Economics with Placement Year

Economics is the study of how individuals, businesses, governments, and societies make decisions about scarce resources, and how those decisions aggregate into markets, prices, and patterns of growth, inequality, and wellbeing. It is simultaneously a rigorous mathematical and statistical discipline and a lens through which to understand some of the most important questions in public life, from monetary policy and taxation to international trade, labour markets, and the economics of climate change. A degree in economics trains you to think analytically, model complex systems, and use data to evaluate arguments and policies.

At the University of Reading, this programme is offered as Economics with Placement Year, extending the degree to four years of full-time study. The additional year is a structured placement in a professional setting, typically a business, financial institution, government department, or economic consultancy, where you apply the analytical skills developed during your taught study in a real working environment. This experience is consistently valued by employers, and many students find it substantially strengthens their career prospects and professional confidence.

During the taught components, you will cover core economic theory in both microeconomics and macroeconomics, quantitative methods and econometrics, economic history, and a range of optional areas that allow you to specialise in fields such as financial economics, development economics, or public economics. Reading has particular strengths in applied economics and in areas connected to finance and agriculture, reflecting the university's broader research profile.

Graduates in economics are among the most employable in the country. Common career destinations include roles in banking and financial services, economic consultancy, the civil service and government, international organisations, public policy, and business strategy and analysis. The placement year often provides a direct route into employment after graduation.

Some graduates go on to postgraduate study in economics, finance, public policy, or data science, or pursue professional qualifications in finance, accountancy, or management.