Economics courses at Brunel combine an understanding of theory with the practical skills necessary to apply your knowledge to a business, industrial, financial or government environment. It is this combination, together with a strong background in finance, that distinguishes Brunel’s courses from other economics degrees. Aims This broad-based course aims to produce economists with a range of technical expertise including quantitative and computing skills. Particular emphasis is placed on the application of theoretical principles in the working environment.

Economics and Business Finance plays a crucial role in the operation, management and regulation of financial institutions, industry and government agencies. As a senior manager in public and private enterprise, a knowledge of economics and finance significantly enhances strategic decision making. Further, such knowledge is crucial in a world of integrating global markets. In addition, students acquire a range of transferable skills that will be applicable across a variety of different jobs. Economics and Business Finance graduates from Brunel have an excellent employment record and go into a wide variety of occupations. Some go on to further study and become professional economists or accountants. Others are employed in industry, the financial sector or government. In some cases, a job offer comes from a former work placement employer. Careers Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey These statistics relate to graduates who studied Economics, Economics and Accounting, Business Economics and Finance and Accounting. Accountancy is a popular career choice with Finance and Accounting students. Chartered Accountancy training contracts within the banking sector and the top tier accountancy firms tend to be top of the list, and a number of this year’s graduates were successful in this area. ACCA and CIMA are also popular Accountancy qualifications with graduates interested in Trainee Accountants or other Accountancy roles. Tax and Treasury are two other areas entered as well as Finance Analyst roles. In 2011/12, six months after graduating: * 57.9% of graduates with a first degree were in employment * 10.5% were in full-time further study * 10.5% were combining work and study Read more about graduate destinations for this subject area Economics graduates from Brunel have an excellent employment record and go into a wide variety of occupations. Some go on to further study and become professional economists or accountants. Others are employed in industry, the financial sector or government. In some cases, a job offer comes from a former work placement employer. Past graduates have gone on to work in the following areas: * The City: Merrill Lynch (Brokers), NatWest (Financing Futures) * Chartered Accountancy: PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG * Central Government: the Bank of England, the Treasury, the Cabinet Office, the Department of Transport * Local Government: Finance Departments, Corporate Planning, the National Audit Office, Health Trusts/Authorities * Industry: BP, Rank Xerox, Marks and Spencer, ICL * Other: CBI, the Civil Aviation Authority, British Airways Placements You can choose to study either a traditional three-year course or the prestigious four-year sandwich course. Sandwich course students have the chance to undertake paid, professional work experience in the heart of the financial, business and public sector, in the UK or overseas. The positive impact of a sandwich placement on graduate employment outcomes across Brunel is considerable. Those who have done placements are also much more likely to be in employment for which their degree was a formal requirement or where they believe their degree gave them a competitive advantage in recruitment.