Course Overview
Course summary
Whether caused by politics, environmental issues or world health crises, the global economy is ever changing and of growing concern to businesses. Monitoring and predicting the impact of economics on business is now a top priority, raising the demand for graduates who understand how markets work and how local and international issues can affect competition and performance.
Combining the study of economics with general business management, this degree is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to analyse individual company and industry performance within the context of global economics. Using live and historical data in our state-of-the-art Financial Markets Suite (FMS), you’ll apply economic theory and practice to real-world businesses, learning how to plan, evaluate economic trends and become better placed to help firms make effective business decisions.
To help you support future business and management decisions, we’ll examine how and why businesses emerge, exist and expand – studying their global environment, relationship and interactions with employees, providers of capital, customers, competitors, government and other regulatory bodies. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the economic, qualitative and quantitative techniques and ideas used to analyse and solve business problems in a global marketplace.
Taught by academics with substantial business experience across the range of business disciplines, through consultancy or knowledge exchange, there is an emphasis on learning through practice, so you graduate with the breadth of knowledge and capabilities to respond proactively and creatively to contemporary business issues and challenges. Throughout the course, you’ll also develop a range of transferrable skills highly prized by employers, such as critical evaluation, self-direction and problem-solving, as well as a sound grasp of analysis, presentations and negotiation techniques.
You’ll be capable of holding positions of significant responsibility and authority in public companies, private businesses and government agencies. Past graduates have found successful employment as management, marketing and advertising trainees, as trainee accountants and brand managers, recruitment consultants, retail managers and as assistants in market research, PR and global branding.
Top reasons to study with us
- Study at one of London’s leading centres for business education based in the heart of London and its political, media and financial services scene
- Courses are delivered by a multicultural and international teaching body, who come from professional practice and/or regularly publish in top international journals
- Employability embedded across the curriculum, with dedicated specialist modules at every level
- Access to one of the largest financial databases in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg virtual trading room
- Participate in Westminster Working Cultures trips to understand working cultures within businesses abroad, which in the past have included Berlin, Mumbai and Washington DC
- Free online subscription to The Financial Times
In the REF 2021, 75% of our business school impact case studies in the Business and Management Unit of Assessment scored 4* whilst 25% scored 3*. Read how our research is shaping the world
Course structure
This degree combines general business knowledge with key theories and concepts in economics and their application in international business. You’ll gain a solid understanding of areas such as managing people, operations, logistics, marketing and business ethics. In each year of study, you will take a combination of core and optional modules which cover specialisms such as economic forecasting or information and digital economics, for example.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
You're introduced to the functions of business organisations, the broader business environment, and key management skills and competencies, including information gathering and analysis, accounting, marketing and organisational behaviour. We consider business organisations, their purposes, structures and governance in a global context, together with cultural differences and ethical constraints. You’ll learn about basic management accounting concepts and deepen your understanding of company financial information and, in particular, how this information gets reported and analysed.
Subjects of study include:
- Global Business Environment
- Business Analytics
- Fundamentals of Organisational Behaviour
- Accounting and Finance Fundamentals
- Marketing in Practice
You will also have the opportunity to take an option module that broadens your skills or helps you gain more in-depth knowledge of your specialist area. Your option module may be a foreign language.
Credit Level 4
You’ll study principles of economics, introducing you to the economist’s view of the world. We’ll preview some of the big ideas that recur throughout economics, such as opportunity cost, marginal decision making, the role of incentives, the gains from trade, and the efficiency of market allocations. You’ll also concentrate on case studies illustrating how the principles of economics are applied. Management modules will also focus on developing key transferable skills more, such as looking into explaining the process of managing a project, evaluating the role of individuals in a company and how this can be used to plan a business better. You’ll learn to make decisions regarding overall resource management and how to influence a company’s future direction and strategies to add value.
Subjects of study include:
- Managing and Leading People
- Management Decision Making
- Essentials of Economics
You can also choose three options from: Money, Banking and Financial Markets, Global Economic Issues, Information and Digital Economics, New Methods in Data Analysis for Business Decisions, The Economics and Finance of Sport. You will also have the opportunity to study a module from other parts of the University, including a foreign language.
Alternatively, in place of the option modules listed above, you may be able to take the WBS Study Abroad Experience (subject to eligibility) or the WBS Work Experience.
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3, you can take an optional work placement or study year abroad. The work placement year is a one-year full-time business work placement.
Past students have completed placements in a variety of small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) and prestigious organisations, including Barclays Bank, British Airways, Disney UK, IBM and the NHS.
The study abroad year allows you to follow a programme of study at one of our partner institutions, giving you the opportunity to experience life in another country and learn Business from a different cultural viewpoint.
You can also choose to split your year abroad into a first semester exchange and a second semester work placement, both conducted overseas.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Examining the present state of microeconomic and macroeconomic policy and its application to the UK and the global economy, we’ll focus on the issue of market failure, and the problems created by government intervention in the economy. We’ll also look in-depth at current themes in economics, such as environmental problems, economic growth, inequality, financial markets and macroeconomic policy management. You’ll also explore the process of working in a team, applying personal and professional responsibility. Your studies conclude with the Global Strategic Management module, designed to simulate the nature of strategic decision-making in the management of a commercial organisation.
Subjects of study include:
- Strategic Perspectives
- Contemporary Issues in Economics
- Leadership and Professional Practice
- Applications of Economics
You can also choose two options from: Development Economics, International Trade and Forecasting for Managers. You have the opportunity to study one module from across the University, including a foreign language.
Credit Level 6
Professional recognition
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is the world's largest professional body of management accountants offering the most relevant accounting qualification for a career in business. If you are considering a career in finance and business, the CIMA qualification will open doors with employers all over the world. On completing this course you'll be able to apply for 4 exemptions entering into their Operational Level.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
This course is designed to prepare you to become a business leader, an entrepreneur or seek employment in SMEs, blue-chip organisations, the public, private or third sector. You could work within financial services, management consultancy, risk analysis and economic think tanks. You will graduate with knowledge and professional skills, and a heightened sense of commercial awareness that will be immediately transferable in a business environment. Many of our students go on to postgraduate study here and at a range of other universities.
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers
Develop entrepreneurial skills
Develop your innovation and entrepreneurial skills in The Big Idea competition, our annual business idea and innovation competition sponsored by Santander.
Kickstart your career
Learn how to use social media in your job hunt or LinkedIn to kickstart your career.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
Industry links
Westminster Business School is one of London’s leading centres for business education, based in the heart of London and its political, media and financial services scene.
Staff who currently teach on this course have extensive professional experience in a range of business sectors, with many staff maintaining links with industry through consultancy and training work.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Account manager
- Accounts assistant
- Analyst or researcher
- Business development executive
- Business development manager
- Management consultant
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Daniela Parker
Senior Lecturer
Daniela is a Senior Lecturer in Economics. A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Daniela joined Westminster Business School in 2007, having held previous teaching posts at Academia de Studii Economice Bucuresti, where she obtained her PhD. She currently teaches applied and managerial economics, as well as global business environment.
Daniela's research interests are on two main themes: the economics of labour markets; and commercial corporate governance ratings and their importance to institutional investors.
She is keen to expand on the beautifully diverse community of students she has encountered since joining Westminster and wishes to see the course grow as a place of learning, where all are welcome.
What I have learned from teaching is that caring for your students and loving your subject are the basis for a real learning process. Economists have a unique way of viewing the world, and I became interested in the subject mainly due to the excellence and enthusiasm of my teacher. I hope my students will also discover their passion for economics through mine.
Course Team
- Darrell Kofkin - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Catarina Moura e Sa Cardoso - Lecturer
- Sia Rajabi - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Daniela Parker - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Naveeda Qaseem - Senior Lecturer in Economics
- Dr Shehan Dias - Senior Lecturer
- Paul Kearney - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Tantawy Moussa - Senior Lecturer in Accounting
- Fiona O'Connor - Lecturer
- Dr Helen Solomon - Staff
- Simon Richardson - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Shujie Shen - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Rukhsana Kausar - Senior Lecturer
- Vincent Gibogwe - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Karen Jackson - Reader
- Ailu Hiew - Senior Lecturer
- Catarina Cardoso - Senior Lecturer
Economics courses
Learn more about Westminster's Economics courses from our students and staff. Find out about their experience studying at Westminster, including what it's like to study at the University's Marylebone campus in the heart of central London.
Why study this course?
Combine theory and practice
Link theory to global practice through real-life case studies, guest lectures, field trips and insight from one of the world’s largest financial databases.
Learn industry-standard software
Enhance your digital literacy and computer skills by using industry-standard software including Excel, Tableau and FAME.
Build connections
Build connections with peers and future business leaders.
Entry Requirements
A Levels – BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points)
T levels – 112 UCAS Tariff points
International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
BTEC Diploma – D*D*
Access – 112 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate and International Year One courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English Language Requirements
More information
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
- How to apply
- Visa and advice
What our students say
Filippo Rizzi
Business Management (Economics) BA Honours - 2022
I have highly enjoyed the Business Management (Economics) BA as it provided me with a good understanding of the main areas of business. I particularly enjoyed the way the modules are taught: attending the various seminars after class helps students to clarify concepts and ideas.
Riccardo Facciolongo
Economics and Management BA Honours - 2023
I found my course to be both useful and enjoyable. It offered a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of business and economics, and the practical application of these concepts. My lecturers were knowledgeable and supportive, and the campus location provided a great environment for learning. Check out my blog article for more on my experience!
Learn new skills
Nurture your creativity
Develop your creativity to think outside the box.
Build critical evaluation skills
Learn to critically evaluate the strategies that managers use to help organisations adapt in an uncertain or complex environment.
Improve your problem-solving skills
Improve your problem-solving skills to better understand and tackle people management issues.
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Student work
When engaging with applications of economics, students are asked to write a report addressing an interesting issue, that of determining how a chosen country is performing relative to its European neighbours. Using Labour Market data from The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Index, they also evaluate the government policy in this area.
Founded in 1995, Westminster Business Consultants is a student-run consultancy service affiliated to the University of Westminster, which offers management and strategic consultancy, specialising in market research, market analysis, brand strategy, feasibility studies, business development, performance improvement and product development. It works with a diverse clientele of emerging start-ups, SMEs and large corporations at home and overseas, giving students opportunities to gain extensive knowledge and experience in various industries.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Course Location
Our Marylebone Campus has benefited from a multi-million-pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to Westminster Business School and our award-winning Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Westminster Business School
Based in the heart of London's political, media and financial services, Westminster Business School has excellent industry links and a strong commitment to social enterprise.
Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Our practical teaching relates learning to the real world, and we develop graduates who are ready to respond to contemporary business challenges.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
Your Westminster
Book an open day. Order a prospectus. Sign up for newsletters.