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Economics courses

If you’re looking to enter a graduate profession ranked among the highest-paid of all subjects, an Open University economics course is for you. Study a broad range of real world topics in economics related to policy, international trade, business decision making, work and climate change. Find our full list of degrees, diplomas and certificates below. Your journey starts here.

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EconomicsDegrees 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years

Degrees in Economics

EconomicsDiplomas 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years

Diplomas in Economics

EconomicsCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Certificates in Economics

Why study Economics with The Open University?

The Open University Department of Economics is ranked excellent for quality of teaching by the Quality Assurance Agency and consistently achieves high rates for overall student satisfaction in National Student Surveys. In 2017, OU Economics graduates were found to be the second highest paid across all institutions and all subjects 12 months from graduation, based on a Department for Education survey.

Some of the benefits of OU economics study:

  • Opportunity to specialise in an area of economics of your own choice and carry out a small research project.
  • Use of specialised software to apply statistical methods to real economic problems.
  • Exposure to research that has an international profile, with projects funded by institutions such as the European Commission and United Nations agencies.

Careers in Economics

Our courses are designed to give you the skills valued by employers and cover a broad range of real world topics in economics related to government policy, international trade, and business decision making.

Our range of courses in economics can help you start or progress your career in:

  • Civil service and local government
  • Banking, insurance, investment and financial services
  • Business and management consultancy
  • Data and financial analysis
  • Teaching

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Economics modules

All Economics courses

Browse all the Economics courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Economics courses