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Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Full-time study – 3 years
Part-time study – 6 years
Time limit – 16 years
See How long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements
Ask a question

BA (Honours) Economics

Course code: R30

Economic considerations play a crucial role in shaping our personal lives and influencing social and political issues, from government policies and business decisions to international trade and climate change. By studying this degree, you’ll build a solid foundation in economic concepts, theories, and techniques that will help you understand real-world challenges and make more informed choices in your own life. You’ll learn to use statistical methods and software to analyse economic data, construct well-rounded economic arguments, and develop critical thinking and analytical skills. With opportunities to specialise in an area of economics and undertake a project on a topic of your choice, you’ll gain highly sought-after skills valued by employers.

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  • Apply macroeconomic and microeconomic theories to analyse key real-world issues, such as employment, markets, finance, emerging technology and government policy.
  • Engage with econometrics, using statistical methods and specialised software to tackle real economic challenges.
  • Develop analytical, research, numeracy and data analysis skills that make you an attractive candidate for employers.
  • Complete an economic research project on a topic of your own choice, showcasing your expertise and interests.

We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Economics (W71) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree and a Diploma in Economics (V13) that uses two modules from OU levels 2 and 3.

Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Full-time study – 3 years
Part-time study – 6 years
Time limit – 16 years
See How long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This economics degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits of compulsory modules.

  • Stage 1 will give you the necessary grounding in economics, personal finance, statistics and mathematics.
  • Next, in Stage 2, you'll cover the core economic theories and methods that have a variety of applications.
  • Stage 3 completes your degree as you learn about economic theories and techniques in more depth before carrying out a small research project.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module. See Entry requirements for more details.

Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

At Stage 1, you’ll be introduced to economic, mathematical and statistical methods and theories that will provide a solid grounding for study at Stage 2. Various approaches to economics will be taught in a historical context and with a specific focus on managing your personal finances.

Stage 1 modules
ModulesCredits
You'll study the following:
You and your money (DB125)30
Economics in context (DD126)30
Discovering mathematics (MU123)30
Introducing statistics (M140)30

Stage 2 (120 credits)

At Stage 2, you'll explore contemporary economic issues using microeconomic and macroeconomic theories, apply statistical concepts to a variety of situations using specialised software, and learn more about the application of economics to financial issues.

Stage 2 modules
ModulesCredits
You'll study the following:
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)60
Analysing data (M248)30
Economics in practice (DD226)30

Stage 3 (120 credits)

At Stage 3, you'll study more core economics theory and techniques. You'll also learn more about econometrics and the application of advanced statistical techniques to analysing economic data. You'll be able to specialise in an area of economics of your own choice and carry out a small research project.

Stage 3 modules
ModulesCredits
You'll study the following:
Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment (DD320)60
Economics for a changing world (DD321)30
Applied statistical modelling (M348)30

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll need to start your degree in October.

Don't worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your money (DB125)30
Economics in context (DD126)30
Discovering mathematics (MU123)30
Introducing statistics (M140)30
Stage 2 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)60
Analysing data (M248)30
Economics in practice (DD226)30
Stage 3 | Year 3
You'll study the following:
Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment (DD320)60
Economics for a changing world (DD321)30
Applied statistical modelling (M348)30

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That's one 60-credit module or two 30-credit modules each year.

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your money (DB125)30
Economics in context (DD126)30
Stage 1 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
Discovering mathematics (MU123)30
Introducing statistics (M140)30
Stage 2 | Year 3
You'll study the following:
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)60
Stage 2 | Year 4
You'll study the following:
Analysing data (M248)30
Economics in practice (DD226)30
Stage 3 | Year 5
You'll study the following:
Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment (DD320)60
Stage 3 | Year 6
You'll complete your degree with the following:
Economics for a changing world (DD321)30
Applied statistical modelling (M348)30

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BA (Honours) Economics uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

  • Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
  • Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
  • Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
  • Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
  • Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
  • Finding external/third-party material online
  • Accessing online catalogues and databases
  • Specialist software, such as to analyse economic data
  • Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
  • Online tutorials
  • Group-work

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some study at another university, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study.

Due to the availability of the new modules in each stage, the study intensity may be affected if you are looking to count your prior learning. If you are unsure of the potential impact for you, we recommend that you contact us about credit transfer.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. Just tell us what you studied, where and when, and we’ll compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen course.

For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BA (Honours) Economics.

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website. 

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

It is important that you are well prepared to study mathematics at this level. So, before you register for this qualification, it is essential to check that you have the appropriate mathematical skills to study Discovering mathematics (MU123).

Take a look at our Maths Help study resources to brush up your mathematical skills in preparation for our self-assessed quiz. If you can answer most of the questions, or could do them with a quick reminder (because the topic is familiar to you but you can’t quite remember the details), then you are ready.

If you'd like some advice and guidance about your ability to study this qualification, please talk to an advisor.

How much time do I need?

  • Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
  • This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

  • feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
  • support from a dedicated team throughout your study
  • detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University; you'll get to cover a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, childhood and youth studies, health and social care, wellbeing, sport, education and social sciences.

View full details of Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

Fees and funding in England

85% of our students pay nothing upfront by financing their studies with a student loan.

In this section:
Tuition fee
What are my funding options?
Other costs to think about
Additional support

Tuition fee

BA (Honours) Economics

Years of  study

3 years 6 years

Current fee per year in England

£7,784* £3,892*

How we worked out the cost

A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years. A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 120 credits per year for 3 years.

Total fee for qualification at current prices

£23,352*

You’ll fund your modules as you study them – you won’t have to pay for your whole qualification up front

That’s 18% less than the cost of an equivalent qualification offered at most other universities in England.

See comparison table

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.

What are my funding options?

There are several ways to fund your study, often without paying anything upfront.

Student loan

The most common way for our students to fund their study

  • A student loan is used by 85% of our students.
  • It’s not means-tested and there’s no age limit.
  • You don’t pay anything upfront. Student Finance England pay your fees directly to the OU for you.
  • You won’t pay back a penny until you earn over £25,000.
  • The amount you repay is tied to how much you earn. For example, if you earn £27,000 you’ll pay just £15.00 per month.

Other options

Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA)

Repay in monthly instalments while you study.

Credit/debit card or bank transfer

Pay before each module starts. You can also combine card or bank transfer payments with other payment methods.

Employer sponsorship

More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.

Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs)

If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.

Which funding options could I be eligible for?


Other costs to think about

Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. If your income is less than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you could get help with some of these costs after you start studying.

  • You’ll need a computer and the internet to access our learning resources and to participate in online tutorials.

Additional support

You may be eligible for:

  • help with study-related costs like set books and internet access
  • a free introductory Access module to build your confidence and skills
  • funding to study an OU qualification for free from our Carers’ Scholarships Fund if you are, or have recently been, an unpaid carer
  • a Care Experienced Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you're care experienced and aged 25 and under
  • a Sanctuary Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you’ve been displaced from your homeland for political, economic, ethnic, environmental, or human rights pressures
  • funding from our Scholarship for Black Students to study an OU qualification for free if you identify as being from a Black background

If you have a disability

  • The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government grant to cover study support costs if you have a disability. It’s not means-tested, and there’s no age limit. Visit our Supporting students with disabilities page to find out more.
  • If your disability is a result of being injured in, or due to, military service, you could be eligible for our Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund.

Need more information?

Talk through your funding options with one of our advisors

Contact us

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

  • a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
  • course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
  • module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
  • details of each assignment and their due dates
  • a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
  • online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

See how our module websites work.

Tutor support

Student, Joe, talks about balancing working at the NHS and studying with the OU and how he has the best of both worlds.

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

  • mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
  • guide you to learning resources
  • support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

  • Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

  • You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
  • They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
  • Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

  • The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
  • Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

  • Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
  • You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
  • Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
  • If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.

Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

  • our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
  • other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
  • the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
  • free Microsoft Office 365 software
  • IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Having a course that was really varied and studying in a style that worked for Nick, was key to him launching his own business and becoming an entrepreneur.

Skills for career development

This degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills in economics and statistics needed for a range of jobs. You’ll learn how to use statistical methods and software to analyse economic data; how to construct economic arguments using concepts, theories, models and evidence; how to think analytically and critically; how to work collaboratively; and how to carry out independent research. These highly transferable skills are in great demand in the workplace, and are relevant to a great variety of situations – whether you’re already working, volunteering or changing career.

Career relevance

Economics graduates are in demand and usually work in well paid and attractive jobs. They successfully apply their knowledge and skills in many different jobs in government, business, accountancy, banking, economics, data analysis, financial analysis, insurance, management and administration, consultancy, the voluntary sector and teaching.

Other careers

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

  • economist 
  • statistician
  • data analyst
  • manager
  • accountant
  • financial analyst
  • stockbroker
  • investment analyst 
  • marketing manager
  • researcher
  • management consultant
  • banker
  • lecturer
  • teacher.

You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.

3-year degree

You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.

  • You'll study 120 credits a year.
  • You'll need 32–36 study hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, take a look at our 3-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

6-year degree

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.

  • You'll study 60 credits a year.
  • You'll need 16–18 study hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, take a look at our 6-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

Register for this course

Start dates
Credit transfer: apply by 14/08/2025
Credit transfer: apply by 04/12/2025

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