- Applied Ethics
What you learn (8)
- explain key problems and debates in applied ethics clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to applied ethics problems
- construct arguments supporting alternative ethical solutions
- identify weaknesses and development points in ethical arguments
- justify a personal judgement on an applied ethics problem
- evaluate own work against departmental marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve written work
- analyse contemporary social and political issues using ethical reasoning
- Philosophy of Science
What you learn (10)
- explain key problems and debates in philosophy of science
- express philosophical understanding in clear accessible language
- generate alternative solutions to philosophy of science problems
- present alternative viewpoints in an open-minded manner
- construct arguments supporting alternative philosophical solutions
- identify weaknesses and development points in philosophical arguments
- judge the most convincing position on a philosophical problem
- defend a chosen philosophical position with argument
- evaluate own work against departmental marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve own work
- Ethical Theory
What you learn (11)
- explain key problems and debates in ethical theory
- communicate ethical arguments clearly and accessibly
- generate alternative solutions to ethical problems using course materials
- present multiple viewpoints on ethical issues impartially
- construct arguments supporting alternative ethical positions
- identify weaknesses and development points in ethical arguments
- formulate a reasoned position on an ethical problem
- defend a chosen ethical position with supporting arguments
- evaluate own academic work against marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve written work
- evaluate contemporary issues using social and ethical perspectives
- The Limits of Reason: Kant's Theoretical and Practical Philosophy
What you learn (10)
- explain Kant's theory of a priori knowledge and the phenomena/thing-in-itself distinction
- describe Kant's account of pure and practical reason, free will and determinism
- explain Kant's concepts of the good will and the categorical imperative
- interpret primary philosophical texts in translation
- reconstruct philosophical arguments from historical source texts
- evaluate Kant's claims and arguments using secondary literature
- formulate original critiques challenging Kant's philosophical arguments
- articulate personal philosophical ideas on the module's themes
- paraphrase Kant's ideas using one's own words
- describe the significance of Kant's work within the history of philosophy
- Politics and Freedom: Anarchism and Conservatism
What you learn (5)
- describe the core beliefs of various conservative and anarchist traditions
- explain the reasoning underlying different conservative and anarchist positions
- explain the philosophical arguments that motivate conservatism and anarchism
- identify value-theory issues underlying debates on conservatism and anarchism
- articulate the central questions in debates on political authority, tradition and liberty
- Logic and Paradox
What you learn (6)
- describe a range of logical paradoxes
- evaluate proposed solutions to logical paradoxes
- apply non-classical logical systems to problems
- judge the relative merits of different non-classical logics
- discuss module topics constructively with peers
- defend a reasoned position on course topics in writing
- Knowledge and the Social Sciences
What you learn (5)
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of social research methods
- explain theories of how social reality is constructed
- justify a personal position on the extent and boundaries of social knowledge
- identify hidden conceptual and normative assumptions in social theories
- analyse the assumptions underlying social science methods and arguments
- Love, Law, and Solidarity: Recognition from Rousseau to Honneth
What you learn (4)
- describe major debates and arguments in the philosophy of recognition
- evaluate the strength of arguments supporting recognition theory positions
- formulate a personal philosophical position on recognition debates
- present a reasoned philosophical argument clearly in writing or discussion
- Philosophy and Society
What you learn (5)
- communicate complex philosophical ideas clearly to non-specialists
- explain debates on inclusion and diversity within philosophy
- evaluate the appropriateness of different philosophical methodologies
- argue a reasoned position on what counts as philosophy
- argue a reasoned position on who counts as a philosopher
- Being and Reason: Spinoza’s Metaphysics
What you learn (11)
- explain key issues in Spinoza's philosophical system
- express philosophical understanding clearly and accessibly
- formulate alternative solutions to problems in Spinoza's philosophy
- present alternative philosophical solutions with open-mindedness
- construct arguments supporting alternative solutions to philosophical problems
- identify weaknesses and development points in philosophical arguments
- judge the most convincing view on a Spinozist problem
- defend a chosen philosophical position with argument
- appraise own work against departmental marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
- interpret philosophical texts with sensitivity to cultural and historical context
Year 3 · 2 core, 24 optional · 40 credits ≈ 400 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
- Ethics and Economics
What you learn (7)
- approach problems using multiple disciplinary perspectives
- analyse issues using concepts from ethics and economics
- describe key concepts of decision and social choice theory
- explain the structure of different ethical theories
- identify philosophical assumptions underlying economic theory
- apply economic theory to ethical analysis of current issues
- engage with professional research literature in ethics and economics
24 optional modules
- 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 and 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
- 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
- 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
- Philosophy and Public Policy
What you learn (5)
- identify key areas of shared concern between philosophy and politics
- compare analytical methods and assumptions used in philosophy and political science
- critique philosophical texts through structured argument
- construct reasoned arguments during seminar discussion
- apply philosophical reasoning to analyse political questions
- Contemporary Issues in Bioethics
What you learn (5)
- describe recent advances in biomedicine
- apply philosophical theory to issues in biomedicine
- critically read philosophical texts
- present written philosophical arguments
- participate in philosophical discussion
- Foundations of Maths
What you learn (7)
- explain the historical crisis in mathematical foundations
- describe the emergence of logicism, intuitionism and formalism
- describe the core claims of logicism, intuitionism and formalism
- explain debates between Platonism and anti-Platonism in mathematics
- evaluate the indispensability argument against anti-Platonism
- critically analyse complex philosophical texts
- construct and defend a reasoned philosophical argument
- Action and Agency
What you learn (6)
- explain why action is a central concept in philosophy of mind
- articulate the implications of action's central role in philosophy of mind
- explain how reasons relate to actions
- evaluate competing philosophical theories of action
- interpret complex philosophical texts critically
- construct a sustained written argument defending a position on action theory
- German Idealism: Moral, Legacy and Political Philosophy
What you learn (6)
- explain the moral, legal and political theories of key german idealist philosophers
- evaluate the arguments of german idealist philosophers on ethics and politics
- describe core concepts used in german idealist philosophy
- relate german idealist philosophy to current debates in moral and political thought
- critically analyse challenging philosophical texts
- construct and justify a personal position on complex philosophical issues
- Causation and Laws
What you learn (3)
- explain key theories of causation and natural laws
- analyse the relationship between causal laws and natural laws
- evaluate how theories of causation relate to moral responsibility
- Cognitive Anomalies, Decision-Making and Democracy
What you learn (6)
- explain research on cognitive biases affecting rational decision-making
- describe philosophical perspectives on the implications of cognitive biases
- identify ethical implications arising from cognitive effects and biases
- evaluate views on how cognitive biases affect individual and group decisions
- relate cognitive bias research to broader debates in philosophy of mind and ethics
- present philosophical arguments in both collaborative and individual written formats
- Happiness, Utility and Well-being
What you learn (5)
- evaluate competing philosophical accounts of happiness and well-being
- articulate a personal position on the role of happiness in one's own life
- evaluate how happiness informs ethical theory and moral reasoning
- evaluate how considerations of happiness shape public policy decisions
- discuss how other academic disciplines contribute to philosophical theories of happiness
- Mind and Morality
What you learn (8)
- explain key problems and debates in moral psychology clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to moral psychology problems
- construct arguments supporting alternative solutions in moral psychology
- identify weaknesses and development points in proposed arguments
- judge the most convincing position on a moral psychology issue
- defend a chosen position with supporting argument
- appraise own work against departmental marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve own work
- Property and Self-ownership
What you learn (5)
- explain major theories justifying property rights and self-ownership
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theories of property and self-ownership
- critically appraise historical and contemporary philosophical texts
- integrate ideas drawn from diverse philosophical sources and topics
- construct a reasoned written argument evaluating a key module issue
- Buddhism as Philosophy
What you learn (8)
- describe key teachings of the Buddha
- identify major schools of Buddhism
- identify philosophical problems arising from Buddhist teachings
- assess whether analytic philosophy can resolve Buddhist philosophical problems
- evaluate proposed solutions using scripture, tradition and reason
- argue for a preferred solution or for the absence of one
- explain key philosophical concepts and views in Buddhist philosophy
- critique philosophical arguments and defend a personal position
- Experimental Philosophy: Psychology of Philosophy
What you learn (2)
- explain the distinguishing features of the experimental philosophy approach
- communicate philosophical ideas clearly to a mixed-discipline audience
- World and Mind
What you learn (4)
- describe the Cartesian view of thought and knowledge
- explain major objections to the Cartesian account of mind
- evaluate the strength of these objections to Cartesianism
- justify a personal position on which Cartesian claims remain tenable
- Topics in Feminist Philosophy
What you learn (3)
- identify key arguments within a philosophical text
- critically analyse philosophical arguments for validity and assumptions
- present analysis of philosophical arguments in structured written or spoken form
- Critical Challenges in Political Economy
What you learn (9)
- identify societal issues analysable through economic and political concepts
- apply economic and political theories to real-world situations
- distinguish distinct themes within academic and professional research literature
- synthesise ideas from economics and politics across disciplinary boundaries
- apply interdisciplinary thinking to contemporary socio-economic issues
- organise own study time and tasks effectively
- incorporate feedback to improve individual and group performance
- communicate complex ideas clearly in written form
- present complex ideas clearly using verbal and technical formats
- Social and Economic Order Without Law
What you learn (1)
- apply game theoretic models to analyse real-world social institutions
“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, 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 12% left | 98% | 215 |
| 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 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
York fees page · source
About £30,150 in fees over 3 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £28,200 a year (2027/28).
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
90%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 68% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 210 students answered
Highest: 96% agreed on question 15; lowest: 59% on question 14.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 90% |
| Question 2 | 72% |
| Question 3 | 91% |
| Question 4 | 80% |
| Question 5 | 88% |
| Question 6 | 91% |
| Question 7 | 79% |
| Question 8 | 82% |
| Question 9 | 78% |
| Question 10 | 73% |
| Question 11 | 82% |
| Question 12 | 80% |
| Question 13 | 77% |
| Question 14 | 59% |
| Question 15 | 96% |
| Question 16 | 93% |
| Question 17 | 88% |
| Question 18 | 89% |
| Question 19 | 91% |
| Question 20 | 92% |
| Question 21 | 94% |
| Question 22 | 87% |
| Question 23 | 89% |
| Question 24 | 68% |
| Question 25 | 62% |
| Question 26 | 90% |
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.