The autumn semester lays the foundation for everything that follows. You’ll take compulsory modules in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and mathematics and statistics for economists, learning the fundamental models economists use to analyse markets and the national economy, along with the mathematical tools to quantify and evaluate their predictions. The spring semester provides opportunities to apply what you have learned through an economics project, Cardiff Business School’s Public Value mission, grand challenges facing society, and economic history that gives perspective on major events shaping the modern economy.

Core modules for year one

You’ll take six double-semester modules in your second year, continuing core micro- and macroeconomics with the mathematical tools from first year to make your analysis more precise. You’ll be exposed to econometrics, which identifies statistical patterns in economic data whilst accounting for interrelatedness and inaccuracies, and develop understanding of policy across areas related to the economy and how economists evaluate efficacy in practice. You’ll also choose two applied optional modules as you start to focus on fields within economics useful for your future career.

Core modules for year two

By your final year, you’ll have developed the core technical skills of a graduate economist. Your focus shifts to how economics is applied across a wide range of fields, with all modules optional so you can tailor your studies to your interests and career plans. Stress is placed on how each field influences policy development and on evaluating competing models and theories, highlighting the importance of empirical work. You may also undertake advanced studies in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, designed for those seeking postgraduate study or a deeper understanding of cutting-edge research techniques.