Undergraduate study

The Department of Economics is dedicated to providing you with the very best learning experience. We make your academic success our priority. Here's how:

Your course structure, module choice and teaching time:

Your course structure and teaching hours will vary depending on your chosen degree and modules.

• Each module includes 2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of class time per week.
• Your lectures will cover the main content and topics related to your chosen degree.
• Your classes will include more in-depth discussion of material from your lectures, reading and problem sets.
• You can access your module material online and your reading material via the library.
• Your module teaching staff are available for extra academic support in person, and via email.

All teaching typically takes place between 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Personal tutor support:

Get one-to-one support with a personal tutor. Your dedicated personal tutor will provide support throughout your studies. You can meet in-person or online, individually or in a group, to discuss your progress and goals.

Academic support hours:

Extra teaching time when you need it most. Our module lecturers and class teachers offer additional support to help you achieve your best. You can access extra support via email and in person throughout your studies.

Peer Mentorship:

Connect with a peer mentor. Our programme pairs you with experienced students who can offer advice and support. As you progress in your studies you can become a mentor and give back to the community.

Exclusive library resources for students of economics:

Get bespoke materials for economics students. You’ll find a host of resources to support economics undergraduate study in the Albert Sloman Library at the University of Essex. These include:

• A dedicated economics Liaison Librarian to help you locate and access relevant reading material
• Curated subject guides, reading lists, eResources and databases, special collections, and a laptop loan scheme
  
  

Wider University support for your studies:

Develop a broader academic skill set. Our Skills for Success team offer a range of resources, from writing workshops to language support. Get the help you need to excel beyond your area of expertise.

Comprehensive career modules:

Practical career coaching to help you get ahead. Our intensive careers module will equip you with the practical skills needed for success. This compulsory 3 year module will give you invaluable experience in career planning, job searching, and interviewing.

Career workshops:

Actionable tips from leading economists and employers. We host regular workshops with experienced economists and employers to keep you informed of the latest trends and career opportunities. You will hear from hiring decision makers and discover top tips to help you excel at interview stage and beyond.

Industry speaker events: 

Insightful lessons from industry experts. We regularly invite industry professionals from a wide range of companies and sectors. You will have the chance to network with top industry performers and discover how they achieved success.

Previous speakers have included experts from:

• The Home Office
• KPMG
• Deloitte
• Barclays
• Ford Motor Group
• Bank of England

Placements and internships:

Invaluable workplace experience for your CV. We will help you to secure a work placement during your studies. You will work with the University's dedicated placements team to find an opportunity and make your application. The Department will provide you with ongoing support during your placement.

Previous undergraduates in the Department have completed placements in a range of settings, including:

• Investment banks including Barclays, Lloyds, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley
• Technology companies including Google and Samsung
• Public sector organisations including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Bank of England, the Government Economic Service, and the Office for National Statistics

Paid employment opportunities:

Earn whilst you learn with paid jobs on campus. The University offers a range of paid employment opportunities that provide valuable work experience and income during your studies. You will receive formal recognition of your employment to build your CV, and showcase your experience to future employers.

Support for entrepreneurship:

Launch your business with Essex Startups. The University of Essex supports aspiring student entrepreneurs through Essex Startups. Access funding opportunities, receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and join a vibrant community of innovators. Let us help you turn your ideas into reality.

University career support for life:

Lifelong career support for students and graduates of Essex. The University of Essex offers a dedicated Careers Service to support you throughout your studies and beyond. From creating a CV to perfecting your LinkedIn profile, our expert team provides lifelong guidance and support for all Essex graduates.

Where cutting-edge research meets real-world impact. The Department of Economics at the University of Essex boasts a distinguished history. Home to two Nobel prize winners, business leaders, political figures, and high-profile economists. Today we continue to influence economic policy and research at an international level. 

Our work has informed governments, public policymakers, central bankers, non-government organisations, think tanks, and private ventures on issues such as:

• Advising policy makers on the impact of COVID-19 on unemployment and earnings inequalities
• Shaping the European Union's revised framework for regulating technology transfer within and outside the EU
• Documenting gender bias in teaching evaluations, which led to a change in teaching evaluation practices in higher education across Europe, Canada and the United States

Our staff are often featured in high-profile media outlets, including:

• The Economist
• The New York Times
• The Wall Street Journal
• The BBC
• The Guardian
• Financial Times
• Bloomberg
• The Atlantic

Our widespread and real-world expertise ensures we infuse your education with the latest research at every level.

Learn to trade with the Essex Equity Fund:

Learn how to trade, without losing a penny. The Essex Equity Fund will teach you how to trade with real money - and even give you the cash to do it.

The Essex Equity Fund will provide you with:

• Practical asset management experience
• Specialist financial career mentorship
• Investment coaching from expert investors

Get hands on experience of the stock market and develop the practical skills you need for a successful career in finance with this student-led learning initiative.

Study Abroad:

Expand your horizons and study abroad. Experience life in a different culture with our Study Abroad programme. Spend a year studying in an overseas university and gain invaluable global experience. Previous students have studied in Japan, Australia, Canada, China, America, and many more Universities across the world.

The Economics Society:

Connect with economics enthusiasts. Explore your passions, and develop valuable skills in a student-led society. With over 120 student societies and clubs to choose from, including the Economics Society and Essex Trading and Finance Society, you'll be able to connect with like-minded peers in no time.

High-profile economics events and socials:

Network with peers and industry professionals. The Department of Economics hosts a busy calendar of events for students, staff and experts. From networking dinners to thought-provoking lectures, you will have plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge and build your network.

The Behavioural Science Laboratory:

Want to know how people make decisions? Essex University is home to a dedicated behavioural science laboratory. Housed in the Department of Economics, this specialist lab is dedicated to helping you understand what motivates human behaviour. Used by students, researchers and businesses across the country, this facility can be used to conduct world-class research.

Bloomberg Terminals:

Access world-class financial insights. The University of Essex is home to a Bloomberg Trading Floor. The Bloomberg terminals are the same tool used by traders and business analysts worldwide. Practice your skills in our state-of-the-art trading room and gain a competitive edge.

UK Data Archive (UKDA):

Home to world-class data resources. The University of Essex is home to the UK's largest digital collection of social sciences and population research data. The UKDA houses a wealth of data,  resources, and opportunities, available to students and staff of Essex.

Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER):

Leading expertise in social surveys. The University of Essex houses a world-class centre for the production and analysis of social surveys. ISER advises the UK government, and policy makers across the world. They also provide outstanding postgraduate research opportunities for students at the University of Essex.

Experience vibrant campus life at the University of Essex, Colchester. Our beautiful parkland setting, modern facilities, and friendly community create the perfect environment to study, socialise, and succeed.

Discover the Colchester campus:

• Beautiful, serene, and secure: Colchester campus is nestled in 200 acres of award-winning parkland, maintained by a dedicated team to ensure your safety and well-being.
• Modern facilities, historic architecture: Benefit from state-of-the-art libraries, laboratories, lecture theatres, student accommodation, and more. Set against a backdrop of incredible Brutalist architecture.
• Vibrant community: Join a community of 15,000 students from over 130 countries. Become a member of a busy Student Union and choose from over 120 student societies and clubs.
• Comprehensive support: Access academic advice, lifetime career guidance, and excellent health and wellbeing services.

Affordable, secure, and guaranteed accommodation:

Guaranteed on-campus accommodation: First year students are guaranteed a place in our modern, comfortable halls of residence. The Accommodation Team will help you choose the right option for your budget and lifestyle. We also offer support for off-campus living and additional assistance for international students.

Proximity to Colchester City and London:

The perfect blend of urban and rural: Located near the historic city of Colchester, our campus offers the best of both worlds. Enjoy easy access to London and the vibrant city life, while experiencing the peace and quiet of our beautiful parkland campus.

Affordable living and convenient travel: We offer discounted travel options, car share schemes, on-campus parking, and cycling facilities. We make travelling to and from Essex simple, affordable, and sustainable.

A commuter friendly campus:

Not living on campus? No problem. Commuting to Essex is a great way to save money and still enjoy a fantastic university experience.

Convenient location: The University of Essex is situated in Colchester, a town with good transport links to London and other major cities.

Good public transport: There are regular bus and train services to the university, making commuting relatively easy.

Campus facilities: The university offers a range of facilities for commuting students, including parking, bike racks, lockers, and on-campus study spaces.

Support services: The university provides support services for commuting students, such as advice on travel and accommodation.