Isobel Linsel at a table in a room with pink walls, having a discussion with other colleagues

Economics and Management BA (Hons)

Successful managers make economic decisions every day. With this degree you'll get a solid foundation in both economics and management, skills you can apply to any business sector that interests you. 

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

Key information

UCAS code:

L1N1

Accreditation:

This course is Accredited

Typical offer:

112-120 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

To be a business leader you need to understand how to run a business and how to make financial decisions that will keep your business profitable. Our BA (Hons) Economics and Management degree will give you the skills and knowledge to do both.

You'll have the edge in the employment market when you graduate with a broad understanding of the core elements of business such as managing people, accounting, and operations management, as well as a deep understanding of how economic issues impact management practices and how data shapes decision making.  

If you choose to take a paid placement, you’ll have the chance to apply your new economic management knowledge in the workplace and graduate with a year of industry experience. Past students have worked at companies like the Office for National Statistics, Amazon, or the Department for Energy and Climate Change.

The balance between business and economic applications is something I enjoy about my course. This has allowed me to tailor my studies and skills according to my interests and ambitions in my career.

Ivy Maingi, BA (Hons) Economics and Management student

Course highlights

  • Learn about key economic topics that impact society and drive behaviour, such as the environment, the gender pay gap, productivity and poverty
  • Personalise your studies to the areas of economics and business you're most interested in, whether that's sustainability, global business, financial markets or business development 
  • Develop your confidence and ability to analyse numerical data to drive decision making
  • Benefit from expert teaching, informed by our academics' close relationships with organisations such as the Bank of England and the Office for National Statistics
  • Gain a Bloomberg Certificate (a trading platform that's used by 250,000 financial service professionals) in our dedicated Bloomberg Suite
  • See economics and business from a different angle by spending a year abroad at a partner university in the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe or the Far East
  • Get support to set up your own business from our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme
  • Learn a foreign language as part of your degree

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

The University of Portsmouth has earned business accreditation from the AACSB in recognition of the outstanding quality of its business and management education. Less than six percent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.

AACSB Logo

No. 3

influential business school in the world

Financial Times Teaching Power Rankings 2021

Top 30

for student satisfaction

(Times Higher Education, 2024)

Headshot of Tyler Everitt
I loved my time at the University of Portsmouth and built friendships that will last a lifetime. I studied Economics and Management and completed a work placement in Prague in my third year. I worked for a leading consultancy and solutions provider of risk management.

Tyler Everitt, BA (Hons) Economics and Management alumnus

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Clearing is open

This course is available through Clearing.

How to apply for accommodation

We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.

Find out more

Clearing FAQs

To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.

The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.

You can apply through Clearing if:

  • You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
  • Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university 
  • You don't hold any offers
  • You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
  • You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024 

Find out more on UCAS

After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio. 

If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice. 

If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk

Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk

See our accommodation page for more information. 

No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.

If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.

Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide

If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.

See more on visa advice.

If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.

Entry requirements

BA (Hons) Economics and Management degree entry requirements

Typical offers

  • A levels – BBB–BBC
  • UCAS points – 112-120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels – Merit
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
  • International Baccalaureate – 29

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications.

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Worried about your grades?

If you're not sure you meet the entry requirements, or need some help to get uni-ready, then we offer this course with a foundation year to bring you up to speed. When you successfully finish, you'll get a guaranteed place on this course.

Explore BA (Hons) Economics and Management with Foundation Year

Ideal skills and qualities for this course

There is less emphasis on maths in this course than in our other economics courses, but we're still looking for good literacy and good numeracy skills.

Students who get the most from this course are those who have an interest in understanding economic decision making within the broader context of a business or organisation. We're looking for an interest in business and management, so we'd encourage you to read the business sections of a quality newspaper and get some work experience (of any kind).

Careers and opportunities

When you finish this degree you'll be highly employable. You'll understand how all parts of a business connect and how financial data and decisions influence success and failure. You can apply these skills to any business sector that you're interested in. These skills are valuable in a number of business sectors.

Graduates of this course have gone on to jobs as:

  • Commercial analyst
  • Product manager
  • Claims handler
  • Sales consultant
  • Financial analyst
  • Account manager
  • Trader in financial assets
  • Purchasing and acquisitions officer

Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:

  • National Grid
  • Cummins (power solutions)
  • Prospect Legal
  • H & M
  • Toyota
  • Total Gas and Power
  • Majestic Wine

You could also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level, or set up your own business with help and support from the University.

Female student at computer

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Work placement year

You can boost your employability by taking an optional paid placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree, or after year 3.

Previous students have had placements in organisations such as:

  • Microsoft
  • Metropolitan Police
  • Eaton Power Management

Economics placements

Economics students Mani, Jason and Ting-yi tell of their experiences doing work placements at Microsoft, ONS and HM Treasury.

Adam: I think it's really important for students to be really immersed and engaged in the real business environment. One of the most exciting opportunities is taking an industrial placement.

Mani: I relied on the placement office massively. They were so helpful, such as reviewing my CV before I was applying, they ran mock assessment centres and interviews and I went to them, which I found so beneficial.

Jason: The responsibility was pretty big right from the beginning.

Mani: At Microsoft, they encourage you to join extracurricular stuff going on. I joined the Social Impact team, where I had the opportunity to lead and create events.

Jason: One the first things I did was coordinating big bank meetings for the Business Department.

Ting-yi: I wrote a report which is called Changes in the Economy since the 1970s. It got published on the website.

Jason: At the end of the placement, I managed to oversee the entire thing, working with the Chancellor’s office. You get a lot to do.

Adam: That year long experience really does something to a student. They are a true economist.

Mani: We are really encouraged to do placements, which I had a great time doing so I definitely recommend it.

The average salary for a 12-month paid placement is £19,800 for students in the Faculty of Business and Law. It could be more or less than this amount depending on your placement. You'll only pay a very small percentage of your tuition fee for this year.

You could also set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.

Ways to enrich your study

Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme (EiR)

Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme (EiR)

We have over 20 experienced business entrepreneurs on our free EiR programme who can help you develop your business idea.

"I have a business idea, but I was not too sure about it. After this meeting, I felt so encouraged and positive about it! I felt so motivated to pursue my business venture. He gave me real life advice and helped me how to approach my ideas."

Rabab El Habchi Mahir meeting EiR Mark Smith

Prague cityscape

Study abroad year

Between your second and third year, you can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, Australia or North America. All classes are delivered in English and you'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a government travel grant.

 

"Students that go abroad are more likely to obtain first-class honours [and] more likely to be in graduate employment than their non-mobile peers."

 

Universities UK International: 'Gone International, Rising Aspirations', 2019

I loved economics at A Level. It is such an interesting subject but I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do in my career. The BA Economics and Management option allowed me to explore this.

Sham Ganatra, BA (Hons) Economics and Management

Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.

What you'll study

Foundation year

If you're not sure you meet the entry requirements, or need some help to get uni-ready, then we offer this course with a foundation year to bring you up to speed.

  • You'll study on the University of Portsmouth campus with access to all facilities, support and societies
  • When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on BA (Hons) International Development
  • Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move on to your degree ready for success
  • Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's degree at university

Explore BA (Hons) Economics and Management with Foundation Year

Core modules

Apply accounting theory to real-world practice as you learn to prepare, analyse and apply financial statements for planning, control and reporting. With lectures and assessments that focus on interpreting data, you’ll cement your understanding of budgeting, cost behaviors and performance measurement so that you finish this module ready to provide evidence-based guidance to organisations.

By exploring key concepts, principles and decision frameworks, you'll understand the vital role of operations management across all aspects of business — including process design, capacity planning, supply chain optimisation, lean methodology, quality control, and project execution. When you finish this module you'll have the expertise to optimise workflows, resources, technologies and partnerships, and be ready to drive operational excellence, performance improvement, and sustainability within business

Material introduced in the lectures will be supported by additional resources delivered via Moodle. A weekly seminar offers opportunities for problem-based learning, designed to reinforce the principal themes introduced in lectures and expand upon the use of economic theory to evaluate a range of relevant and contemporary issues. The assessment for the module consists of a portfolio of eight online quizzes and a 1500-word written coursework assignment.

Discover topics including data mining, statistical modelling, data cleaning and decision-focused visualisations. This foundational module develops the skills you need to draw and communicate insights from data. When you finish this module you’ll be fully equipped to identify and use data patterns to drive results.

This module is twinned with Issues in Finance and Banking and the two should be maintained and updated together.

Core modules

Discover corporate financial management as you analyse real-life financial issues to refine your career skills. By blending authentic case studies with workshop activities focused on real companies, you’ll evaluate data, identify issues and improve decision quality. With regular feedback, you’ll bridge the gap between theory and practice. You'll explore how digital transformation and new technologies are changing finance in business, so that you graduate ready to excel as an agile financial manager

This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment: - Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries. - Be able to synthesise new and existing knowledge to generate ideas and develop creative solutions of benefit to the economy and society. - Be informed citizens, with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to ethical practice and social justice issues, such as equality, respect and sustainability.

This module addresses the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment: Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries; Be able to synthesise new and existing knowledge to generate ideas and develop creative solutions of benefit to the economy and society; Be able to locate, access and critically engage with information, using current and emerging digital technologies; Be able to communicate clearly and effectively, in a range of forms and to different audiences.

You'll develop a robust understanding of the key principles and theories in managerial economics, including the tools you need to make decisions under uncertainty. You'll explore public policy around private organizations, helping you grasp real-world applications. By reviewing academic literature, you'll make your own policy recommendations and compare theories managers use when making choices. And through assessment and discussion, you'll interpret the effectiveness of these theories in an international business setting. You'll learn trending tools such as network analysis tools and finish this module well-trained in highly-relevant policy tools.

Optional modules

The module provides opportunities for students during practical sessions to develop their own views and reasoned arguments for overcoming developmental problems.

Specifically, the module aims to:

  • Develop an understanding of current issues in global development
  • Develop an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of traditional approaches to economic development and critically assess the alternatives by assessing the role of traditional development paths e.g. agriculture vs. non-traditional interventions e.g. fisheries in the global development
  • Understand how factors including education, health, inequality, access to finance, trade, climate change impact economic development
  • Assess the role of institutions and development regimes in economic development by exploring, for example, the role of government, NGOs and markets on economic growth
  • Use economic tools to understand and analyse development problems in low income developing countries

You'll examine entrepreneurship as independent business creation as well as the formation of corporate and social enterprises. You’ll explore the evolving issues that shape startup theory and practice today. And with an emphasis on critical thinking, you’ll learn to draw conclusions aligned to current trends as you prepare for further self-directed study in this field.

You’ll analyse how organisational purpose connects with strategy, governance and outcomes, and explore ways to consider stakeholder needs alongside profit. Evaluating concepts like corporate social responsibility and circular economics, you’ll recommend how leaders can account for community and environmental issues. By using real modern cases, you'll assess business models and strengthen critical faculties to balance complex imperatives. By the end of this module you’ll be ready to champion organisational development in an ethical, responsible and sustainable manner.

In more applicative detail, the module will also explore altruism as a force for good in its manifestation as not-for-profit and charitable organisations.

You'll analyse real case studies and interpret information with supply chain risk frameworks to evaluate prevention strategies. Working individually and in groups, you'll define risk categories and explore core principles for building resilience. By compiling data on recent risk events, you'll be in a position to comment critically on supply chain practices. You'll enhance your communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills — preparing you to lead efforts in responsible, transparent procurement.

Students will also learn basic experimental techniques commonly applied in behavioural economics. The lectures will cover behavioural topics as well as the basics of experimental research. In the seminars we will further discuss topics from the lecture and demonstrate research techniques with immersive experiments. Students will develop a research project, and present their design in class.

This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment:

  •  Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries

You'll explore the major factors, issues and forces that shape trade and operations across borders. Using current affairs coverage, you'll participate in discussions to demonstrate your appreciation for the socioeconomic, cultural and institutional contexts that impact the international marketplace. By the end of this module you'll have a crucial perspective on how global businesses navigate complex realities while sustaining success, so that you're ready to enter today's international firms.

This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment: - Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries.

Discover another culture as you grow your subject knowledge or refine your foreign language skills at one of our partner universities. You'll enhance your worldliness, self-awareness and cross-cultural communication abilities as you build your international network and meet people from across the world. At the end of the module you’ll evaluate your development and return to Portsmouth prepared to use your new cultural awareness and maturity to thrive in globalised workplaces.

Core modules

In this module, students will be encouraged to think like strategy practitioners in today's real life international environment. Consequently, they will develop the skills and competencies needed to be a good strategist, including the ability to diagnose strategic issues, analyse the industry a company is competing in as well as a firm's capabilities, and synthesizing ideas into creative strategy insights, strategic issue selling, and reflecting upon their practice as strategists. That reflection will involve critically examining the wider strategy-as-practice literature in terms of the insights it provides for the development of strategy. Students will also develop an appreciation of the global and international context within which strategists operate and the ethical nature of strategic decision making.

Students will develop an understanding of public policy towards private firms and organisations as well as a critical awareness of the main economics instruments used for competition policy.

Optional modules

As well as developing graduate skills in critical analysis and research design, students will also develop practical skills as the techniques employed to complete the project are used by economic consultants and the Government Economics Service.

This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment: - Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries. - Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries. - Be informed citizens, with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to ethical practice and social justice issues, such as equality, respect and sustainability. - Be able to work in a range of environments, responding positively to new situations by being aware, flexible, adaptable and realistic in their expectations. The research undertaken as part of the dissertation unit must comply with the university¿s ethical guidelines. Any project without a completed and signed ethics form on the day of the submission deadline for the final report will be marked as a fail

The topics covered in the workshops range from basic investment concepts and financial analysis to application of different investment strategies. The workshops will be held in both computer labs and classrooms. These sessions will help the students understand the financial environment through practical use of financial databases whereas the classroom based workshops will be given tasks and presented information on analysing companies financial performance and positions.

Guided by experts, you'll outline aims, critically appraising literature to position your contribution. Then, through rigourous analysis, you'll draw meaningful conclusions and make recommendations for the future. Developing your skills as an agile, solutions-focused professional, you'll refine project management, research and communications capabilities essential in any career. Ultimately, you'll produce a compelling showcase piece - evidencing your ability to drive progress through independent enquiry.

The assessment includes a presentation, an individual report and 90 minute exam.

Completion of this module will allow students to reach an informed opinion on the basis of the empirical findings of their independent business research.

Crime is approached as a social phenomenon and studied through economics methodologies and concepts. Security is approached as a phenomenon in international relations, leading to conflict and war, and including terrorism, geopolitical issues, arms, defence spending. Security issues are examined via economics methodologies and theories.

By completing this module, students will learn to outline the difficulties and opportunities of financial risk management and banking on an international scale, as well as investigating comparative institutional and policy approaches to the regulation of international banking and financial markets.

You'll explore configuration considerations, relationship dynamics and ethical imperatives to discover how aligned flows of information, goods and finances enable organisational success. By evaluating real chains that span multiple geographies, you'll assess decision trade-offs to boost productivity, agility and sustainability. You'll finish this module ready to lead enterprises to new heights and lead on value creation.

Selected topics will focus on core foundations and to topical phenomenon of current times and issues.

In doing so, students will develop analytical skills in the application of theory and empirical research to financial management. This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate, through learning and assessment: - Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries. - Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries. - Be able to locate, access and critically engage with information, using current and emerging digital technologies. - Have an enterprising spirit, bringing innovation and productivity to the groups and communities to which they belong.

The Module makes use of case examples to review applicable theory and frameworks to illustrate the combined roles of Continuous Improvement (CI), Organisational Learning (OL), Change Management, and the importance of a Creative Environment (CE) as a springboard for innovation. This module will develop your knowledge and understanding in the application of ideas, methodologies, processes, and techniques for improving and sustaining organisational performance. The module emphasises the operationalising of business and functional strategy and focuses on how to facilitate and sustain successful change. The module evaluates the cultural, behavioural and human elements, and considers the role people have in leading and being part of successful and sustainable improvement.

It aims to stimulate critical engagement with competing theories in traditional and contemporary areas of leadership, whilst exploring practical applications of leadership theories. Moreover, it will facilitate the development of a personal leader/leadership profile and development plan. Not only will this module develop subject specific knowledge and understanding, it will also enhance important graduate skills including: communication, critical analysis, decision making, independent research, reflective learning, and self-awareness.

The module takes an applied approach, focussing on contemporary issues within the sports industry through the lens of economics, finance and governance. Topics covered include: Competitive balance in sporting contests, demand for live events, cross subsidisation between leagues, match outcome forecasting, financial sustainability, return on investment, streams of income, corruption, and governance.

It will examine energy-environment interactions and highlight the role energy plays in ensuring sustainable development. The module introduces key economic concepts used to analyse energy-environment interactions, analyses policy challenges and alternative measures that have been used ti address these issues.

Use flexible project management tools that meet industry standards, and learn to differentiate between transformative initiatives and business-as-usual processes. By evaluating real-world cases, you’ll analyse the contextual factors and stakeholder dynamics that position certain projects as strategic investments. With an outcome-oriented mindset, you’ll appreciate how disciplined planning, communication and risk mitigation leads teams to mobilise resources for impactful delivery. This module equips you with a versatile project management toolkit and a strategic perspective that is highly valued across sectors.

It explores the responsibilities and boundaries of businesses in a range of contemporary environmental and social issues and in the context of differing ethical frameworks. In this module we will also investigate how areas ranging from business ethics, law, politics, economics, strategy and management affect our understanding and practice related to responsible and sustainable business. Topics addressed in this module include, but will not be restricted to: foundation in business ethics, stakeholder theory, definitions and conceptions and practical applications of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability.

You'll spend your working industry, with support from our Placement Office.

You'll complete a placement portfolio for the duration of the placement, which will outline your key learning activities, and attend a Placement Student Day at the University to discuss your placement experience with the Placement Officer or your course leader.

When you successfully complete your placement it will be recognised in your degree transcript of achievement, and your degree certificate will state `in the sandwich mode'.

You may also choose to receive a Certificate of Professional Practice from the Faculty of Business and Law.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Alternative economic courses

Not quite sure this course is right for you? Take a look at our other economics courses to compare you options.

If you'd like to know more about the banking sector or want to bring more money-savvy knowledge to your business career, take a look at our Economics Finance and Banking degree.

If you want to build a solid foundation on your way to becoming a professional economist by studying economic theory and practicing to an advanced level, take a look at our Economics degree.

Your facilities

Student monitoring data on Bloomberg suite software

Bloomberg Suite

Access data from the world's global financial markets and gain experience using industry standard software.

Discover our Bloomberg Suite

12/05/2021.University of Portsmouth - B Roll - Day One..All Rights Reserved - Helen Yates- T: +44 (0)7790805960.Local copyright law applies to all print & online usage. Fees charged will comply with standard space rates and usage for that country, region or state.

TEAL room

Our technology enhanced active learning space promotes social learning.

Discover our TEAL learning space

Business Simulation Suite

Business Suite

Experience the boardroom in our replica business suite.

Discover our Business Simulation Suite

Teaching

We listened to our students when they told us that they wanted to keep some of the positive changes we've made to teaching and learning, so we're keeping a blended teaching model with some online learning. Around 20% of your timetabled teaching will be online.

The majority of your learning will be face-to-face and will include:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • workshops
  • tutorials
  • practical sessions

In this course there's an emphasis on using the latest software and tech to support your learning and develop your practical knowledge.

We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. You'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.

Assessment

Your assessment will depend on which modules you take. The majority of assessment is through coursework, but assessment methods are likely to include:

  • analysis of topical case studies
  • written reports
  • essays
  • presentations
  • self-led independent study project

Teaching staff profiles

These are some of the expert staff who’ll teach you on this degree course.

Dr Adam Cox

I lead engagement with local authorities and businesses to develop ways of using economics to solve business and public policy problems. My involvement with shaping public policy stretches to Europe, where I'm helping to shape communications between EU policy makers and EU citizens.

I'm also particularly interested in corruption within sports organisations and the environmental impact of domestic and international tourism.

Read my full profile

Dr Wolfgang Lohan

I'm the research lead for the University's Economics and Finance subject group. My main area of research is behavioural economics. I'm interested in people's behaviour, what factors influence their decisions, and why the standard economic model is mostly wrong.

I'm particularly interested in how people behave when bargaining or making decisions for other people.

Read my full profile

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for this degree.

Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:

  • timetabled teaching activities (lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 13 hours a week
  • independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 22 hours a week

You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting you

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.

As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.

In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.

The Maths Cafe offers free advice and help with maths skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop, or use our online resources.

You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.

They can help with:

  • academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
  • reflective writing skills
  • critical thinking skills
  • delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques

If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.

During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.

Support is available for skills including:

  • University study
  • Getting into the right study mindset
  • Note-taking and note-making skills
  • Referencing
  • Presentation skills
  • Time management, planning, and goal setting
  • Critical thinking
  • Avoiding plagiarism

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,535 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)

You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Additional costs

Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

 

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

You’ll need to cover additional costs, such as travel costs, if you take an optional placement or placement abroad.

These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement, and can range from £50–£1000.

During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, tuition fees for that year are:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.

Apply

Ready to apply?

To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – L1N1
  • our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

 

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Looking for this course with a foundation year?

Take a look at BA (Hons) Economics and Management with Foundation Year

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things. 

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.