Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Economics

Analyse Economic Principles & Policies with a BA Honours in Economics

About

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Economics is an undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of economic theories, principles, and applications. The course typically spans three years and covers a wide range of topics related to microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative methods, and applied economics.

In the first year of the program, students usually start with foundational courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics delves into the behaviour of individual economic agents such as consumers, firms, and markets, exploring topics like demand and supply, market structures, pricing strategies, and resource allocation. On the other hand, macroeconomics focuses on aggregate economic phenomena such as national income, inflation, unemployment, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international trade.

As students progress to the second and third years, they delve deeper into economic theory and analysis. They learn about advanced concepts in microeconomics such as consumer theory, production theory, cost analysis, market failure, and welfare economics. In macroeconomics, they study topics like economic growth, business cycles, monetary theory, exchange rates, open economy macroeconomics, and economic policy frameworks.

A significant aspect of the BA Honours in Economics program is the emphasis on quantitative methods and data analysis. Students acquire skills in statistical analysis, mathematical modelling, econometrics, data interpretation, and economic forecasting. These quantitative skills are crucial for conducting economic research, analysing economic data sets, and making evidence-based policy recommendations.

Moreover, the course includes modules on applied economics, where students apply economic theories and methods to real-world issues and challenges. This could involve studying topics such as development economics, environmental economics, health economics, labour economics, public economics, and policy analysis. Students may also have the opportunity to engage in research projects, case studies, and internships to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge in practical settings

Subject

The core subjects of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Economics program typically include a combination of foundational courses, advanced economic theory, quantitative methods, and applied economics. Here are some of the core subjects commonly found in BA Honours in Economics programs: 

  • Microeconomics
  • Macroeconomics
  • Economic Theory
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Applied Economics
  • Research Methods
  • Economic Policy Analysis

Practical Learning

Practical learning in a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Economics program encompasses various aspects that complement theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences and real-world applications. Here are some practical learning components typically found in BA Honours in Economics courses:

  • Case Studies
  • Research Projects
  • Workshops and Seminars
  • Data Analysis Training

Course Curriculum

The course curriculum of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Economics program typically spans over three years and covers a wide range of subjects related to economic theory, quantitative methods, applied economics, and research. Here is an overview of the course curriculum for each year:

First Year 

  • Microeconomics I
  • Mathematics for Economics I
  • Statistics I
  • Principles of Business Economics
  • Introduction to Econometrics
  • Macroeconomics I
  • Mathematics for Economics II
  • Statistics II
  • Business Economics II
  • Introduction to Financial Economics

Second Year 

  • Intermediate Microeconomics I
  • Econometric Methods I
  • Development Economics I
  • Financial Economics I
  • Elective Course I (e.g., Environmental Economics, Labor Economics)
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics I
  • Econometric Methods II
  • Development Economics II
  • Financial Economics II
  • Elective Course II (e.g., International Economics, Public Economics)

Third Year 

  • Advanced Microeconomics I
  • Applied Econometrics I
  • Economic Policy Analysis I
  • Elective Course III (e.g., Health Economics, Industrial Economics)
  • Research Methods
  • Advanced Macroeconomics I
  • Applied Econometrics II
  • Economic Policy Analysis II
  • Elective Course IV (e.g., Behavioral Economics, Game Theory)
  • Capstone Project or Dissertation

Top Institutes

Here are some of the top institutes in India that offer Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Economics programs:

  • Delhi University - Delhi School of Economics (DSE), New Delhi
  • St. Stephen's College, Delhi
  • Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi
  • Presidency University, Kolkata
  • Loyola College, Chennai
  • Jadavpur University, Kolkata
  • St. Xavier's College, Mumbai
  • Christ University, Bengaluru
  • Hindu College, Delhi University
  • Presidency College, Chennai

Career Growth

The specific career growth depends on factors such as individual skills, experience, interests and the sector in which one chooses to work. Here are some potential avenues for career growth with a BA Honours in Economics:

  • Specialisation
  • Postgraduate Studies
  • Certifications and Credentials
  • Work Experience
  • Networking and Professional Development
  • Leadership and Management Roles
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Global Opportunities
  • Continuous Learning

Scope

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Economics degree offers scope in various sectors due to the versatile skills and knowledge acquired during the program. Here are some sectors where BA Honours in Economics graduates can find opportunities:

  • Government and Public Policy
  • Financial Services
  • Corporate Sector
  • Consulting and Advisory Services
  • Academic and Research Institutions
  • Non-Profit and International Organisations
  • Data Analytics and Technology
  • Market Research and Analytics
  • Education and Training
  • Entrepreneurship

Pros & Cons

Pros of pursuing a BA Honours in Economics:

  • Versatile Skills
  • Career Opportunities
  • Global Perspective
  • Research Opportunities

Cons of pursuing a BA Honours in Economics:

  • Complexity of Concepts
  • Policy Uncertainty