Economics & Finance

Discover how money shapes the world. Explore how economic and financial decisions impact all of us, from global markets to the choices we make as consumers.

Why do global crises hit our pockets? Why do some companies thrive while others disappear from the high street? And how do governments, businesses, and individuals make financial decisions in uncertain markets?

On this economics and finance degree, you’ll dive into the powerful forces shaping today’s global economy – and gain the skills to understand, analyse, and respond to them. You’ll explore how money flows through markets, businesses, and societies, uncovering the real-world impact of economic and financial decision-making.

Blending economic theory with hands-on financial analysis, this course helps you make sense of everything from how businesses operate and markets function to sustainable finance and investment. You’ll develop the confidence to interpret data, challenge assumptions, and apply your knowledge to real problems, preparing you for a wide range of exciting careers in finance, business, and beyond.

As part of your economics and finance course, you'll:


• Build in-demand analytical and problem-solving skills that employers value across finance, business, and many other sectors



• Explore how financial decisions affect people and society, from individuals and workers to multinational organisations and governments



• Develop a deep understanding of financial markets and business structures, gaining substantial insight into how organisations operate, compete, and grow



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Find out more

Build real-world experience
Boost your CV and stand out in the graduate job market with an optional paid placement year in your third year. This is your opportunity to put your learning into practice, develop professional confidence, and build valuable industry connections.

Previous students have secured placements with well-established organisations such as Disney, Morrisons, and the NHS, gaining real-world experience and giving them a head start in competitive careers.

Specialist learning spaces
As a Leeds Business School student, you’ll learn in a modern, professional environment designed to bring economics and finance to life. You’ll have access to a dedicated Financial Trading Floor, where you can explore how markets operate in real time, and our state of art Crisis Simulation Facilities (Hydra Suite).

The Hydra Foundation Suite is a unique, high-fidelity learning environment that immerses you in realistic, fast-moving scenarios. You’ll take part in live simulations of critical incidents, developing leadership, decision-making, and analytical skills while working alongside subject experts to apply theory to practice under pressure.

Lectures that inspire
Learn directly from experts working at the heart of economics and finance. Our guest lecture series brings industry straight into the classroom, demonstrating how theory translates into practice and helping you shape your career ambitions.

Why study the BA Economics & Finance course at Leeds Beckett University?


• Build professional experience through an optional placement year, supported by our strong links with local and national employers



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• Experience high-profile guest speakers sharing real-world insight through inspiring guest lectures



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• Learn from research-active lecturers with impressive industry experience, who bring current thinking and professional expertise into the classroom



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• Develop transferable analytical and communication skills valued across finance, business, and countless other sectors



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• Gain a real-world understanding of how financial decisions made by businesses affect everyday customers

Curiosity needs thinkers, makers, and dreamers. It needs you!

Leeds Beckett believes that when unlike minds come together, incredible things happen. That’s why they don’t just teach; they collaborate, challenge and inspire.

Their courses are meticulously designed, combining practical experience through work placements with a vibrant location at the heart of one of the UK’s largest student communities. Boasting a top 10 UK ranking for both course quality and student life (Uni Compare 2026) and a prestigious five-star QS rating, LBU sets the standard for excellence.

The university prioritises student wellbeing and stands among just seven universities nationwide to earn the University Mental Health Charter Award - proof of their unwavering commitment to advancing mental health and wellbeing.

All of this is why 98% of Leeds Beckett students and graduates would recommend studying at the university to a friend (Uni Compare, 2026 reviews).