Bangor University

Economics (with Foundation Year)

Bangor UniversityBangor, United Kingdom

Course overview

Highlights

The foundation year prepares you for degree-level study, developing your subject-specific knowledge of economics, financial accounting, business and management, together with essential academic and IT skills. A friendly and informal learning environment with easy access to lecturers and an opportunity to build your confidence, knowledge and understanding whatever your background. Friendly, supportive and accessible, our research active staff have expertise in topics including labour markets, political economy, quantitative economics, migration, behavioural and experimental economic.

Hear from past graduates now working in the international banking, financial services and research sectors, as well as guest lectures from senior executives from global banks and renowned researchers.

Course overview

Our Economics with Foundation Year provides an alternative route into undergraduate study if, for example, you don’t have the necessary qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements to begin the standard three-year degree. The additional foundation year helps you better prepare for degree-level study, giving you a taste of learning at this higher level. During the foundation year, you’ll develop essential academic and IT skills, such as writing, communication, presentation and how to use digital resources to support your studies and research assignments.

Equally important, you will learn how to collaborate and work with others. You will get a taste of studying within a multidisciplinary School, working with foundation students from a range of other subjects, including accounting, management and marketing. You can also participate in some of our extracurricular activities, including guest lectures.

On successful completion, you will join Year 1 of the BSc (Hons) Economics programme. By studying Economics you’ll gain an insight into how economics improves our understanding of how the world functions. You will develop valuable analytical, numerical, data analysis and problem-solving skills.

This helps you to understand how people, firms, institutions and governments make decisions, and the implications of such decisions on individuals, businesses and society. Read more Course options

Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a Placement Year? Gain practical experience that complements your academic learning Make valuable industry contacts that could open doors for future careers Strengthen your employability by gaining real-world experience.

How does the Placement Year work? With dedicated support from your Academic School and our Careers and Employability Services, you will be fully equipped to find the perfect placement to complement your degree. We will guide you through the process of securing and finalising your placement arrangements.

Is the Placement Year for you? There is no need to decide now. You will have the chance to explore the Placement Year option after starting your course at Bangor University.

We'll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Ready to find out more? Discover the exciting work experience opportunities available by visiting the Work Experience During Your Degree section on our website.

International Experience Year What is the International Experience Year? Take your studies to the next level and graduate with ‘International Experience' in your degree title. This degree offers an optional additional International Experience Year, giving you the chance to spend a year abroad.

Why choose an International Experience Year? Expand your horizons and gain a fresh perspective by living and learning in a different country Boost your career prospects by…

Key highlights

  • Foundation year covers economics, financial accounting, business and management
  • Builds essential academic and IT skills for degree-level study
  • Progression to Year 1 of the BSc (Hons) Economics on completion
  • Staff expertise includes labour markets, migration and behavioural economics
  • Guest lectures from senior executives at global banks and researchers
  • Optional placement year with a UK or overseas organisation

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 64-104 — Offers are tariff based, 64 - 104 tariff points, from Level 3 qualifications* e.g A Levels (including: AS-levels, General Studies) International Baccalaureate: accepted Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): accepted BTEC…

Scholarships

  • Alumni Scholarship

    £1,000 in addition to any other international scholarship awarded by Bangor University, UK (excluding the Vice-Chancellor scholarship), awarded for each year of study.

    Up to £1,000
  • Deans Scholarship

    Undergraduate: £6,000 (per year of study); Postgraduate: £6,000.

    Up to £6,000
  • International Scholarships

    Undergraduate: £4,000 minimum (per year of study); Postgraduate: £6,000.

  • Start-Up Bursaries

    Start Up Bursaries of £1,000 are available to those students (aged under 25) entering the University from care.

    Up to £1,000
  • Vice-Chancellor Scholarship

    Undergraduate & Postgraduate Taught - £10,000

    Up to £10,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Economist
  • Financial analyst
  • Economic researcher
  • Banking analyst
  • Data analyst
  • Policy analyst

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Bangor University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.

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