How do different countries around the world trade, and what systems do they use? How much of an influence do historical events have on the development of international policies? Our course gives you a solid grounding in economics, and has a focus on international areas such as world trade, world economy, international monetary relations and the flow of trade and assets between countries. Our course is built on the core principles of economics, which are applied to your study of international trade, international finance, and the international institutions supporting these systems. You receive a thorough training in economics and mathematics up to post-graduate level, as well as training in quantitative research methods.

You study the mathematical and statistical analysis of economic problems, and how the global economy functions, choosing from a range of topics on international economics including:

Models of international trade and the world trading system

Foreign exchange markets

The history of European overseas trading

International financial organisations

The impact of business decisions on products, prices, and social welfare

We are 4th in UK for research power in economics and econometrics (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021) and we have particular strengths in the areas of, game theory and strategic interactions, theoretical and applied econometrics and labour economics.

The quality of our work is reflected in our stream of publications in high-profile academic journals, including American Economic Review, Econometrica, and Review of Economic Studies.

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The five-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the four-year course. Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.

If you spend a full year abroad you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university.

Placement year

Alternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement year with an external organisation, where you learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways. You will be responsible for finding your placement, but with support and guidance provided by both your department and our Employability and Careers Centre.

If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.