History and Economics

Our Economics courses enable you to develop skills in applying economic theory, perspectives and approaches as a method of solving business and organisational problems. You’ll develop knowledge and capabilities in applied economic analysis and learn to use the software used by leading professionals in the financial sector.

You will combine this with studying history against the rich historical background of Derby and Derbyshire – an important centre for trade, religious expression, industry and enlightenment thought. Our History courses explore these key ideas and themes both within our region and across the globe. You’ll study an exciting range of modules branching from the sixteenth century to the modern day. 
 

Developing your skills

We’ll provide you with the knowledge and skills required to undertake the type of applied micro and macro-economic analysis needed from business, public and voluntary sector economists. You will develop both quantitative and qualitative analytical skills essential for entry into graduate management and financial training positions, as well as being prepared for progression to postgraduate Economics degrees for careers as economists.

Our History courses aim to develop your verbal and written communication skills, team working, and the ability to understand, analyse, and summarise various types of data. These skills not only benefit your study of History, but also enhance your employability upon graduating. 

Tailor your degree

You’ll be able to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals with an exciting range of modules to choose from, covering themes such as the Enlightenment period, global mobility, marketing and presenting the past, market failure analysis, economics of sustainable business growth and financial risk management. 

Putting theory into practice

You’ll benefit from varied teaching approaches, including guest speakers from a range of industry backgrounds, real-world learning opportunities such as live briefs, and projects set by industry, so you’ll graduate with a wealth of experience.

You can choose to take a placement year between years two and three of your degree, which would super-charge your employability and improve your prospects after graduation. We can help you to find a placement and provide support throughout your year away. If that's not for you, you can choose to complete internships during the summer breaks instead. 

What is a Joint Honours degree?

A Joint Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study two subjects.

A Joint Honours degree is a great option if:

• You want to study two subjects you’re passionate about
• You’ve got a specific career in mind and want to create a tailored degree to prepare you for the future
• You want to study a new subject alongside one you’re already familiar with

The modules below indicate the range of modules you may study as part of this combination, however prescribed and optional modules will vary depending on whether you choose to study both subjects equally, or choose to major or minor in a subject. To find out exactly which modules you would study as part of your chosen combination please contact jhs@derby.ac.uk.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

For History modules you’ll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, study visits and co-curricular learning.

Real world learning is at the heart of our economics modules, with the focus on solving genuine business problems as well as engaging with external experts to discuss economic concepts. You’ll learn through a compelling combination of:

• interactive lectures
• expert speakers 
• problem-solving seminars 
• group work 
• group discussion 
• workshops 
• case study analysis 
• computer lab work 
• practical analysis

How you are assessed

The History modules at Derby have a wide range of assessments that are varied and reflect the different academic and transferable skills of History graduates. We have designed our assessments to reflect the key skills of the historical discipline as well as skills that will prepare you for life beyond university. Our commitment to students as researchers, public history, global history and co-production has shaped our assessment strategy, and we have designed our assessments so that you are building expertise through the degree.

For Economics modules you’ll be assessed through computer-based assessments, essays, reports, group work, written and oral communication and live projects.

Due to the transferable nature of the skills you’ll learn studying History such as verbal and written communication, critical analysis, independent thought and problem solving, you'll be suitably positioned for a range of roles upon graduating. In recent years, our own graduates have entered into a variety of careers, including:

• Teaching
• Libraries 
• Museums and archives 
• Retail and commercial management 
• Human resources 
• Marketing

An Economics degree adds prestige to your CV and could be your stepping stone to a lucrative graduate training scheme or a well-rewarded financial consultancy role. Economics graduates with an understanding of business and leadership are in great demand across the public, private and voluntary sectors worldwide. As well as roles in international business, consultancy and finance, you could pursue opportunities in government departments, development agencies, charities and not-for-profit organisations. 

Our focus on problem-solving and practical economic analysis extends your career scope further still, opening doors to a much broader range of opportunities than with a more conventional Economics qualification. Some graduates go on to follow careers in areas such as HR, marketing, PR and sales.

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

You will typically study your two subjects equally at stage one, before choosing whether you want to major in one subject at stages two and three.

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.