Economics (with Foundation Year)

This is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the degree course. Our foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence, before you advance to stage one of your honours degree.

Our Economics degree is designed to develop your understanding of the principles, practices and theories of Economics.

Economists examine issues, identify trends and deal with financial uncertainty. You’ll explore how people and businesses invest and allocate their resources, and we’ll equip you with a set of tools to help you understand how the world works.

You won’t just learn economic theories, but also be able to analyse their impact on society, evaluate different viewpoints and apply those concepts to real-life situations. You’ll have full access to the Financial Times online, one of the world’s most trusted financial resources, to help you understand the wider economic environment.

Get hands-on with unlimited remote access to industry leading software to analyse real-world financial data and gain practical experience before you even graduate.

Tap into our wide-ranging industry connections through expert-led guest lectures, field trips and even the opportunity to study abroad. You will graduate with the practical experience, problem solving and digital skills to launch a successful career.

We work closely with industry, including the Government Economic Service, to ensure that our curriculum is in-line with industry needs.

We offer this degree with two study options. You can choose four years full-time or five years full-time which would include a one-year industry placement before your final year that will give you hands-on experience in a real-life working environment. This year in industry gives you practical skills that many employers seek, giving you a competitive edge upon graduation.

There’s still time to secure an award-winning university experience at Cardiff Met, ranked a top 3 Welsh university (Uni Compare Rankings 2026).

Whatever your goals, you’ll be supported to reach your full potential through expert teaching and a supportive environment. Gain real-world experience via placements and live briefs, and graduate with the skills to make a positive impact.

Professionally accredited courses prepare you for the world of work, alongside year-round careers support, entrepreneurship opportunities and options to study abroad.

Cardiff is also one of the UK’s most affordable cities (NatWest Student Living Index 2025), offering vibrant food, nightlife, green spaces and more on a student budget.

Into sport? Cardiff Met is a leading UK university for student sport, supporting both academic and athletic success.