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Difference Between Economics Course Varitations

I'm looking at doing an economics based degree at university but there's so many different variations in economics (e.g. Business Economics, Financial Economics...). I was hoping for a bit of insight as to what the differences are and how they affect employability, enjoyment etc. For context, my ultimate goal in my career is to own a business/the entrepreneur route, but I'm likely going to go down the university + job route first before moving to that later on. I was wondering if there's a course that favours my future goals.

Reply 1

SoasRepMK

Official Rep

Original post by InfernoMayhem

As a final-year Economics student, I can relate to how overwhelming it can be to choose between the many variations of Economics degrees. Each has its own focus, and how much you enjoy it or how useful it is for your goals will depend on your interests. Here’s a breakdown of some of the popular variations:

Straight Economics:
Covers broad theoretical and quantitative topics like microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.
Versatile for careers in consultancy, policy-making, or finance.

Business Economics:
Focuses on applying economics to business decisions and strategy.
A great fit if you’re aiming to run a business or enter management roles.

Development Economics:
Explores global economic growth, inequality, and sustainability.
Great for those considering work in NGOs, international organisations, or policy.

Economics and Management:
Combines business strategy and leadership with economic theory.
Particularly useful for entrepreneurial or corporate leadership paths.

If you’re planning to start your own business, Business Economics or Economics and Management might align best. That said, even a straight Economics degree can provide a strong foundation if paired with internships or business-related experiences.

Every university structures its Economics programmes differently, so it’s important to read up on the specific course content at the universities you’re considering. Many programmes offer optional modules, so check if they align with your interests.

Lastly, connecting with students studying different types of Economics can be incredibly helpful. Platforms like UniBuddies let you chat with current students who can give you real insights into their experiences. SOAS has a great version of this, which you can explore here: https://www.soas.ac.uk/chat-students-and-staff
Good luck with your decision! Feel free to ask if you need more advice.

Marjan Karim
SOAS Student Rep

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

InfernoMayhem

I really appreciate your response, I'll definitely look into both Business Economics and Economics + Management. Do you know if one of those courses is higher regarded for employers/more academic and which one is the more common course for maximising the variety of universities that offer it.

Reply 3

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

Hello there!

If you’re considering an Economics-based degree and aiming for an entrepreneurial career, there are some types of economics degrees that you can consider and choose from.

A General Economics degree focuses on core principles like microeconomics, macroeconomics, and policy analysis. It offers a broad understanding of economic systems, providing flexibility and opening up opportunities in diverse fields such as consulting, government, and finance. This option is well-suited to entrepreneurs, as it lays a solid foundation in understanding markets and economic behaviors.

Business Economics combines economic principles with business applications, focusing on decision-making, market structures, and strategy. It’s a great fit for those who want to apply economics directly to business and management, making it highly relevant for aspiring entrepreneurs. It prepares you for roles in corporate strategy, business analysis, and management consulting.

Financial Economics emphasizes finance-related topics like banking, investment, and financial markets. It’s ideal for students aiming for careers in investment banking, asset management, or financial consulting. While this degree is less focused on general business operations, it’s useful for entrepreneurs interested in funding ventures or understanding capital markets.
For those with niche interests, Development Economics focuses on global challenges and poverty alleviation, often leading to roles in international development or NGOs. Meanwhile, Economics with Data Science blends economics with big data and statistical modeling, making it valuable for tech or data-driven industries.

For your entrepreneurial goals, Business Economics or General Economics are the best options, as they provide a strong foundation in economics while teaching practical skills like decision-making and market analysis. If finance interests you, Financial Economics could also be a good fit, especially for understanding funding and financial strategies.

At Coventry University, you will find various courses related to Economics.

BSc Economics - https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/fbl/economics-bsc-hons/
BSc Financial Economics - https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/fbl/financial-economics-bsc-hons/
BSc Business Economics - https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/fbl/business-economics-bsc-hons/

Each variation has its unique advantages, so your choice should align with your interests and future aspirations. For entrepreneurship, Business Economics or General Economics will give you the skills to analyze markets, manage businesses, and make strategic decisions, while Financial Economics can help you understand funding and financial management. Take time to explore the course details and choose the one that best fits your career goals.

I hope this helps!
Good luck!

Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador

Reply 4

SoasRepMK

Official Rep

Original post by InfernoMayhem

Both courses are well-regarded by employers, but their perception depends more on the university than the course itself. For example, a degree from a target university like LSE or Oxford can significantly boost employability.

In terms of availability, Economics + Management is generally more widely offered, giving you more university options, and is probably more academic and theory heavy than Business Economics Ultimately, either course will serve you well if you choose a reputable institution and align it with your career goals!