COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc Business Economics programme at the University of Reading is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory alongside specialised knowledge of business-related economic analysis. In the first year, students study Introductory Microeconomics and Introductory Macroeconomics, which build an understanding of core economic principles, market behaviour, government intervention, and macroeconomic issues such as inflation, unemployment, and growth. These are complemented by Applied Economics and Policy, Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis, Mathematical Methods for Economists, and Core Competencies in Economics, which together develop analytical, mathematical, and academic skills needed for advanced economic study. In the second year, students progress to more rigorous modules in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, where economic theory is formalised using mathematical and graphical methods to analyse decision-making, markets, and national economic performance. They also study Business Economics, which introduces topics such as entrepreneurship, small firms, international business, and theories of the firm, alongside Introductory Econometrics, which develops skills in interpreting and applying statistical methods to economic data. In later stages, students further explore areas such as Industrial Organisation, focusing on firm behaviour, competition, pricing strategies, and market structures. Overall, the programme blends theoretical economics with applied business insight, equipping graduates with strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills for careers in business, finance, consultancy, and economic policy.