Key information
UCAS code:
L1N1, L1N5
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent
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.
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
- Opt to do a foundation year to get uni-ready ahead of this course, then take up a guaranteed place on this full Bachelor's degree when you successfully finish your foundation year
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.
No. 3
influential business school in the world
Financial Times Teaching Power Rankings 2021
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
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.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing 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.
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
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
Entry requirements (September 2025 start)
Typical offers for BA (Hons) Economics and Management
- 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 BA (Hons) Economics and Management with a Foundation Year to bring you up to speed. When you successfully finish, you'll get a guaranteed place on BA (Hons) Economics and Management.
Find out more about our foundation years
Typical offers for BA (Hons) Economics and Management with Foundation Year
- UCAS points - 32 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent. Other qualifications such as Vocational A levels (AVCE), BTECs and Access courses will also be considered (calculate your UCAS points)
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 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.
Please note this foundation course isn't currently open to EU or International students.
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.
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)
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
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.
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) Economics and Management
- 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
The module introduces candidates to the interesting challenges that ICT presents today and covers many anchor points that may serve as a bridge to their interests and lifestyles.
It also means you understand the value of scholarships, allowing you to move on to postgraduate programs at the University of Portsmouth.
You'll get the foundational knowledge and skills to get your ready to advance onto the first year of a degree at the University of Portsmouth. You'll gain an appreciation for the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage and operate a business.
These include approximation and substitution, estimation and percentages, applications of percentages in financial contexts, ratio and proportion, rules of indices, basic algebra, graphs, and quadratic equations.
Topics covered include the history and fundamental importance of economics, the demand and supply model, elasticity and its applications, different market structures such as perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and oligopoly. Additionally, you'll explore the circular flow model involving households, firms, the financial sector, governments, and the foreign sector. The module also covers concepts like the business cycle, unemployment, economic growth, inflation, and international trade.
You'll gain an appreciation for the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage and operate a business. Topics covered include core concepts in business studies, understanding the business environment, different forms of business structures, business strategy and planning, enterprise, innovation, and entrepreneurship. You'll also delve into basic financial statements, key financial ratios, costs, budgeting, an introduction to marketing concepts, and creating marketing plans.
Topics covered include an overview of accounting and financial reporting, basic numerical techniques for accounting, introduction to trading accounts and profit and loss accounts (income statements), understanding the cost of sales, balance sheets, and current assets and liabilities.
You'll recognise the legal aspects and requirements of companies, recall and define the basic principles of contract formation, and become familiar with the content of commercial and consumer contracts, including the use of exclusion clauses. The module will also enable you to define the law regarding the rights of individual employees.
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.
Core modules
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
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
Core modules
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.
Completion of this module will allow students to reach an informed opinion on the basis of the empirical findings of their independent business research.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 (September 2025 start)
- 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.
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
This course isn't currently open to EU or International students.
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
September 2025 start
To start BA (Hons) Economics and Management in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – L1N1
- our institution code – P80
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.
To start BA (Hons) Economics and Management with Foundation Year in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – L1N5
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:
Please note this foundation course isn't currently open to EU or International students.
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.
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.