How to Apply to Economics at Loughborough University: Economics, Economics and Finance, and Economics and Management BSc Degrees, With A-level Maths Not Essential for Economics but GCSE Maths at 6, with Entry Routes and Prerequisites for UK, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Applicants

Economics at Loughborough University sits in the “Economics” subject area on the course pages, and the Economics BSc page refers to Loughborough Business School. You apply through UCAS directly to a named course. This guide sets out the main points for September 2027 entry for UK applicants, international applicants (including those from China) and applicants wanting to join year two. It does not use the UCAS website or portal; check UCAS before you submit.

1. Degrees and variants

The undergraduate A-Z lists these mainly economics degrees (UCAS codes are for the three-year course without, then with, a placement year):

• Economics BSc (Hons): three years, L100; four years with a placement year, L10A. The university says it covers how consumers and firms interact, how government policy shapes outcomes and how financial systems work in the UK and globally, and discusses issues such as the economic impact of technological change, income inequality and behavioural “nudges” in pension saving; in the third year you can choose a placement, overseas study or the Year in Enterprise pathway.
• Economics and Finance BSc: three years L1NK, with placement year LN14; economics plus capital markets, raising finance and asset pricing.
• Economics and Management BSc: three years LN12, with placement year LN1F; core economic theory plus business and management study, preparing for careers in economics, consultancy or management.
• Related courses are mentioned only briefly: Mathematics with Economics BSc and Financial Mathematics BSc are taught in mathematical sciences; Accounting and Finance, Finance, Politics, Philosophy and Economics (BA) and Geography with Economics are also in the A-Z. Business and computing degrees are outside this guide.

2. How admission works and the course structure

• You apply to a named course: each of the three degrees has its own UCAS code, and the course pages do not describe a general first year followed by a choice. Whether you can move between the economics degrees after enrolling is not given on the pages used for this guide; ask the business school.
• First-year compulsory modules (listed on the Economics BSc page): Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics, Quantitative Economics, Foundations for Economists, Responsible Management Practice, Data Analysis and Statistics for Economics. First-year options include Foundation Maths for Quantitative Economics, Introduction to Accounting, Organisational Behaviour and Principles of Law. Second-year compulsory modules include Intermediate Macroeconomics and Intermediate Microeconomics; other modules include Introduction to Econometrics, and later options include Behavioural Economics, International Trade, Labour Economics, Development Economics, Financial Economics and Asset Pricing and Applied Econometrics. The page notes that modules are examples and reviewed each year.
• Maths support: the Economics page says A-level Maths is not essential and that there is extra help with maths. The Quantitative Economics module description says provision is made for students with and without an A-level maths background, the optional Foundation Maths module is strongly recommended for students without an A in A-level Maths, and one student comment mentions weekly non-compulsory maths sessions.
• Selection: applicants are usually selected on their UCAS application alone; an interview may be needed in exceptional cases, and no admissions test is mentioned. Applicants who receive an offer are invited to visit the department. The page adds that many courses receive a large number of applications and not every applicant predicted to meet the typical offer will receive one.
• Placement and Year in Enterprise: the Economics BSc offers an optional salaried placement year (with a Diploma in Professional Studies); you can take up to three placements in the year, or six months on placement and six months overseas, or study for a year at a partner university overseas. The Placements Office helps but you must secure the role; examples of placement employers include the Bank of England, the Office for National Statistics, PwC and IBM.
• Accreditation: the page says the business school holds AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation; professional-body accreditation of the economics degree itself is not given on the pages used for this guide.
• AP or IB credit for required courses and a maths placement test: not given on the pages used for this guide.

3. Prerequisites (typical offers, September 2027 entry)

• A-level: Economics BSc and Economics and Finance AAA; Economics and Management AAB. No specific subjects are required, but the university prefers subjects showing numerical, analytical and discursive abilities: Biology, Business, Classical Civilisation, Chemistry, Economics, English Language/Literature, Geography, History, Languages, Law, Maths/Further Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies and Sociology. In some circumstances applicants may be asked for specific grades in certain subjects.
• IB: 37 points (6,6,6 at HL) for Economics and Economics and Finance; 35 (6,6,5 at HL) for Economics and Management. The pages do not name required IB subjects.
• BTEC: for Economics and Economics and Finance, Extended Diploma D*D*D, National Diploma DD plus one A-level at A, or Extended Certificate D plus two A-levels at AA; for Economics and Management, Extended Diploma DDD, National Diploma DD plus one A-level at A, or Extended Certificate D plus two A-levels at AB. If the BTEC is not in Business the A-level should be in a preferred subject; Business is the preferred BTEC and others are considered case by case.
• GCSE: Maths grade 6/B (the page says there is no flexibility, but a grade B in Level 3 Core Maths is accepted as an alternative) and English Language grade 4/C.
• Access Loughborough contextual offer: ABB for Economics and Economics and Finance, BBB for Economics and Management, with no specific subjects but the preferred list still applies; A-level plus BTEC Extended Certificate: BB plus Distinction.
• Admissions test: none mentioned.

UK applicants

• Route: apply through UCAS directly to a named course; each course and length of study has its own UCAS code. This guide does not use the UCAS website or portal. The application fee, personal statement and reference rules are not given on the pages used for this guide; check the UCAS website.
• General entry requirements page: applicants are normally expected to have at least three A-levels; the IB needs the full Diploma with at least three subjects at Higher Level, and both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation can meet the maths requirement; Scottish applicants usually need at least two Advanced Highers plus Highers in three other subjects; the Irish Leaving Certificate needs at least five Higher Level passes; the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Diploma counts as one A-level alongside two A-levels; the A-level Science Practical Endorsement is not widely included in offer conditions but is expected to be passed; the EPQ is generally not part of offer conditions but may be used in further consideration after results.
• BTEC, T Levels, Access to HE: BTEC and Cambridge Technical combinations are given on each course page; T Levels are accepted for only some courses; the Access to HE Diploma is considered case by case (60 credits, 45 at Level 3). Core Maths cannot replace A-level Maths where it is required.
• GCSE: the university normally expects grade 4/C in English Language and, for most courses, grade 4/C in Mathematics; some courses ask for more, as set out for each subject below.
• Access Loughborough Contextual Offer: lower offers for applicants who may face barriers to university study; the grades are given for each subject below, and the eligibility criteria are on the university's contextual admissions page.
• Interview: the course pages say applicants are usually selected on their UCAS application alone; an interview may be needed in exceptional cases.
• Fees: the course pages give UK students £10,050 a year for 2027/28, in line with the UK government fee cap and subject to change; a placement year is about 20% of the full-time fee. The pages give two fee levels, UK and International, and do not separate England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. How fee status is decided is not given on the pages used for this guide; check the university's fee status page.
• Higher English requirement: the university's page on undergraduate courses needing a higher level of English lists courses such as Politics, Philosophy and Economics and the sport science degrees; Economics, Economics and Finance and Economics and Management are not on that list.

International applicants

• Route: UCAS, or progression from the ONCAMPUS Loughborough foundation programme (which has a Business, Economics, Finance and Management pathway).
• English language: the standard university requirement is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each element; some schools or departments may ask for more, and this is stated in the offer. Other accepted tests include: TOEFL iBT 88 overall (at least 21 in each section) for tests taken before 21 January 2026, and for tests from that date the page uses a 4.5 scale (4.5 overall, at least 4.5 in Writing and Listening and 4.0 in Speaking and Reading); PTE 65 (at least 61 in each part); LanguageCert Academic 70 (at least 65 in each part); Oxford ELLT 7 (at least 6 in each part); Duolingo 120 (Speaking 110, Writing 115, Reading 110, Listening 105). Tests must be no more than two years old at the start of the course. Medium of instruction letters and English proficiency letters are not accepted. Applicants below the IELTS requirement may, at the department's discretion, take a pre-sessional English programme.
• Qualifications: the entry requirements page says the university accepts many international qualifications, such as the European Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, German Abitur, Hong Kong DSE and Indian Standard XII, alongside recognised International Foundation Programmes; students from a 12-year education system can enter through the International Foundation Programme at ONCAMPUS Loughborough. Country-by-country requirements are given in the “Select your country” text on each course page. Qualification verification, proof of funds and visa arrangements are not given on the pages used for this guide; ask Global Engagement.

Applicants from China

• Chinese senior high school graduation is not enough for direct entry: the China entry on the course pages says students taking the Senior Middle Examinations need to complete a suitable Foundation Year. The university offers a Foundation Year through ONCAMPUS, whose entry requirements are on the ONCAMPUS website (not used for this guide); you can also ask the Global Engagement team whether the foundation programme you are considering is acceptable.
• International Foundation Programme: the university's page describes a one-year programme for international students who have finished secondary education, with guaranteed progression to a Loughborough undergraduate degree on meeting the specified criteria. There are five pathways: Business, Economics, Finance and Management; Engineering and Physical Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences; Life Sciences; Art and Design.Business, Economics, Finance and Management is the pathway name the page lists for economics-related degrees; confirm the progression conditions with ONCAMPUS Loughborough.
• One year at a Chinese university: a first year at a recognised university in China is accepted for first-year entry to some degrees, typically with an overall average of 75% to 80% and specific subject marks for some courses; contact the Global Engagement team to check.
• Gaokao: the course pages and the entry requirements page do not say how gaokao scores are used and give no gaokao cut-off; this is not given on the pages used for this guide. Ask Global Engagement or Undergraduate Admissions.
• Chinese applicants with A-levels or the IB: apply directly against the A-level and IB requirements for each subject.
• Interviews and verification bodies: nothing specific to Chinese applicants is given on the pages used for this guide. All students must meet the university's English language requirement.

Transfer and direct entry to year two

• The course and entry requirements pages do not give conditions for transferring into year two from another university, credit transfer rules or deadlines; these are not given on the pages used for this guide. Contact Loughborough's Undergraduate Admissions Office (the entry requirements page lists +44 (0)1509 274403).
• The entry requirements page says BTEC HND and HNC qualifications are also considered and in some cases may allow progression directly to year two; Open University courses normally need 120 Level 1 credits for first-year entry, and specific subjects may be required.
• Conditions for moving between courses inside the university are not given on the pages used for this guide; ask the relevant department.

Fees and scholarships

• Tuition fees: the course pages give £25,950 a year for international students and £10,050 a year for UK students in 2027/28; a placement year is about 20% of the full-time fee. Fees may change from year to year; check the website.
• International Excellence Scholarship (international students only): £3,000 a year, up to £9,000 over a standard degree; no separate application, because applicants through UCAS or ONCAMPUS are considered automatically. You will typically need AAA at A-level (or equivalent), be a self-funded international fee-paying student without another university award or external sponsorship, make Loughborough your firm choice and reach the grades at the first sitting without resits. It does not apply during a placement year or an overseas-study year, or to Foundation courses.
• Future Leaders Scholarship (international students only): a one-off £10,000 discount on first-year tuition; you must already hold an offer for September 2027 and then complete an application form by 11 April 2027; applicants must be self-funded and able to show funds for the remaining tuition and living costs. Scholarships cannot be combined; if you win several, only the highest-value one is honoured.
• UK students: the Loughborough University Bursary (means-tested) pays £1,000 per year of study, with a £500 placement start-up grant; it is not available to students from Wales, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
• Placement and overseas year: courses offer an optional placement year (with an additional Diploma in Professional Studies) or a year at a partner university overseas (with a Diploma in International Studies). You are responsible for securing the placement, with support from the university.

Timeline (September 2027 entry)

• The UCAS key dates page describes the 2026 application cycle and does not give dates for 2027 entry. Its wording is below; check the exact 2027-entry dates on the UCAS website: UCAS applications open in September; 15 October is the first deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, veterinary science and dentistry; 13 January is the second deadline for all other applications and the last point at which the university gives equal consideration; most offers are made by the end of March; 5 May is the first deadline to reply to offers; 30 June is the last date for late applications; Clearing begins on 2 July; A-level results day is 12 August.
• A separate deadline for international applicants is not given on the pages used for this guide; check with Loughborough's Undergraduate Admissions or Global Engagement team.
• Applicants who receive an offer are invited to visit the department.

Checklist

UK applicants:

• A-level AAA (Economics and Management AAB), no specific subjects but a preferred list; or IB 37 (Economics and Management 35); GCSE Maths 6/B and English Language 4/C
• Apply through UCAS by 13 January (check the 2027-entry date); check the degree and UCAS code you need

International applicants:

• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each element) or an accepted equivalent; A-level or IB results as above
• For the International Excellence Scholarship: make Loughborough your firm choice, reach AAA or equivalent at the first sitting; the Future Leaders Scholarship needs a separate application by 11 April 2027

Applicants from China:

• Chinese senior high school: complete a recognised foundation year first (for example ONCAMPUS Loughborough); how gaokao scores are used is not given, so ask Global Engagement
• One year at a recognised Chinese university: average about 75% to 80%, with subject marks for some courses

Transfer applicants:

• Conditions for entry to year two are not given; HND and HNC holders may in some cases go straight to year two

Not given on the pages used, or to check

• The 2027-entry UCAS deadline, any separate international deadline and the application fee
• How gaokao scores are used; ONCAMPUS entry requirements and fees
• Conditions for entry to year two and credit transfer; moving between economics degrees after enrolment; professional-body accreditation of the economics degree
• How fee status is decided; visa and proof-of-funds requirements

Sources: Loughborough University, Undergraduate courses A-Z; Economics BSc; Economics and Finance BSc; Economics and Management BSc; Entry requirements; English language requirements; Undergraduate English language requirements (higher); Key dates; International Foundation Programme; Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships; Future Leaders Scholarship; Loughborough University Bursary. Courses, offers and fees follow the course pages marked September 2027 entry (2027/28); the UCAS key dates page describes the 2026 application cycle, as noted in the text. Check Loughborough for the latest details.