Economics with Integrated Foundation Year BSc
About This Programme
The BSc Economics with Integrated Foundation Year adds a foundation year in Dubai to the University of Birmingham Dubai's economics degree, making a four-year programme for students who need a foundation year before first-year university entry. The degree covers the science of decision-making and the management of resources, aiming to produce independent thinkers with the strategic decision-making skills for a wide range of careers. Core modules are designed to give graduates in the region the skills that support employability. The course combines a broad-based degree with personal mentoring from economists, set in Dubai's economy, so students can build a career without leaving the country.
Course Highlights
- Taught by economists in a research-active environment rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
- The same qualification as in the UK, awarded through the triple-crown accredited Birmingham Business School.
- A broad economics curriculum that leads beyond business: alumni work for NGOs, the UN, the World Bank and other organisations.
- UAE Ministry accreditation, which the University highlights for careers in the region.
What You'll Study
Classes are small, students have one-to-one sessions with their tutor, and teaching comes from academics in both the UK and Dubai. Small classes build on the material covered in lectures, and students work in groups and give presentations, both skills employers value. Students have 30 hours of contact time a week; the rest is independent study based on each module's content and requirements. Progress is assessed through a mix of coursework, exams and tests, depending on the modules chosen.
Foundation Year
A supported first year in Dubai that prepares students for undergraduate study, covering academic skills, quantitative methods for business and economics and more. Completing it with at least 100 credits guarantees progression to the BSc Economics.
- Introduction to Business and Management20 credits
- Business and the Market20 credits
- Introduction to Global Environmental Issues20 credits
- Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics20 credits
Students are also enrolled on one of these English modules, depending on their IELTS score.
- Academic English and Study Skills40 credits
- Advanced Academic English and Study Skills40 credits
- Advanced Academic Skills (SSBL)40 credits
Year 1
Semester 1 builds foundations in economic theory, quantitative methods and real-world economic challenges. Semester 2 develops analytical and statistical skills and looks at global economic issues and applied economics.
- Contemporary Economic Challenges A10 credits
- Introduction to Mathematics for Economics20 credits
- Principles of Economics20 credits
- Professional and Academic Skills Development for Economists A10 credits
- Applied Economics and Statistics20 credits
- Contemporary Economic Challenges B10 credits
- Professional and Academic Skills Development for Economists B10 credits
- The Global Economy20 credits
Year 2
Core econometrics, macroeconomics and microeconomics, strengthening theoretical and quantitative skills, alongside behavioural and experimental economics, environmental economics, and financial markets and institutions.
- Econometrics20 credits
- Macroeconomics20 credits
- Microeconomics20 credits
- Behavioural and Experimental Economics20 credits
- Environmental Economics20 credits
- Financial Markets and Institutions20 credits
Year 3
Advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics and financial markets and institutions, and a dissertation of independent research on an economic topic of the student's choice. Module titles and content may change as teaching is reviewed.
- Advanced Microeconomics20 credits
- International Trade Theory and Policy20 credits
- Advanced Financial Markets and Institutions20 credits
- Advanced Macroeconomics20 credits
- Economics Dissertation40 credits
Entry Requirements
The foundation pathway suits students who finished high school to a high standard but would normally need a foundation year before first-year undergraduate entry to UK universities.
Careers
The University points to UAE Ministry accreditation as making graduates eligible for government roles in the region's economic sector, alongside international careers. A careers officer helps students build the skills for a competitive job market, with events on CV writing and interview preparation, and summer internships in which students spend two to three weeks on an industry project. The Careers Network Dubai offers information, advice and guidance to identify options, build skills and reach opportunities.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and listed as Active on the Commission for Academic Accreditation register as the Bachelor of Science in Economics. Birmingham Business School holds triple-crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS).
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Start Date
September 2026 (applications closed; September 2027 details to follow)
Duration
4 years (including the foundation year)
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Business & Finance
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Integrated foundation year, Single honours
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 123,506/yr
AED 123,506 for the foundation year, full-time, as published for September 2026 and January 2027 entry; each later year costs AED 128,695. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation, is charged for each year of study, and can be paid in full or in three instalments a year. Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are closed, and details for September 2027 entry will be published later. Applications are made directly through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal (not UCAS), with no application fee, and are usually decided within 10 working days of all documents arriving. A non-returnable AED 5,000 deposit, deducted from tuition, is paid on accepting an offer. Scholarships of up to 30% are assessed from the application itself, with no separate form.