Economics with Data Science BSc (Hons)

Step into the future of economic analysis with the University of Chester's cutting-edge BSc Economics with Data Science. This innovative degree is meticulously designed for those who are passionate about understanding economic dynamics and harnessing the power of data to inform decision-making in today's data-driven world.

Our unique course blends the foundational principles of economics with the latest in data science and analytics. You'll gain a deep understanding of micro and macroeconomics, economic policy, and global economic trends while simultaneously developing expertise in data analysis, statistical methods, and predictive modelling. This powerful combination ensures you are not just a passive observer of economic trends but an active participant in shaping them.

Our state-of-the-art facilities and resources reflect the University of Chester's commitment to excellence. You will have access to advanced data analysis software and tools, allowing you to practice and apply your skills in a real-world context. Our experienced academic team provide a supportive and stimulating environment, guiding you through complex concepts and their practical applications.

Moreover, our course emphasises hands-on learning through projects, case studies, and collaborations with industry partners. These experiences provide invaluable insights into the practical challenges and opportunities in the field of economics and data science.

Upon graduation, you will be equipped with a unique skill set that combines economic reasoning with data proficiency, preparing you for a diverse range of careers in finance, consulting, government policy, and beyond. Join us at the University of Chester and embark on a journey to become a future-ready economist adept at navigating and shaping the economic landscapes of tomorrow.

Our approach to learning and teaching is broad and includes:

Interactive Lectures: Engaging students in interactive lectures that include multimedia presentations, case studies, and open-ended questions to stimulate discussions and critical thinking.

Small Group Discussions: Promoting peer learning, collaboration, and the exchange of diverse perspectives.

Case-Based Learning: Presenting real-life criminal cases for analysis. This allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Research Projects: Research projects that require students to explore specific topics, conducting empirical research, and presenting their findings.

Ethical Dilemmas and Discussions: Engaging students in discussions about ethical considerations including topics like economic policy, business decisions, data quality, privacy, etc.

Guest Speakers and Practitioners: Invited guest speakers to share their experiences and insights with students.

Simulation Exercises: Organised simulation exercises where students take on roles in the sector.  

On this course, you have the opportunity to spend five weeks working for a host organisation via our innovative Work Based Learning module. You’ll have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience.

Our Experiential Overseas Learning module offers a unique opportunity to participate in a short-term placement around the world.

This course offers a Year Abroad option - an exciting opportunity to study abroad for a full academic year at one of our bilateral exchange partners or through ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs), a network of over 300 additional higher education institutions worldwide.

Job Prospects

It is clear that potential employment/employer opportunities are wide-ranging and include academic, business analyst, economic consultant, accountant, entrepreneur, financial advisor, civil servant, investment analyst, journalist, aid agencies, national, regional and local government, health services, international development agencies, multinational companies, national and international banks, and other financial institutions, among many others.

Further, BSc Economics with Data Science graduates have many opportunities across various industries. Data science skills are in high demand due to the increasing need for organisations to process and analyse vast amounts of data to make informed decisions. Here's a list of potential career paths and roles that data science graduates can pursue:

• Data Scientist: Analyse large datasets to extract insights and inform business decisions using various statistical, machine learning, and data mining techniques.
• Data Analyst: Clean, interpret, and visualise data to provide actionable insights to businesses.
• Machine Learning Engineer: Design, implement, and maintain machine learning applications.
• Data Engineer: Design and maintain the architecture (like databases large-scale processing systems), pipelines, and data sets that data scientists use for their analyses.
• Quantitative Researcher: Especially in finance and hedge funds, use statistical and computational methods to inform trading and investment strategies.
• Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst: Use data visualisation tools and software to help companies visualise and make sense of their data.
• Data Visualisation Specialist: Specialise in translating complex data findings into visual, understandable, and interactive graphics or dashboards.
• Statisticians: Apply mathematical and statistical techniques to help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, healthcare, or other fields.
• Big Data Architect: Design and manage large and complex data structures required for business processes.
• Data Science Consultant: Help businesses identify and apply data science techniques to solve problems.
• Health Data Scientist: In healthcare, analyse patient records and other data sources to find ways to improve patient care, reduce costs, etc.
• NLP Scientist: Specialises in processing and analysing human language data. This is crucial in chatbots, translation services, and sentiment analysis.
• Systems Analyst: Evaluate a company's computer systems and processes, recommending solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Risk Analyst: Using data-driven insights to evaluate and manage potential financial and insurance risks.
• Chief Data Officer: A strategic role in large corporations responsible for data management strategy for the entire organisation.
• Database Administrator: Manage and monitor the databases that store and return data.
• Data and Analytics Manager: Oversee teams that analyse business data, ensuring operations run smoothly and deriving insights from data.
• Teaching and Academia: Share knowledge in universities or colleges as lecturers or even engage in advanced research.
• Research Scientist: Work in R&D departments of tech companies, research institutions, or academia.
• Customer Analytics Manager: In retail or e-commerce, analyse customer data to derive insights about consumer behaviours and preferences.

Economics and data science graduates can also leverage their quantitative skills in areas outside traditional data roles, such as operations, product management, marketing, and more. Many industries, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, energy, transportation, entertainment, and government, have growing needs for data expertise, making the data science degree versatile and valuable.

Progression options

International Finance MSc; Computer Science (Conversion) MSc; Data Science MSc; Mathematics MSc 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.