Business Economics

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

- Develop deep analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

- Gain insights into economics, business and financial markets.

- Enhance essential communication and teamwork skills for the economist profession.

- Gain work experience with real-life projects and placements.

You’ll develop a well-rounded knowledge of the subject, exploring the theory and practice of business economics and intertwining them with real-world scenarios. You’ll be introduced to the fundamental concepts in economics that influence the daily choices of individuals, companies and governments – often with far-reaching consequences in global industry and regulatory contexts.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll study our BA (Hons) Business Economics course at our Sheffield Business School, rated in the top 5% globally for excellence in teaching and research. Here, you’ll join a global community where business leaders, researchers and 7,000 business students all come together to solve problems and make things better.

Key Themes

You’ll develop a strong understanding of business, economics and the skills you’ll need to evaluate the impact of economic policies on financial markets and businesses. You’ll learn how and when to use appropriate processes, tools and technologies to analyse economic and business data. With these skills you’ll be able to evaluate market trends, make informed investment decisions and measure their economic impact on businesses.

As you progress, you’ll further refine these fundamentals through real-world projects, collaborating in teams to create reports, presentations and recommendations inspired by real industry challenges. This hands-on approach and our award-winning supportive learning environment will prepare you for careers in professional economic analysis, business, finance and consultancy – as well as many other sectors of the economy where analytical reasoning and economic knowledge are needed.

Towards the course's conclusion, you'll undertake a consultancy project for a real organisation, guided by a dedicated project supervisor. In this capstone project, you'll conduct research and apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your studies.

Applied learning

Live Projects

In your final year of the course, you'll engage in real client-based projects, performing research and analysis to generate findings and recommendations that address client business problems. You’ll present your findings to the client, gaining valuable experience of professional practice.

Previous students have undertaken projects for various organisations, including HSBC, the Bank of England, Costa Coffee, Sheffield City Council, Liberty Steel and the RSPCA.

Work Placements

Between your second and third years of the course, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a sandwich placement – a vital step in preparing for your future career within the industry you've been studying.

During this placement, you'll gain practical skills, including proficiency in new software, managing marketing campaigns, developing pricing strategies, optimising business processes, achieving sales targets and crafting financial reports. This hands-on experience will equip you with valuable workplace insights to enhance your readiness for your future career – as well as an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

Previous students have secured positions at organisations such as Investec, Adidas, Airbus UK, the NHS, the Metropolitan Police, Bosch, Lloyds Bank, PwC, HSBC and Santander.