Economics is one of the core subjects of the University and in recent years has grown in both student numbers and range of courses on offer. It is the belief of the School that the pursuit of research enhances its ability to provide quality teaching programmes.

In the Research Assessment Exercise 2008, research by Economics faculty within the School of Business and Economics was considered to be of the highest international quality. The Economics and Econometrics panel, comprised of leading academics and policy makers, applied a consistent set of ranking criteria that allowed research to be judged on the same basis across all subject areas within the Higher Education sector. Research panels provided a research profile for each assessed subject area which provided a distribution of research activities falling within each of the following categories:

4* - Research recognised as being world leading
3* - Research considered to be internationally excellent
2* - Research recognised as being of an international standard
1* - Research recognised as being of a national standard
0* - Unclassified research falling below the national standard.

The profile for Economics at Swansea University indicated that 100 per cent of research in Economics within the School of Business and Economics was of an international standard or better (2* or better), while 60 per cent was of our research considered to be either internationally excellent or world leading (3* or 4*). The overall research profile given to Economics in Swansea was:

4* - 15 per cent world leading
3* - 45 per cent internationally excellent
2* - 40 per cent international standard
1* - 0 per cent national standard
0* - unclassified.

The advantage of studying in such a research-driven environment is that lecturers are able to bring their research into their teaching and what you learn is valuable to employers. In fact, research has shown that, 11 years into their careers, UK economics graduates generally earn more than students from any other discipline except dentistry. Not only will today’s economics students lead interesting and rewarding careers, they will also have the potential to make a real difference to the world in which we live and work.

Overall we believe Economics at Swansea offers a high quality learning experience in a unique location from friendly committed staff at the frontiers of research.

Why study Economics at Swansea?

• Why does economic performance differ so much across countries?
  
• Do trade unions help or hinder the take-up of new technology?
  
• Can full employment be restored?
  
• What is the appropriate form of regulation for private monopolies?
  
• Does economic performance affect the Government's political popularity?

These questions are amongst the many important and topical issues considered in individual courses at Swansea. Economics embraces a wide range of teaching and research interests and this is reflected in the scope and depth of courses on offer to students. There is a strong commitment to delivering high quality teaching at all levels and on-campus library and computing facilities are excellent, as befits a University with a leading international reputation.

Away from study, the well-equipped sports centre - home to the Wales National Pool,  the city and its night life, and the Gower Peninsula's superb coastline all offer leisure opportunities to suit a wide range of tastes and interests.