Economics BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate

Lecturer presenting to students in a classroom

Shape the future with our industry-focused economics degree. It combines practical, industry-relevant insights and analytical skills, preparing graduates for high-impact careers in policy, finance or corporate strategy.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

L2DF

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Your UCAS Guide

Course overview

This course is designed for students eager to understand how economics shapes policy, markets and financial systems. Learn economic theory, data analysis, international trade, digital economics, behavioural economics and health economics.

Gain core expertise in microeconomics, macroeconomics, contemporary topics in economics, public economics, policy analysis and quantitative methods.
Apply theory to real-world challenges in business, international trade and policy.
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills sought by top employers.
Hone industry-relevant skills through economics games, specialist econometrics training and research support in our Economics Lab.⁴

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Access Bloomberg Terminals, LSEG, Fitch Connect and other real-world data platforms (embedded in modules), giving you practical experience with tools used by economists and financial analysts.⁴
Access maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments at the sigma Centre.
Benefit from embedded career and optional enterprise support, helping you refine your CV, network with experts, or even start your own business.²
Enrich your student experience by becoming a member of a student-led society such as the Economics Society, the Investment Society and the Coventry Business Club Society.
Network with like-minded professionals and visit key financial institutions, which have previously included Bloomberg, Cooper Parry Wealth and Fidelity International.²
Engage in industry-informed assessments and simulations embedded throughout the course, aimed at developing your skills in policy and economic analysis, business strategy and financial decision-making.

Memberships

CISI – Chartered Institute for Securities Investment

We offer students the opportunity to take a professional exam - Introduction to Investment and Securities. This is offered as we are awarded Centre of Excellence for its teaching in Securities and Investments by CISI, as an official education partner teaching certain modules (verified by CISI) that covers the syllabus or meets the standard benchmark for one of the certificates. See CISI website for full details.(subject to application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees may apply).

Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers, and supports its members in maintaining world-class standards of teaching and research.

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.

PRME - The Principles for Responsible Management Education

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007 that aims to raise the profile of sustainability in their classrooms through seven principles focused on serving society and safeguarding our planet.

AACSB - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the world’s largest network of business schools and organisations committed to advancing business education and making a lasting, positive impact on society to create next generation of great leaders.

BGA - Business Graduates Association

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA). BGA’s student and graduate benefits have been crafted to enhance your learning experience, providing a range of tools to support professional and personal development.

SBC - Small Business Charter

Coventry Business School is a recipient of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award. The award is a mark of excellence for business schools, recognising their expertise in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and effective engagement in the local economy.

Memberships are reviewed on an annual basis and are not guaranteed. Applicants and students will be informed of any changes as soon as possible.

Additional certificates

As part of the degree you will have the option to work towards two additional certifications (outside of your study modules):

[1] Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate: Optional certification to help our students stand out and demonstrate their understanding of financial markets, central banking and the application of economic indicators, as well as hone their skills in utilising Bloomberg terminal functionalities for a fast moving market.

[2] Bloomberg ESG Certificate: Optional certification for students to demonstrate their understanding of the Environmental, Social and Governance factors, and their implications for strategy development and regulatory compliance.

My time at Coventry University studying Economics was transformative, graduating with a First-Class degree in 2024 I now work as a Client Services Manager at Lucent Financial Planning. Coventry University wasn’t just about lectures; it was about discovering what I enjoy, trying different roles, and building confidence in myself. From my placement at GlaxoSmithKline to learning how to grab opportunities, every experience helped shape my career choice. The highlight was the opportunity to pitch at an industry conference, from which the journey into my current role began. For anyone considering Economics, I’d say Coventry University is a great place to grow and find your path.
Hasna Hameed, Economics BSc Alumna, Client Services Manager, Lucent Financial Planning (quoted 2025)

A close up portrait of Hansa with a light background

What you'll study

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

Banking and Finance BSc (Hons)
Business and Finance BSc (Hons)
Business Economics BSc (Hons)
Economics BSc (Hons)
Finance and Investment BSc (Hons)
Financial Economics BSc (Hons)
Financial Planning and Wealth Management BSc (Hons)

Modules

Principles of Economics - 30 credits

Get a comprehensive introduction to the principles of economics. This module covers core concepts, analytical methods and fundamental theories in microeconomics and macroeconomics. It is designed to build essential knowledge for further study in economics, finance and related disciplines. You should develop the skills to apply economic theory to real-world policy issues, and contemporary economic and financial challenges.

The microeconomics component explores individual decision-making, market dynamics and government intervention, while the macroeconomics component focuses on economy-wide phenomena, government policy and macroeconomic stability.

By integrating perspectives in microeconomics and macroeconomics, this module aims to provide a strong foundation for intermediate economics, finance and policy-related studies. It should enhance your economic reasoning, critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing you to assess economic issues in theoretical and applied contexts.

Compulsory

Quantitative and Academic Skills – 30 credits

This module aims to equip you with the quantitative and academic skills you will need to study economics and finance successfully. This module will build upon your existing mathematical skills and knowledge to explore and develop an in-depth understanding of how algebra, calculus and other techniques are widely applied in finance and economics.

It also aims to expand your quantitative analysis skills by introducing the fundamental concepts and methods of statistics used in economics and finance. This should allow you to conduct basic empirical investigations in applied finance and economics and provide you with the necessary foundation of knowledge for later modules in econometrics.

The module content aims to develop and improve your skills in time management, academic research, writing and digital literacy in spreadsheets and statistical packages.

By the end of this module, you should have a strong mathematical and statistical foundation and knowledge of the analytical tools required for quantitative reasoning, econometric modelling and empirical research.

Compulsory

Ethics, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship – 30 credits

This module introduces the key issues concerning sustainability and ethics within the global financial and economic landscape. Drawing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, you will examine the influence of national and global sustainability policies, regulations and ethical principles that drive sustainable and responsible business practices. This module also explores the role of entrepreneurship in the context of responsible management practice. It introduces the key concepts and debates of general entrepreneurial principles, reviewing the social, economic and environmental challenges. This module aims to prepare you to become a responsible leader and entrepreneur, mindful of the ethical, social and environmental impact of your decisions.

Compulsory

Principles of Finance – 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of how businesses raise capital and conduct investment appraisals. This module also explores the concepts of debt, savings and investments from a personal finance perspective.

You should gain knowledge of the main financial products offered by the UK financial services industry and an understanding of financial markets and financial institutions.

Compulsory

Modules

Applied Econometrics and Research Skills – 30 credits

Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake independent research. In this module, you will be introduced to data analysis using econometrics, with an emphasis on principles and applications of the Classical Linear Regression Model and violations of its underlying assumptions. Using global economic and financial data, this module explores statistical techniques of descriptive analysis, estimation, hypothesis testing and modelling. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and interpretation of quantitative results for economic and financial decision-making.

You will formulate fitting research objectives and select appropriate methodologies to develop your competence in designing and evaluating successful qualitative and quantitative research projects. Through experimentation on diverse data sources, you should elevate your analytical and reflective abilities, preparing you for contemporary data-driven challenges.

Compulsory

Intermediate Microeconomics – 30 credits

Deepen and broaden your understanding of microeconomics. This module will introduce you to intermediate-level microeconomic concepts and their real-world applications. Equip yourself with the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to assess economic decisions at firms, government and individual levels. This module emphasises applied microeconomics, helping you to critically analyse market structures, strategic integration and policy interventions.

Explore applications in areas such as labour economics, behavioural economics and industrial organisations, assessing the practical relevance and limitations of microeconomic models. This module serves as a key building block for advanced studies in economics. It aims to prepare you for roles requiring economic reasoning, policy evaluation and strategic business analysis.

Compulsory

Intermediate Macroeconomics – 30 credits

Deepen and broaden your understanding of macroeconomics at an intermediate level and learn the analytical tools and practical applications relevant to modern economic challenges. Build a solid theoretical foundation in macroeconomic principles while gaining the skills to apply these concepts to real-world challenges. This module emphasises the practical use of macroeconomic models, helping you to critically assess policy decisions and global economic trends, as well as the strengths and limitations of these models. Module content provides the underpinning for further study in economics and is a key element in preparing you to interpret and analyse complex macroeconomic environments with confidence.

Compulsory

International Trade and Economic Development – 30 credits

Gain a comprehensive understanding of international trade and its role in economic development. Explore trade theories, policies and global trade agreements, alongside their impact on income inequality, industrialisation and sustainable growth. Assess the strengths and limitations of these models in explaining real-world trade and development outcomes and explore the movement of capital between countries, such as foreign direct investment.

By integrating theoretical insights with real-world applications, you should learn the critical and analytical skills to evaluate trade policies and development strategies and understand their broader economic implications.

Compulsory

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real -world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

The final year aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a supervisor.

Modules

Advanced Microeconomics and Macroeconomics – 30 credits

Gain advanced knowledge and analytical skills in both microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, preparing you to tackle complex economic challenges.

During the microeconomics component of this module, you will explore game theory and its economic applications, examining strategic interactions, rational decision-making and competitive behaviour among consumers, firms and governments. You will also critically evaluate the role of experimental and behavioural approaches in refining traditional game-theoretic models.

During the macroeconomics component of this module, you should gain an in-depth investigation of modern macroeconomic approaches, grounded in microfoundations and dynamic general equilibrium models. Develop a critical understanding of contemporary macroeconomic theories and their policy implications, particularly in areas such as monetary and fiscal policy, economic fluctuations and long-term growth.

By integrating theoretical insights with real-world applications, this module aims to enhance your quantitative reasoning, problem-solving and policy evaluation skills, preparing you for roles in economic research, policy analysis and financial decision-making.

Compulsory

Undergraduate Project – 30 credits

This module is your chance to apply the knowledge and insights learnt on the course. It aims to develop you into an independent and ethical researcher. You will conduct a research project related to your course to evidence your intellectual, technical and analytical skills. You will receive personalised support and guidance from a supervisor and benefit from critical discussions and cross-fertilisation in group supervision sessions.

Compulsory

Advanced Topics in Economics – 30 credits

Explore contemporary economic issues and recent developments in economic theory. Use various analytical methods and economic models to assess real-world challenges and policy applications. Develop your analytical and evaluative skills while building on knowledge from previous modules. You will be encouraged to apply advanced economic reasoning to address contemporary challenges.

Each year, the topics may vary, but the module ensures that topics are selected from various sub-fields, including labour economics, industrial organisation, economic growth, development economics, international trade, digital economics, behavioural economics, monetary economics, health economics and environmental economics, among others.

Additionally, at least one compulsory topic will focus on economic history and philosophical discussions in economics, offering you a broader perspective on the evolution of economic thought, its philosophical foundations and its intellectual inspirations.

All topics will incorporate a range of analytical approaches, including conceptual reasoning, quantitative analysis, cost-benefit evaluation, logical deduction, historical and philosophical analysis and empirical assessment.

Compulsory

Optional modules

Choose one from the following two:

AI-Enhanced Further Econometrics – 30 credits
Enhance your understanding of advanced econometric models and artificial intelligence-assisted (AI) data analysis techniques relevant to empirical research and policy evaluation in macroeconomics and microeconomics. Gain the knowledge and technical skills needed to design, implement and critically evaluate empirical work, incorporating AI-driven analytical tools to improve efficiency and accuracy in economic and financial modelling.
Explore econometric techniques such as time series analysis, panel data models and structural equation modelling while utilising AI-powered tools to enhance data analysis and reporting. This module emphasises practical application and should develop your ability to interpret and communicate quantitative findings for real-world decision-making.
Public Economics and Policy Analysis – 30 credits

This module introduces public economics as the study of government intervention in the economy, examining its rationale, effectiveness and consequences. It critically explores the role and scope of government through various ideological perspectives, from Marxism to Austrian Economics, analysing debates on market failures, public goods, taxation and redistribution. Additionally, it examines anti-interventionist theories, assessing arguments for free markets, minimal state involvement and alternative policy approaches.

The module applies these concepts to real-world case studies, which may include education, healthcare, social services, housing, the environment and defence. While not all areas will be covered each year, selected case studies will be used to explore how different economic theories influence government intervention, policy decisions and their consequences, assessing their impact on efficiency, equity and overall societal well-being.

Adopting an international perspective, the module draws comparisons from the UK, EU and US to provide a broader understanding of public economics and policy analysis.

Optional

This year introduces you to your chosen subject while building essential skills.

Explore everything from global economics and business communication to capital markets and professional growth, giving you a solid understanding of the subject before you progress.
Perfect the research and writing styles you’ll need to ace your degree-level assignments.
Learn core principles so you feel completely prepared when you start Year 1 of your degree.

On successful completion of this foundation year, you will be able to progress to year 1 of the degree.

Modules

Learning, Reflection and Growth - 30 credits

Learn the essential academic skills needed to succeed throughout your degree-level study. Develop a range of study, research and communication skills within a supportive and culturally sensitive environment. You should learn to engage effectively with both theoretical concepts and practical, discipline-specific tasks. There will be a strong emphasis on application, practice and feedback from both tutors and peers.

The module will conclude with the development of a personal portfolio and supporting personal development plan, which you will maintain and update throughout your studies. This portfolio is an important part of your learning process, helping you reflect on your progress and develop skills relevant to further academic study and professional contexts.

Compulsory

Foundations of Business and Global Economics – 30 credits

This module introduces the core principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, providing a foundation for understanding how economies function at the individual and national levels. Explore key concepts such as supply and demand, market structures, consumer and producer behaviour, economic growth, inflation, unemployment and government policy.

The module emphasises the application of economic theory to real-world business and societal contexts, helping you analyse economic issues, interpret data, and evaluate the impact of policy decisions. By combining micro and macro perspectives, you should develop the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to respond to economic challenges in both local and global contexts.

Compulsory

Business Communications - 30 credits

Communication is key to the success of any business. Examine a range of communication skills and methods to ensure effective communication at all levels of the organisation, alongside the need for compliance with relevant legislation.

Explore the application of communication in business through various methods and examine the relationship between management and workforce communication. By analysing communication theories and exploring key management tools, you should develop a deeper understanding of workplace dynamics.

Compulsory

Finance and Capital Markets - 30 credits

This module introduces the fundamental components of financial systems, allowing you to contextualise theoretical concepts within real-world market behaviour and international financial developments.

Explore the structure, purpose, and operation of financial sector activities within the broader global economic environment. Examine how efficient markets facilitate investment, support business expansion, influence consumer confidence, and contribute to the cyclical performance of national and global economies. Gain foundational knowledge of major financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and other intermediaries involved in the global flow of funds.

Through real-world examples and case studies, you should develop a deep understanding of how financial conditions shape business strategies, household decisions, and the broader economic landscape.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

Forget stressful end-of-year exams. We focus on applied learning using a mix of lectures, tutorials and online study to get you ready for the real world. Instead of one big test, we assess your progress through coursework and phase tests. This better reflects the way you’ll likely work in your future career.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 10 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

phase tests
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

This course adopts a range of teaching, learning and assessment methods such as the use of interactive teaching and learning online platforms, online quizzes, in-class feedback sessions, group projects, class experiments and bargaining simulations.

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
group work
self-directed learning
work placement opportunities².

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

phase tests
essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
exams
individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Coventry is a multicultural university, so our typically diverse student and staff body helps to facilitate a multicultural learning environment.

Coventry University aims to give you the global opportunities needed to become a truly global graduate, enhancing your employability on a global scale.

In the past, our students have had the opportunity to visit universities in China and Malaysia to study alongside students, see how finance is taught internationally, appreciate the issues in different countries and broaden their perspectives.

Closer to home, you may have the opportunity to participate in European field trips² or in events like the annual Tax Week initiative or the annual Audit Week, both of which are conducted in collaboration with European universities, and see students work collaboratively on related projects.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed².

Economics has greatly influenced the way I understand the world that revolves around me. Market trends, government policies, international trade and how they affect human life are only several of the complex issues that Economics aims to explain. I have a great amount of passion in sharing my knowledge with students — inspiring them to appreciate the lessons that the real world inculcates in our lives. By studying Economics, students also develop an array of valuable transferrable skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and data analysis. All this makes a degree in Economics a great springboard for a successful career across various industries. So, if you're curious about how the world works and want to be a well-informed and adaptable individual, then diving into Economics is the perfect path for you.
Dr Piotr Lis, Associate Professor of Economics and Deputy Head of School, 2024

Two lecturers sat outside of the trading floor looking at a tablet.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

64 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. For T levels: overall grade of Pass (D or E on the Core) in the T level qualification in any subject.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £5,760	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the table above for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Applies to degree only

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

Foundation year funding

To secure funding for a degree with a foundation year, you must complete the full four-year programme. If you do not finish the entire course, including the integrated foundation year, you may have to pay the foundation year fees yourself. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This degree with foundation year is not currently available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

You’ll spend your foundation year at our CU Coventry Mile Lane building, just a short walk from Coventry city centre. You can still make the most of all the facilities at the main Coventry University campus whenever you like.

Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you’ll move over to the Coventry University campus to study your degree.

Facilities are subject to availability⁴. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Take a virtual tour

The Trading Floor

The Trading Floor is an invaluable facility that allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software. Featuring contemporary dual-screen Bloomberg terminals, the facility adds a dynamic practical element to your course.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 364 days a year. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 18 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

critically evaluate modern economic theories and the empirical methods used by economists
demonstrate knowledge of the workings of economic systems, both within the UK and the wider global economy, including the ability to interpret relevant data and evaluate government policies
apply economic theories, rooted in alternative schools of thought, and empirical methods to real-world situations by making appropriate use of data, abstraction, and logical reasoning, to analyse economic events and issues
communicate technical concepts related to economic analysis and policy debates to a diverse range of audiences and develop the ability to influence relevant stakeholders
examine issues of sustainability and ethics from an economic perspective, and critically appraise the ethical and sustainability implications of economic policy.
Integrate issues of national economic policy and analysis into a global context, and hence appreciate the value of international cooperation
use a range of entrepreneurial, innovative and transferable skills, such as writing clear and concise reports based on evidence and logic, making effective use of information technology, confident delivery of presentations, creative problem solving, financial skills and self-motivation.

The course aims to give you an in-depth knowledge of economic theories and models, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills and mathematical ability. You should also be able to demonstrate a wide range of desirable professional skills, including team working, critical evaluation, self-directed learning, problem-solving, action planning and organising, written and oral communication, questioning and listening. The following personal qualities will also be addressed in each of the skills modules: achievement orientation, initiative and creativity, self-confidence, decisiveness, reflectiveness, adaptability and flexibility.

Where our graduates work

The course aims to help you pursue a variety of potential future career options in investment banking, accountancy, tax consultancy, the public sector, auditing, derivatives trading, management consultancy, mergers and acquisitions, and many more. Past graduates have found employment in a variety of careers with prestigious employers such as Capita, Lloyd's Bank, Amey and the Department for Education.

Typical roles that graduates from this course may progress to include Consultant, Business Analyst, Junior Trader or Buyer.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Further study

Alternatively, you may decide to pursue postgraduate study opportunities which could further enhance your employability by studying courses such as Accounting and Financial Management MSc or Finance MSc at Coventry Business School, or Global Finance MSc or Investment, Risk and Trading MSc at Coventry University London. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

This course with foundation year is not available to international students.

UK students

UCAS applications will open for this course from May 2026. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Study location

The Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

If you choose to study at CU Coventry for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU Coventry, Mile Lane, Coventry. Subject to meeting progression requirements you will then transition to the relevant Coventry University subject building for your progression degree.

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

Some of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first academic year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year.

For UK (home) students, if the Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees annually but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the current 2025/26 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.