SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Structure

For students entering in September 2008 or thereafter. For earlier entries please consult your undergraduate handbook. 

Students take 4 units per year, completing a total of 12 units in 3 years. They have some flexibility in constructing their own programme of study. 

Year 1: Students take 3 introductory units in economic theory, quantitative techniques and economic development along with 1 ‘open option’ (i.e. a course in a subject or language other than those named in the student’s chosen degree title). 

Year 2: Students take 2 core units in economic theory and econometrics/quantitative methods, and a compulsory course in development economics. They also choose an optional course from available options or 1 ‘open option’ from another department.

Year 3:  Students, take one core course in econometrics (if not already taken in year 2), one compulsory course in advanced economic theory, and at least 2 optional courses focusing on a region in Africa and Asia. An open option may be taken.

Students may take regional courses relating to no more than two regions in their final year. Final year students may not choose ANY first year courses as an open option.

Single-subject degree: BSc Economics

Year 1

Two core units:

• 153400003 Introduction to Economic Analysis (core and compulsory)

AND depending on mathematics background EITHER:

• 153400120 Introduction to Quantitative methods for Economists (for those without A level mathematics or equivalent) (core and compulsory)

OR

• 153400121 Quantitative Methods for Economists(for those with A level mathematics grade A or B or equivalent) (core and compulsory)

AND for all students:

One compulsory unit:

• 153400102 Comparative Growth in Asia and Africa

AND

• An open option from another department at SOAS. Please contact the relevant departments for information about available courses.

Year 2

Two core units:

• 153400107 Intermediate Economic Analysis (core and compulsory)

AND depending on mathematical background EITHER:

• 153400103 Econometrics (for those who took 153400121 Quantitative Methods for Economists in the first year)(core and compulsory)

OR

• 153400121 Quantitative Methods for Economists (core and compulsory) 

AND

One compulsory unit:

• 153400032 Economics of Developing Countries I

One of the following, or a floater:

• 153400100 Banking and Finance in Economic Development
• 153400106 Foreign Trade and Development

Important Note: If you fail any second year core course you will not be able to proceed to the third year as a BSc Economics student.

Year 3

One compulsory unit:

• 153400108 Advanced Economic Analysis

At least two of the following

• 153400119 Applied Econometrics
• 153400101 Economic Development of Africa
• 153400011 Economic Development of South Asia
• 153400012 Economic Development of South-East Asia
• 153400013 Economic Development of Japan since 1868
• 153400025 Economic Development of Modern China
• 153400031 Economic Development of the modern Middle East
• 153400109 Economics of Developing Countries: II
• 153400114 Independent Study Project in Economics

Final year students may not choose ANY first year courses as an open option.

One core unit:

• 153400103 Econometrics (for those who did not take it in year 2)

Programme Specification

• Programme Specification 2012/2013 (pdf; 127kb)

Destinations

Graduates in Economics from SOAS will have developed skills in analytical thinking, have acquired statistical and computing skills, and will have a familiarity with economic principles and their application to concrete situations.  SOAS graduates with a BSc in Economics have gone on to apply the knowledge and skills they gained from their degree in careers such as banking, consulting and international development, as well as continuing their studies in the MSc programmes in Economics.

The programmes in economics are designed to teach students sufficient economics either to obtain employment as professional economists or to go on to postgraduate work in any branch of economics. Graduates from the Department have pursued a variety of successful careers, often with Asian or African links, in international organisations, business and industry, banking, accountancy, journalism, consultancy, teaching and higher education. Many have gone on to read for postgraduate degrees either in the Department’s own thriving masters’ and research degree programmes or elsewhere.

Graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations including:

For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website.

How to apply

How to apply

• How to Apply
• UCAS website
• Funding options
• English language requirements
• Tuition Fees
• Admissions Contacts

Scholarships

For further information visit the Scholarships section