This programme combines a thorough understanding of economic theory and applications with business knowledge.
This course goes beyond the limits of traditional economics and business-related courses by combining a thorough understanding of economic theory, relevant applications and business knowledge.
You will be introduced to a set of economic concepts, frameworks and techniques, both numerical (making use of both Mathematical and statistical techniques) and non-numerical. These will provide a basis for understanding the economics that governs decision-making, management and organisational behaviour within public, private and third-sector organisations.
You will develop a detailed understanding of the global economy and Northern Ireland’s place within it. The course is focused on practical and applied skills in economics and business that are in high demand in the current marketplace. The real-world focus of the course will prepare you for a career in the business world or for postgraduate business courses.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
This course will emphasise those aspects of economics and business which relate to the practical application of Business Economics today in policymaking, management or organisational behaviour and consumer decisions. It aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in the concepts and analytical apparatus needed within both the private and public sectors.
The specific nature of this degree aligns closely with guidance from the Government Economic Service (GES), Advance HE formerly The Higher Education Academy (HEA) and industry experts, in order to produce graduates who can focus on the economic challenges faced by businesses today.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Classes are timetabled per semester for full-time students
Three years full-time – BSc Hons
Four years full-time including a placement year – BSc Hons with DPP / DIAS
The teaching and learning methods used on the Business Economics programme include; lectures (including guest speakers), seminars, workshops, computer lab classes, independent study and self-directed reading, supported by IT based resources.
Different modules on the Business Economics programme adopt different assessment strategies and may include computer-based exercises, class tests, presentations (individual and group), group projects, case studies, essays, reports and end of semester examinations.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
Over 85% of teaching staff hold Fellowship of Advance HE (formerly Higher Education Academy).
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
2-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AP
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
Find out more - information about accommodation (Opens in a new window)
At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Find out more - information about student wellbeing (Opens in a new window)
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is intended to engage students actively and effectively at an early stage in the degree program. The focus of the module is on applying core economic theory to practical and topical issues and on enabling students to develop their ability to think critically - an important characteristic in enhancing employability. The intention is that students become 'positively disruptive' in their thinking and behaviours, and have the digital, written and verbal skills to communicate this in a professional and effective manner.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to key concepts and models used by economists to analyse the microeconomic problems and issues characteristic of contemporary market economies. Emphasis is given to market activity and the consequences this has for different groups within society. The module will allow students to understand the need for government intervention and regulation of market forces within a market economy.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module introduces students to the field of macroeconomics and core macroeconomic theory.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module introduces students to a toolkit of key mathematical and statistical information they need to analyse empirical data.
Year: 1
Status: C
The aim of this module is to prepare students for life at University and to prepare students for a career as an economist.
This module will cover essential skills for university and work, including building resilience and study skills, writing for university and work, practical research skills & analytical techniques, practical employability hints and tips to assist building a strong professional reputation and career path for graduates.
This module will also introduce students to working with real data to analyse issues and gain experience working in Microsoft Office packages particularly Excel.
The practical nature of this module will form the basis of skills required for study in the second and third years and introduce applied techniques that are essential for a career as a professional economist.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
Introduction to Business Accounting provides an introduction to financial and management accounting. The background to the requirement to produce, and the purpose of preparing accounting statements is examined. The module introduces the student to the study of accounting as it impacts on business and economic activity. In particular it considers the preparation of basic financial statements for sole-traders and introduces the student to terminology used in cost determination and pricing.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
The fundamental management functions of planning, organising, leading and controlling are pervasive activities that are central to the operation of organisations and integral to the marketing curriculum. Given that perceptions of the nature of this process of management have changed and continue to change quite radically, it is beneficial also to have informed insights of these changes and the changing external and internal context within which management takes place. The module therefore introduces a coherent range of concepts and ideas that provide the basis for further more specialised study of management.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module provides students with an appreciation of the nature, scope and breadth of the fundamental concepts and principles of marketing. It represents a key underpinning to subsequent marketing related modules within degree programmes.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module further develops the mathematical and statistical techniques which can be applied to economic and business problems.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module examines the objectives and internal and external environments within which consumers and firms must operate, and studies the principle that economic decisions have to be "optimal". The principal theme of this module is the concept of decision making by market participants and the role of markets in coordinating these decisions resulting in efficient economic outcomes.
Year: 2
Status: C
This Module outlines key government economic policy issues such as the relationship between inflation and unemployment, and the extent to which poorer countries are likely to catch up on richer countries in terms of living standards. The economic growth-sustainable development relationship is considered. It also includes an introduction to the modelling of the impact of Brexit. It gives insight as to how economists attempt to resolve disputes between rival positions regarding economic theory.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module aims to engage students in their own employability development as well as raising their awareness of innovation and entrepreneurship at work. Students will examine the local, national and global labour market and look at trends to support the development of their own personal strengths and weaknesses. Through research, team-work and presentations, students will engage with local employers and entrepreneurs to audit their personal entrepreneurial potential and better understand their future career path.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
The module informs and equips students to effectively respond to a plethora of potential issues that can arise in business, particularly those pertaining to investment, financing and costing decisions. The module aims, through a variety of teaching and learning mechanisms, to equip students with a knowledge of the main techniques used in accounting and business to competently assess and to understand the main issues and ramifications of decision making in business.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module introduces the student to the conceptual and theoretical fundamentals of business risk management and auditing combined with the processes surrounding risk management across a diverse range of organisations. It identifies the skills that a professional services accountant must have and how best to utilise those skills in today's challenging business environment.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module equips students to understand the issues concerned with managing an organisation's resources and to appreciate the complexity of problems related to monitoring and managing operational performance. The teaching and learning methods incorporate inherently practical activities that are representative of the subject. The module demonstrates the importance of operations management to every organisation's success.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of business in a digital world, and the impact and application of technologies in different organisations. On successful completion of this module students will have an in-depth knowledge of digital business; understand and apply concepts and models underlying digital business; analyse how organisations apply business technologies to improve their operations and to create competitive advantage; critically evaluate the impact of digital technologies on individuals, companies, and wider society.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
Many issues in economics can best be placed and understood in the context of the development of economic thought. The module therefore seeks to provide students with a grounding in the works of the key thinkers in economic thought since 1700 including Smith, Ricardo, Marx, Marshall, Keynes and Friedman.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
In the increasingly integrated world economy of the modern times, it is essential that students of business economics should gain an understanding of the basic principles and issues of international economics. This module will seek to provide such an understanding and an appreciation of the major trade-related issues facing both the developed and the developing world. It will also seek to enable students to acquire the skills necessary to analyse real world problems with the help of appropriate analytical tools and a sound theoretical framework. The module will be delivered in both large group and small group sessions and the assessment will be based partly on course work and partly on sessional examination.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
The module provides students with an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the behavior and operation of the Northern Ireland economy through discussing contemporary economic issues (e.g. Covid-19, Brexit, automation), assessing real world data in Microsoft Excel and interpreting findings in a professional style format (e.g. report writing, presentations). The module seeks to develop relevant workplace skills (e.g. analytical skills, report writing, communication, team-work, presentation) to help prepare students for employment in consultancy, academic and economic policy.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
Industrial Economics explores the workings of markets and industries using the techniques of economic analysis, examining some of the aspects that relate to if the state should and how the state may intervene in the operation of those markets.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module develops the fundamentals of marketing and applies the perspective of managerialism to these core principles. In this respect, the module's focus is on the 4 core marketing management activities marketing planning, marketing implementation, marketing leadership and marketing control. The module also explores how these core managerial activities will operate in various marketing contexts.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module examines the role of creativity in developing an effective strategic and integrated approach to marketing communication planning.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
The Diploma in International Academic Studies provides students with the opportunity of an extended period of study outside UK and Republic of Ireland. Students develop and enhanced understanding of business and management in an international environment.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of business economics exploring economic approaches to the nature, emergence and architecture of business organisations for profit; assessing key issues about ownership, control and corporate governance; analysing different business strategies, explaining why and how firms diversify, change their boundaries and make strategic alliances; and applying economic theory to the firm in a domestic and international context.
Year: 4
Status: C
More often than not individuals have to make decisions and act without full knowledge of the environment where they operate. How this imperfect information affects the motives of sellers and buyers and economic relations more generally, is the subject of the present module. After analyzing basic concepts like property rights, contracts and transaction costs, it examines the sources of asymmetric information and its consequences on behaviour. This is followed by a presentation of the principal - agent relationship and the firm as a hierarchy and an examination of the institutions, incentive contracts and governance structures designed to resolve conflicting interests of the participating economic actors.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module introduces the concept of strategic business planning, emphasising the importance of aligning enterprise development with strategic management in a dynamic business environment. Given the evolving nature of today's business landscape, it is crucial to deepen understanding and improve competencies in business planning.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module informs and equips students to effectively respond to the governance challenges organisations face today. The module aims to investigate the key components for securing the highest standards of effective corporate governance.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is concerned with the study of business finance, with a distinctly corporate focus, examining issues mainly from the viewpoint of the corporate manager. The module aims to provide students with an opportunity to study at a more advanced level aspects of the management of business finance; investment, the balance between risk and return and the measurement and control of both, the operation of capital markets and the distribution of wealth between stakeholders.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
A knowledge of taxation is essential to students intending to pursue a career in accounting and is an essential part of most financial and economic decision making. This module provides a fundamental undertaking of the main aspects of the UK tax system covering personal, business taxation, corporation tax, inheritance tax and capital gains tax, value added tax as well as an understanding of the administration of the self-assessment system. It also includes awareness of wider trends in taxation with respect to ethical and sustainability issues.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is designed to enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the principles of psychology at work. Students will develop a further awareness of both their own and others' behaviour and how to apply this awareness to maximise effective performance.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The Regional Economics module gives students a different spatial perspective on the economic development process. It examines a variety of approaches to modelling regional economics and to measuring the impact of regional policies. This module offers students the opportunity to work with real data to analyse current economic issues. Students will enhance their practical IT skills within the Microsoft Office suite and develop commercially relevant techniques. Upon completion of this module students will have a understanding of modern regional policy in the UK, be capable of undertaking regional analysis with real world data, will have successfully constructed a multi-sectoral economic forecasting model and estimated the economic impact of a real world policy intervention, and developed reporting outputs to a professional standard.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Globalisation is an inescapable part of the economic life of every nation in the modern world. An understanding of the economic principles and the empirical reality of globalization is essential for both being able to make sense of what is happening in the world and for formulating appropriate policy responses to global economic changes. This module focuses on both theory and practice of globalization, and, critically discusses relevant economic principles and policies.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The aim of the module is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of economic history, introducing them to important topics and debates within the discipline. The module aims to teach students important qualitative analytical skills, and how to apply their economics knowledge to studying economic phenomena.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module aims to equip students with a theoretical and practical understanding of economic policy and the process by which policy is developed, appraised and evaluated. The module builds upon existing theoretical and microeconomic knowledge developed in previous years and aims to further enhance research, analytical and technical competencies along with verbal and written communication skills. By giving students the opportunity to research economic policy issues, appraise policy options, and apply practical solutions, the module will help to equip students with the knowledge and capabilities that are demanded of a professional economist.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will survey key theoretical and empirical literature on the causes and consequences of violent conflicts. Using economic theory and data analysis tools we will examine issues such as outbreaks of wars, terrorist campaigns and their consequences, third-party interventions in foreign conflicts, and the role of military build-up in economic development. This module will enable students not only to approach the study of violent conflicts in a logical manner but will also familiarize them with the fundamentals of research.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module deconstructs and redevelops the marketing concept within the digital context and through marketing technology. The module equips participants with a meaningful and robust evaluation process through which the application of digital marketing strategy, harnessed through marketing technology can be understood, applied and practiced.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
BBC; or
BCC including one of Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma
Award profile of DMM.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level). The overall profile must include English at minimum grade H6 at Higher Level or grade O4 at Ordinary Level plus Mathematics at H5 at Higher Level or O3 at Ordinary Level.
OR
104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level). The overall profile must include English at minimum grade H6 at Higher Level or grade O4 at Ordinary Level. This course also requires you to achieve H3 in one of Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting. If Mathematics is not passed at H3, you will be required to achieve a minimum H5 at Higher Level or O3 if studied at Ordinary Level in addition to one of the subjects above.
Grades BBCCC or grades BCCCC if undertaking one Scottish Higher from Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting.
Grades CCD or grades CDD if undertaking one Scottish Advanced Higher from Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting.
Overall profile is minimum 25 points (12 points at higher level).
Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Access course) (NI Access course). To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 60% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics at 60% as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma or GCSE Maths grade C*/5.
Overall profile of 15 credits at distinction and 30 credits at merit in taught modules (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course).
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at grade C/4 or above in English Language, plus Mathematics with a minimum grade C*/5.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Mathematics.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
Pass HND with overall Merit to include 45 distinctions at level 5. Plus GCSE Mathematics grade C*/5.
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 75 distinctions at level 4. Plus GCSE Mathematics grade C*/5.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met).
Most students enter Year 1 of the course. Applicants who can provide evidence of previous relevant study, awarded in accordance with the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme, (CATS), may be considered for entry to Year 2. In appropriate cases, opportunities exist at the end of Year 1 for reciprocal transfer between this course and other first-degree courses in the School.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
This course has been designed to meet the needs of the Northern Ireland business sector. The skill set developed in this course is in high demand by employers. As a successful graduate, you will be prepared for a variety of career opportunities in general business, accounting and finance-related areas or within the public sector. The course also prepares you for postgraduate study in related disciplines.
The programme has the option for either a work placement or study abroad between the second and final years.
Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
In 1st year, there is a prize for the best mark in the Accounting for Business module across the Economics/Business Economics family of programmes.
In final year, there is a prize for the best overall (average) mark across the Economics/Business Economics family of programmes.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
