Birkbeck, University of London
Economics and Social Policy with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 10 graduates of Economics and Social Policy with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) and other courses in Languages and Area Studies at Birkbeck, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Languages and Area Studies .

Overall student satisfaction
77 /100
10 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in CAH19

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Languages and Area Studies at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £33500 £18000 £27500
25-75 percentile range £24500 - £45000 £9500 - £27500 £11500 - £43000


Salary of all UK Graduates of CAH19

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25625 £23693 £27744
25-75 percentile range £22269 - £29904 £17937 - £29563 £21216 - £36573

Course Description

BSc Economics and Social Policy allows you to study a wide range of economic, social, political and geographical theories while learning how to apply them to contemporary policy issues.

This economics and social policy degree will help you to address important issues such as:

  • What explains the massive differences in prosperity across the globe, both between countries and between individuals within countries?
  • How do different economic systems affect these outcomes?
  • What is the role of government and other power structures in affecting economic and social outcomes?
  • How do political systems differ across the world?
  • What role do gender and race play in economic, political and social systems?

We will provide you with a rigorous training in economics and a broad understanding of social policy and politics. As you make progress through the course, you will be able to choose greater specialisation in economics or other disciplines as you wish.

Our students go on to build successful careers with a variety of employers in a range of sectors, including government departments, the Bank of England, UK regulatory bodies, commercial banks, local government, social services and teaching.

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Highlights

  • This BSc Economics and Social Policy offers you a well-integrated interdisciplinary core as well as the scope for you to obtain a broad and balanced perspective, specialising as you progress through your studies.
  • We have an excellent reputation for the quality of our teaching. We also provide training for diverse employers, including the Treasury and the Bank of England.
  • Like all Birkbeck programmes, all classes and lectures take place in the evening, allowing you to work or do your own thing during the day. If you have a full-time job, we strongly recommend that you take the four-year version of the programme.
  • Goldman Sachs and Birkbeck Diversity Scholarships are available for this course for students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in banking and finance, education and social services, or research and analysis. Possible professions include:

  • social research officer
  • local government officer
  • economist
  • statistician.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Economics and Social Policy with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) at Birkbeck, University of London

20% Process, plant and machine operatives
10% Engineering professionals
10% Elementary occupations
10% Engineering professionals
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Skilled trades occupations
5% Process, plant and machine operatives
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Elementary occupations

For most modules, you will do coursework and sit examinations. The relative weights of these components will vary from module to module and you will be given this information on the individual module syllabus/reading list. Coursework assignments will vary, but may include essays, problem-solving (modules involving quantitative techniques are likely to involve exercises designed to test your ability to apply these techniques to solve problems) and in-class and mid-term tests.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Economics and Social Policy with Foundation Year, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • Foundation

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Birkbeck, University of London in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #38 
    • #401 
    Economics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]

See all 17 university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

List of 197 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birkbeck, University of London - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Birkbeck, University of London

undergraduates:
4800
postgraduates:
2810
Total:
7610
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Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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