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Undergraduate Degree Bachelor of Science Comprehensive

BSc Applied Economics

Department of Applied Economics 4 years Regular
How to Apply

About This Programme

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics is a four-year regular undergraduate programme of the Department of Applied Economics, School of Economics, University of Cape Coast.

Unlike traditional economics programmes that focus heavily on abstract or highly technical quantitative work, the programme is designed to emphasise the application and real-world relevance of economic ideas. It trains students to use economics as a tool for analysing everyday issues such as unemployment, inflation, inequality and environmental challenges, making the subject pertinent to industries and the workplace.

The first two years cover introductory mathematics and statistics for economists, the principles and elements of applied micro- and macroeconomics, contemporary economic issues, computing and computer applications for applied economists, introduction to development economics, econometrics, industrial economics, the economics of social issues, economic planning and financial economics, together with the University-wide Communicative Skills, Information Literacy Skills, African Studies, the interfaculty course and Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning, and two semesters of basic communication in French.

The third and fourth years cover applied microeconometrics, the economics of resource allocation, intermediate applied micro- and macroeconomics, research methods, the economy of Ghana, game theory, monetary economics, behavioural economics, advanced applied micro- and macroeconomics, applied economic research and reporting, economic modelling and forecasting and development economics, with two or three electives each semester drawn from energy economics, project and economic evaluation, managerial economics, empirical finance, transport economics, the economics of international trade law, investment and portfolio management, labour economics, business economics, health economics, microfinance, sustainable finance and the green economy, housing finance, international trade theory and policy, applied monetary systems and banking operations, the economics of gender and society, corporate governance and ethics, the economics of markets and regulation, public finance and public policy, international finance and open economy macroeconomics, the economics of innovations and technology, and the economics of education.

The research component is the Project Work, a long essay written in the second semester of the fourth year.

Programme Aim

Aim(s)

The BSc Applied Economics programme aims to train graduates who can apply economic reasoning and analytical tools to real-life problems, making economics practical, relevant, and connected to industry and society. It seeks to produce graduates who combine solid academic training with practical skills for policy, business, and development.

Programme Objectives

Objective(s)

i. Equip students with a strong foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and applied econometrics, while focusing on practical applications rather than excessive abstraction. ii. Develop students’ ability to apply economic concepts and methods to everyday life issues such as jobs, prices, poverty, inequality, trade, and industrial growth. iii. Build capacity to use statistical, mathematical, and computational tools for economic and policy analysis in ways that are relevant to industries and the working world. iv. Strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills for tackling real-world social and economic challenges. v. Prepare students for professional careers in government, industry, finance, research, consulting, and international organisations, as well as for postgraduate study in economics and related fields. vi. Cultivate ethical values, professional attitudes, and communication skills necessary for effective economic practice and leadership in society.

The BSc Applied Economics programme was created in response to the increasing demand for economics graduates with strong analytical, quantitative, and policy-focused skills to tackle Ghana’s and Africa’s development challenges. Applied economics plays a vital role in national development strategies, especially within the context of the Ghana Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies (2017–2024), which highlights industrial transformation, job creation, and inclusive growth. The programme also supports the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, both of which underscore the importance of sound economic policy, evidence-based decision-making, and inclusive economic growth.

Unlike traditional economics programmes that focus heavily on abstract or highly technical quantitative work, the BSc Applied Economics programme is intentionally designed to emphasise the application and real-world relevance of economic ideas. It trains students to utilise economics as a tool for analysing everyday issues such as unemployment, inflation, inequality, and environmental challenges, making the subject pertinent to industries and the workplace. The programme was developed by the Department of Applied Economics in consultation with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and academic experts to ensure graduates combine solid theory with practical skills. It balances rigorous training in economic reasoning and data analysis with practical experience through internships, empirical projects, and case studies. While the programmes have existed at the department since 2018, the first cohort of BSc Applied Economics students will be admitted in the 2025/2026 academic year, with plans to attract both local and international students.

Entry Requirements

WASSCE/SSSCE applicants: the minimum admission requirement into the University of Cape Coast is aggregate 36 for WASSCE applicants and aggregate 24 for SSSCE applicants. Candidates must have credit passes in six subjects with an overall aggregate of 36/24 at the WASSCE/SSSCE respectively. Three of the six subjects must be the core subjects English Language, Mathematics and Integrated Science or Social Studies, and three must be relevant electives (Economics, Elective Mathematics, History, Geography, Government, French, Physics and any other business-related subject). For the purposes of admission, a credit pass means A1-C6 at WASSCE and A-D at SSSCE.

A-Level applicants: five credits at O-Level including English and Mathematics, plus a minimum of two A-Level passes including Economics and any of Geography, French, Literature in English, History or Government. Applicants must also have a pass in General Paper.

Mature applicants: applicants must be at least 25 years old at the time of submitting the application, and have either five credits at O-Level including Economics, English and Mathematics, or credit passes at the WASSCE/SSSCE in Core Mathematics and English Language and two elective subjects including Economics and two of Geography, French, Government, History, Literature in English and Elective Mathematics. Applicants must pass a written examination and an interview.

Foreign students: all foreign qualifications are referred to GTEC for determination of equivalences and eligibility for admission to tertiary institutions in Ghana. The American SAT, TOEFL, GRA, GRE and IELTS are not in themselves acceptable as entry qualifications; applicants in this category must submit their foreign certificates and transcripts to GTEC for evaluation and advice.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Course Requirements: A candidate for the BCom (Accounting) degree must pass all courses taken, meet Inter-Faculty course requirements.
  2. Credit Requirements: A candidate must accumulate a minimum of 140 credits (including Advance Credits).
  3. Additional Requirements: The candidate must attain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.0. In addition, the candidate must have settled financial and other obligations to the university.

Employment Prospects of Graduates

Graduates of the programme are employed across the agricultural sector, the services sector and the industrial sector of the economy, in government, industry, finance, research, consulting and international organisations. The Department runs tracer events that track the performance of graduates of the programme.

4 years

WASSCE/SSCE - Degree Entry

Level 100

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