Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Economics

at University of the West of England - Bristol - Frenchay Campus United Kingdom

Get to the heart of the issues facing society today by taking placements or internships, working with leading experts and developing your own insights into how to make a difference.

Why study sociology?

• In a rapidly changing social landscape, studying society and people's relationship with it is increasingly important.
• By exploring the nature, causes and effects of people's beliefs and behaviour, we can better understand social order and social change.
• Sociologists are particularly good at evaluating, reasoning and communicating. They assess and map the context of social issues and problems skills that employers will value whatever career you choose.

Why UWE Bristol?

• BA(Hons) Sociology focuses on how we can make a difference to 'self and society' using sociological theories and approaches.
• Through a broad range of modules, and with the support of our staff who are leaders in their field, you'll engage with real issues, and develop fresh insights and solutions to help improve people's lives.
• Learn to evaluate evidence, approach problems from multiple perspectives, and build your expertise in research, analysis and communication.
• Carry out your own research projects to develop, test and apply new solutions to contemporary problems. Student projects have focused on the refugee/economic migrant crisis, representations of gender or religion in the media, homelessness, the gender pay gap, the policing of public order and demonstrations, the impact of new technology on cultural industries, and how social class affects attitudes to education. These illustrate just a small number of the types of projects students undertake.
• Gain industry insights from guest speakers, and take part in work-based learning through our links with organisations such as the Bristol Youth Offending Team, Bristol Youth Education Service and the police.
• Activities such as volunteering, placements and internships will build valuable vocational experience, and deepen your skills and knowledge further, to make you highly sought after when you graduate.
• Recent graduate Sophia Hanke was inspired by her course to make a short three-minute film titled 'Welcome to Sociology at UWE Bristol', which features students and lecturers talking about their course.

Where can it take me?

• The broad skills and industry-focused experience you'll gain will make you attractive to a wide range of employers.
• You could pursue a career in research, education, social work, charity work, counselling, politics, journalism or writing, or work in the justice, legal or media sectors.
• You could also go on to do a postgraduate course or research degree.
• Graduating in Sociology from UWE Bristol will open up a variety of interesting and rewarding future possibilities for you. In this short film, some of our recent Sociology graduates discuss how their course has helped them to develop their graduate careers.

This course equips you with a deep understanding of media culture so you can communicate effectively between media makers, organisations, their clients and end users.

Why study media communications?

• Graduates with strong digital media production and research skills are highly sought after in the cultural and media communications sectors.
• Gaining insight into the development of our contemporary, globally-connected media landscape, you'll learn to develop your own media content, and become highly adept at communicating to diverse audiences.

Why UWE Bristol?

• BA(Hons) Media Communications is for students looking to build their creative media skills, by understanding and researching audiences, and communicating ideas effectively to them.
• You'll design your own projects and work with our external partners in Bristol's unique cultural and media industries to create a portfolio of work oriented to your chosen career.
• Study a mix of theory, production and research-based modules, and carry out coursework, developing your confidence through writing, research, production, project design and coordination.
• Develop enterprise skills and strong self-reliance, and gain the confidence and flexibility to adopt digital media innovations just over the horizon.
• The course is immersed in diverse industry collaborations that link students to the city's key creative media makers and cultural organisations, including Watershed, the Pervasive Media Studio, Bristol Festival of Ideas, the Arnolfini and M-Shed museums.
• Showcase your work to talent scouts and potential employers at the final year degree show, and focus on one of four specialist pathways, to reflect your interests and career plans.

Where can it take me?

• The pattern of work placements and graduate destinations our students pursue represent a wide range of careers both within and outside the media sector.
• Graduates go on to work as media campaign producers and coordinators for charities, or in social media marketing for enterprises. Others take up project management in areas such as broadcast and online media production, museums and education.
• Graduates can also progress to postgraduate study on courses like our MA Curating.

This course is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). Take a sandwich year and study with one of our international partners in locations such as the US or Canada

Why study geography?

• Geography is unique in integrating the social sciences with the natural sciences. It's about understanding the earth's peoples and their impact, as well as its landscapes, places and environments.
• Geographers play a key role in developing and managing the response to challenges that are on the news on a daily basis - from globalisation and urbanisation, to terrorism and climate change

Why UWE Bristol?

• This BA(Hons) Geography course in human geography is strongly applied, meaning you'll look beyond the theories to explore their real-world application.
• You'll broaden your geographical experience through field trips investigating innovative projects as diverse as industrial change in Wales and urban development in Mallorca all included within course fees.
• Our strong industry links mean you'll get the chance to undertake inspiring learning opportunities outside the classroom: whether it's a work placement, a study year abroad, or an international research opportunity.
• And because our geography tutors come from a variety of academic and industry backgrounds, your learning will be inspired by real-world experiences and different perspectives. Teaching and assessment alike are designed to embrace a range of formats and interactions, so that all learning styles are catered for. 
• As well as mastering specialist techniques such as computer-based spatial analysis, you'll develop important transferable skills in communication, creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are valued by employers across the board.
• You'll also have the opportunity to tailor the programme to your interests through module options including the regeneration and transformation of cities, international tourism development, global crime and migration.

Where can it take me?

• As a graduate of this course your skills will equip you to pursue a career in a wide range of areas, from regeneration and renewable energy, to local and central government.
• Past students have gone on to become town planners, property developers, environmental consultants and researchers.

Become a designer of the future by learning the creative and analytical skills of both architects and engineers, and study towards professional status in both fields.

Why study architecture and environmental engineering?

• As the world's resources become scarce, there is a growing need to create buildings that are environmentally responsible.
• This calls for design professionals with the creative and analytical skills of both architects and engineers an unusual mix of skills that is highly sought after by employers.
• It is these future designers who will achieve design excellence, pursuing imaginative strategies for using resources efficiently.

Why UWE Bristol? 

• BEng(Hons) Architecture and Environmental Engineering is a unique, award-winning course.
• This is one of five courses that cover different specialisms in architecture. We produce sought-after graduates with specialist knowledge and the skill to create exciting buildings.
• It can be difficult to know whether to pursue a degree in arts or sciences. This joint degree enables you to work towards professional status in both engineering and architecture, developing your cultural, artistic and technological interests in parallel.
• It's in the overlap between function, aesthetics and physics that true inventiveness can flourish. Each way of thinking stimulates the others, giving you innovative solutions to problems.
• Explore architecture, passive design, environmental physics, environmental systems in buildings and the effective use of energy and materials. Gain a rare mix of knowledge and skills that will prepare you for this expanding sector of design.
• Learn from industry-experienced tutors and practising professionals who bring up-to-the-minute ideas from their active projects.  
• Develop your professional portfolio with a stream of practical design projects from real clients in the Bristol area.
• Go on site visits and residential field trips in the UK and overseas to make sure your design thinking is linked to the world beyond your studies.

Where can it take me?

• With a dual degree, you'll be ready for a variety of careers in architecture, environmental engineering and sustainability consultancy.
• Opportunities are available in small private practices up to large multinationals like Foster & Partners, Arup and Atkins.
• Find out how this course boosted Sophia's communication skills and employability.

This course will give you solid grounding in business and law, with the opportunity to specialise in either at the end of your first year.

Why study business and law?
In a competitive global economy, knowledge of legal systems in business gives managers an edge. Understanding business functions and practice also benefits law professionals operating in demanding business environments.

Combining these two disciplines gives you greater career choice, with routes to roles in management, law, finance, the public sector and beyond.

Why UWE Bristol?

BA(Hons) Business and Law equips you with a strong foundation in business and law with the opportunity to specialise in either subject at the end of your first year.

Contemporary modules in commercial, company, international trade and employment law run alongside core business modules spanning marketing, strategic management and managing people.

You'll be taught by experts from the reputable Law and Business Schools and be part of an active community of students and staff. 

If you decide to specialise in law by studying our Law with Business you can work towards a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD). This gives you the professional qualifications needed to progress to our LLM in Advanced Legal Practice (LPC LLM) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) to train as a solicitor or barrister.

Gain valuable real-world skills and experience through study trips and business-related work placements. Mock trials, law simulations and Pro Bono work will ensure you graduate with a practical understanding of law and familiarity with the industry.

Where can it take me?
Employers value the broad skillset, commercial awareness and employability of our students.

Career prospects are diverse and exciting. Depending on your specialism, you could start a career in business, law, HR, finance or the public sector. Our graduates have secured roles at Rolls Royce, HP, IBM, NHS, Hayes, Microsoft, Maclaren F1 and Lidl.

You may want to train as a barrister or solicitor through the LPC or BPTC, or undertake a business related postgraduate degree.

Top up your existing qualifications to an honours degree. This one-year course equivalent to the final year of undergraduate study, and is aimed at students who have previously completed a relevant qualification, such as a Higher National Diploma, in the subject area.

This one-year BA(Hons) Business Management with Accounting and Finance top-up course combines specialist accredited modules in Accounting and Finance with a solid grounding in business. On successful completion you will be awarded a full BA(Hons) degree.

Why UWE Bristol?

• Taught by leading experts, you'll develop crucial accounting skills and explore the fundamentals of global business from an operational to strategic level.
• You'll be part of a supportive, well-connected department, with access to industry through guest speakers, real-life case studies with companies like PwC, KPMG, Sunlife, Lloyds Banking Group and Hargreaves Lansdown.

Where can it take me?

• This course is designed to meet the needs of employers. Students graduate with valuable knowledge and experience of business environments that help them thrive in a competitive job market.
• Our graduates go on to careers in finance, management, accountancy, marketing and human resources in both private and public sector organisations. Many progress to Master's level courses in areas such as financial management, marketing, human resource management and economics. Others gain professional qualifications alongside work, such as accountancy professional body qualifications like ACCA and CIMA.

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society and has a strong practical focus that will build your professional skills, enhance your CV and get you noticed by employers

Why study psychology with criminology?

• By studying crime, along with a deep insight into human thought, action and behaviour, we can get a better understanding of how crime impacts individuals and society.
• Blending the benefits of a scientific approach, with the ability to think creatively, these disciplines develop skills that will put you in a strong position for progressing in a broad variety of careers

Why study at UWE Bristol?

• BSc(Hons) Psychology with Criminology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), so if you major in psychology you'll get the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with your degree. That's the initial recognised standard you need to become a practising psychologist.
• Built around the core BPS curriculum, the course will help you apply academic knowledge to real-world situations learning from internationally-recognised researchers and practitioners.
• You'll study advanced psychological methods and gain valuable transferable skills, becoming a strong communicator and problem solver.
• Hands-on experience with contemporary topics and approaches in practical sessions will deepen your knowledge further.
• You'll be mentored by a personal tutor, take part in research projects and complete an independent research project in an area of interest in your final year.

Where can it take me?

• The course will equip you with the strong transferable skills employers are looking for.
• You could work in healthcare, law enforcement, finance, IT, research, government, education, the creative industries or the legal sector.

Work either full or part-time towards Chartered Builder or Chartered Construction Manager status and develop valuable industry skills on collaborative projects.

Why study construction project management?
The urgent need to support economic development in the south west and the UK generally is increasing the number of large construction and infrastructure projects requiring development.

There is growing demand for professionals who understand the business aspects of running a company, building technology and the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) used in the project management of construction.

Why UWE Bristol?

• BSc(Hons) Construction Project Management is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). It's available for both full and part-time study, so you can work towards Chartered Builder or Chartered Construction Manager status if you're already working in the industry.
• Learn to effectively manage the construction process to meet client needs within external constraints. Study the principles of economics, business, law, building information modelling (BIM), building design and science, and construction technology and management.
• Apply your knowledge and skills to real-life scenarios in a work-based research project or dissertation on a specific topic of interest.
• Our construction partner employers provide industry knowledge, placements and recruitment advice to improve your employability on graduation. You'll get to work in teams across professional disciplines in a way that reflects industry practice.
• Discover new techniques and approaches on site visits and field trips. Test your skills on a placement, which may qualify as part of the professional development required to achieve Chartered status.

Where can it take me?
On graduation, you could work for UK or global construction organisations concerned with the management and business of developing and constructing buildings and other infrastructure.

You'll have opportunities to work in project management, quantity surveying, property development, facilities and asset management.

Find out how our degree inspired Olusola to pioneer sustainable housing in Africa.

Make a difference in the world. Learn about environmental systems, the human impacts on them and how to manage those interactions sustainably - and gain a strong grounding for an environmentally-focused career

Why study environmental management?

• Environmental challenges, such as climate change and plastic waste, are big on the global agenda.
• What's more, the urgency surrounding these issues means that there is now a growing need for competent, qualified environmental managers.
• As government bodies, organisations and communities place an increased focus on sustainability, your skills will stand you in good stead for many environmentally-focused careers.

Where can it take me?

• With skills well suited to environmental consultancy, you could also go onto work with charities, NGOs or local government, or pursue sustainability or energy management-type positions.
• For those keen to take their studies further, postgraduate study is another option, such as our MSc Environmental Management or MSc Sustainable Development in Practice.

This course is ideal if you wish to develop your understanding and skills in managing projects for construction professionals in either practice or client organisations.
In today's ever-changing market, construction professionals need the knowledge and skills available through postgraduate study more than ever. Successful project managers need to be able to think, lead and act in an uncertain and dynamic business environment, have access to the latest information, understand the appropriate techniques and systems, and have the expertise to apply these to market needs and business opportunities.

The MSc Construction Project Management is designed specifically to enhance your understanding of managing projects, and to support construction professionals in practice and client organisations. It is aimed at architects, surveyors, services engineers, civil engineers, construction managers, and existing project managers who wish to formalise their training on the client and supply side.

International students
If you're one of our many international students, you'll have opportunities to incorporate material and examples from your home country into your studies, especially in the dissertation. We also visit construction project sites in the UK, so you can compare practices here with those in your home country. This enriches your overall learning, and ours.