Economics at Swansea provides a number of core subjects, plus a number of specialisms or a number of specialist subjects, creating an academically rewarding educational experience that provides an excellent foundation for a broad range of careers.
Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of one of the following from Swansea University:
Foundation - One Semester
September, January, June - £12,600**
Foundation - Two Semesters
September, November*, January - £17,600**
Foundation - Three Semesters
September, January, June - £22,000**
First Year - Two Semesters
September, November*, January - £18,500**
First Year - Three Semesters
June - £22,000**
September - £19,600**
*The November entry is the same price as 2 semester September entry but is 2.5 semesters in duration.
**Fees for 2025/2026 are subject to change. See Pathway and Fees at The College Summary for more details.
If are an international student, you can apply directly to via our application portal, Study Link.
Before you submit your application, please make sure that:
Please note: If you are a citizen/permanent resident of the United Kingdom and have not lived outside of the UK for at least three years, you may not be eligible to apply via The College, Swansea University. Admissions staff will review your application and get in touch to advise you.
There are both English Language and Academic Entry Requirements for Foundation and First Year study.
You can be admitted directly to First Year if your academic qualifications do not require a Foundation stage of study. For details of the requirements for students of your country, please visit our Academic Entry Requirements page.
In addition to the above, all students will be required to demonstrate a suitable level of English language ability. Information on these requirements, and on the qualifications that we accept, can be viewed on our English language requirements page.
UK students should refer to the School of Management web pages for details of the Foundation course options available.
UK students should refer to the School of Management web pages for details of entry requirements and the application process via UCAS.
Foundations of Business and Management
Providing a broad introduction to the various aspects of business, including marketing, finance, operations, and global issues, this modules aims to give students a general understanding of how businesses operate and the different functions within a business covering subjects such as business environment, business ethics, business communication, and the basics of entrepreneurship.
Mathematics and Statistics
This module introduces foundational statistical concepts tailored to the needs of business management, accounting and finance and economics students, with a focus on their application in the business and social sciences. Real-world data sources, including those from business research, economics, and social sciences, are used to provide practical examples.
Critical Thinking
This module introduces students to critical thinking concepts, which can then be applied to the specific programme pathway students are following. Students will learn to evaluate sources and apply criteria of credibility. They will learn how to build a reasoned argument and to justify their position. This is an interactive course which encourages students to develop a critical thinking disposition and a healthy scepticism when considering sources of information.
Interactive Learning Skills and Communciation
This module introduces students to critical thinking concepts, which can then be applied to the specific programme pathway students are following. Students will learn to evaluate sources and apply criteria of credibility. They will learn how to build a reasoned argument and to justify their position. This is an interactive course which encourages students to develop a critical thinking disposition and a healthy scepticism when considering sources of information
Introduction to Economics
Providing a broad introduction to the various aspects of economics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, looking at individuals, firms, markets and the economy as a whole, this module aims to give students a general understanding of economics, the theory and application in the real-world covering subjects such as demand and supply, elasticity, economic markets, fiscal and monetary policy and economic growth.
Introduction to Accounting and Finance
This module provides a broad introduction to the various aspects of accounting and finance, including financial accounting, management accounting and corporate finance. Its aim is to provide students with an understanding of the theory and application in the real-world of various subjects such as the accounting equation, preparing financial statements, costing and analysing financial statements.
English Skills Portfolio
On completion of the English Skills Portfolio Foundation Course, students should have reached a linguistic level appropriate for academic study on their chosen degree scheme at Swansea University. The aim of English Skills Portfolio is to enable students to develop their English language level within an academic context, and to equip students with the linguistic and academic skills necessary to perform confidently within their chosen discipline, whilst simultaneously encouraging them to become effective independent learners.
Specific modules studied will vary dependent on the individual students study plan (1, 2 or 3 semesters) for more details information on the moduels that you specifically will study, please email us at the-college-enquiries@swansea.ac.uk.
Research and Study Skills (ILSC) 1
This module aims to help students to develop their academic English, communication, research, and critical reasoning skills to be successful undergraduate students. A subsidiary aim of this module is to ensure that students develop transferable skills that help them to take responsibility for their personal, academic and professional development.
Assessment: Presentation, group work, written assessments
Principles of Micro-economics
This module provides a rigorous understanding of basic micro-economic principles by combining theory and application to contemporary issues, such that students have a sound basis for progression to study economics at Level 5.
Assessment: Research assignment, examination
Mathematical Techniques for Economics
This module provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of mathematical tools used in the analysis of economic problems. The importance of these methods is demonstrated by their application to a range of traditional economic problems, for example, utility and profit maximisation.
Assessment: In-class test, examination
Accounting for Economics
Accounting is of critical importance in support of all business activities so this course is designed to introduce the basic concepts on which accounting is based, providing students with a toolkit that enables a better understanding of the performance of businesses and the decisions and problems they face.
Assessment: Mid-term test, examination
Approaches to Economic Analysis
The module outlines the principal aspects of modern economic analysis, the relationship to other approaches within science, and provides coverage of the nature and purpose of economic models, and of the distinctions to be drawn between theoretical, empirical and experimental work. The module allows students to have alternative perspectives that go beyond the mainstream ‘economic theory’.
Assessment: Group work, examination
Current Issues in Economics
As an introduction to applied economics, this module aims to show how basic economic concepts and methods can be used to provide insight and policy recommendations on a variety of topical economic issues. The module aims to complement the more technical delivery of economic theory with a broader appreciation of where economics has a role to play in explaining social outcomes.
Assessment: Group work, examination
Principles of Macro-economics
This module provides a rigorous understanding of basic macro-economic principles by combining theory and application to contemporary issues, such that students have a sound basis for progression to further study in the field of economics.
Assessment: Coursework, examination
Finance for Economics
Providing students with an understanding of structure and functions of financial systems, and introducing them to quantitative techniques used in investment and financial decision making at a basic level this model is aimed at non-specialists.
Assessment: In-class test, examination
Exploring Economic Data
The module will provide an overview of the statistical methods necessary for economic analysis, focusing specifically on the use of computer packages to conduct statistical analysis. The module aims to prepare students to undertake statistical analysis for economic purposes.
Assessment: Coursework, in-class test, examination
Depending on your chosen pathway and subject to you completing required modules, your course may have professional accreditation. For details, please visit the School of Management’s professional accreditation page. Rest assured, if accreditation is something that you wish to achieve staff can advise you on the modules that you must complete during your Bachelor's degree to obtain this.
All Foundation Year programmes will be taught on the Bay Campus. First and further years are taught on the Singleton Park Campus of Swansea University.
Recommended textbooks for this course are available in the University libraries, but you may choose to purchase personal copies. All software needed for the course is available on the University network for use within University computer rooms. Free wireless internet access is available across the whole of the University campus, including halls of residence. Personal costs such as purchase of stationery, photocopying costs, parking fees or travel between the campuses are not included in your tuition fees.
If you have any queries about this programme, please contact us at the-college-enquiries@swansea.ac.uk
