Overview
Want to build a successful career in economics and finance? In our modern society computing and programming skills have become essential for economists. Our BSc Economics with Computing course allows you to build a comprehensive knowledge of economics whilst developing relevant computing and programming skills. Through exploring these two subject areas you apply your computing skills to the real world economic and financial problems and perform complex analysis on individuals’ economic behaviour.
Economics at Essex is not only about stocks, shares and financial markets; it is concerned with the material wellbeing of human societies. Our course gives a thorough introduction to all aspects of economics, including micro and macro-economics, whilst also introducing you to programming languages and algorithms.
You’re supported by both our Department of Economics and School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, and will explore a wide range of topics from both subject areas, including:
- Mathematical methods for solving economic and financial problems
- Object-oriented programming using java
- Commonly used algorithms
- How to apply macro-economic analysis to macro-policy issuesOur Department of Economics is ranked top 5 in the UK for research excellence, with over 90% of our research rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2014). You also study within our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering who play a leading role in technological research and development.Your education is inspired and informed by our pioneering research, so that you graduate with a strong training in economics and computing skills.
Why we’re great
- You gain a solid understanding in both economics and computing, which is a combination highly valued by employers
- Our students are extremely happy – we receive consistently high student satisfaction scores
- We’re home to many of the world’s top scientists and researchers in their field
Structure
Study abroad
Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities.
Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.
If you spend a full year abroad you’ll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won’t pay any tuition fees to your host university
Placement year
Alternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement year with an external organisation, where you learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways. You will be responsible for finding your placement, but with support and guidance provided by both your department and our Employability and Careers Centre.
If you complete a placement year you’ll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.
Our expert staff
Study and work alongside some of the most prominent economists and computer scientists of our time. Our economics researchers are at the forefront of their field and have even received MBEs, with students coming from across the globe to study, research or work with us. Our Department of Economics is a richly diverse home to staff and students from all over the world who have a strong sense of belonging and want to think, learn and change the world together.
Many of our researchers also provide consultancy services to businesses in London and other major financial centres, helping us to develop research for today’s society as well as informing our teaching for the future.
Specialist facilities
Take advantage of our extensive learning resources to assist you in your studies.
Our facilities and tools include:
- Extensive software for quantitative analysis, which is available in all computer labs across the University
- Access a variety of economics databases as well as multiple copies of textbooks and e-books in our Albert Sloman Library
- We have six laboratories that are exclusively for computer science and electronic engineering students. Three are open 24/7, and you have free access to the labs except when there is a scheduled practical class in progress
- All computers are dual boot Windows 10 and Linux. Apple Mac computers are dual boot MacOS and Windows 10
- Software includes Java, Prolog, C++, Perl, Mysql, Matlab, DB2, Microsoft Office, Visual Studio, and Project
Your future
Many employers want economists with computing skills who can tackle large data sets and real- world problems. Our course helps you to become more employable and takes you closer to that dream job or postgraduate study when you graduate.
Our students are in demand from a wide range of employers in a host of occupations, including financial analysis, management, public administration and accountancy.
Our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:
- Bank of England
- Barclays Capital
- Citigroup
- Deloitte
- Ernst and Young
- Morgan Stanley
- Bank of New York
- Santander
We also work with the University’s Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
