UDECNMIC - BSc Economics

The course adopts an approach to teaching and learning based on practices that have been agreed across Economics, Finance and Business undergraduate courses.

Students’ learning is initiated and directed through formal contact time with the teaching team in lectures, seminars and workshops. Students are expected to develop their learning through small-group cin class and through reading, writing, problem-solving and other learning activity outside class.  Students learn both individually and in groups and use case studies, presentations and problem-based learning exercises to develop and demonstrate their understanding. Critical thinking is developed throughout the course.

Lectures and seminars are important activities that develop cognitive skills. Lectures provide students with good subject specific information and clear guidance on how best they can learn. Module teaching is structured so that students first acquire basic knowledge and  then progress to develop higher level skills of evaluation and synthesis. Seminars encourage student reflection, engagement and participation. They give students the opportunity to test their understanding and to make mistakes in a supportive environment. Seminar and small-group learning activities typically require students to carry out independent work prior to formal class and to work cooperatively in groups.

Numerical and statistical skills are introduced and developed in core quantitative modules at levels 4 and 5 and the application of these methods is supported and enhanced in other core modules. Students learn how to obtain, manipulate and interpret key economic data series and they are able to extend quantitative and research skills at level 6 in the project module and through option choice.
Practical skills are developed through the use of student presentations in seminars/tutorials, and through independent activites undertaken by students who reflect on, develop and present work for informal assessment by the tutor. Inititative and independence are developed progressively through the three levels of the course, so that students learn to take greater responsibility for their work, culminating in their level 6 project.

With respect to blended learning: all modules  make use of virtual learning environment platforms (WebLearn) in which module lecture material, course handbooks and other material are made available.  Other ICT resources include links to key web resources, on-line learning games, test questions  and previous exmaples of assessments with feedback.

Students may transfer between the BSc Economics and its sister course BA Business Economics at the end of Level 4 without loss of time.

The BSc Economics aims to:

1. Instil a knowledge and understanding of methods, theory and application in Economics;
2. Provide a range of cognitive and transferable skills which promote employability and/or further study;
3. Develop students’ abilities to use and evaluate forms of economic reasoning in a variety of contexts;
4. Provide a rich and challenging course which promotes personal and academic development and life-long learning.

Knowledge and understanding
Upon successful completion of the BSc Economics, students will be able to:
1. articulate core economic concepts, theories and models and use these tools to analyse economic problems and policy questions in a business, government, or social context;
2. explain and apply mathematical and econometric methods and computing techniques in a variety of economics-related contexts;
3. elaborate the range of economic ideas and differing methods of analysis used in Economics;
4. apply and evaluate research techniques used in Economics.

Cognitive/intellectual skills
By the end of the course the students are expected to develop higher order skills reflected in their ability to:
1. apply intellectual skills and critical reasoning with particular emphasis on the development of the higher order skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation of concepts, ideas and theories in economics;
2. marshal evidence and assimilate, structure and analyse qualitative and quantitative data;
3. explain verbal, graphical and mathematical representations of economic ideas and analyses, including the relationship between them, drawing appropriate inferences;
4. carry out independent scholarly research and use acquired knowledge to analyse and evaluate specific issues and problems in economics and business.

Practical/transferable skills including employability
By the end of the course, students will have developed practical/transferable skills that will enhance their employability. They will be able to:
1. demonstrate strategies and methods which provide independent learning capabilities required for continuing professional development and which demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility;
2. work within time and other constrained environments, requiring the need to be selective and precise and to make informed decisions;
3. produce reports and give oral presentations to a professional level;
4. work effectively in groups and demonstrate team-working, planning, communication and other “soft” skills.

Subject-Specific Practical Skills
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. link theoretical and quantitative knowledge and analytical skills to practice in business,  government and other organisations;
2. communicate complex ideas and analysis in business and economics through written and oral expositions;
3. design, plan, organise and deliver an individual research project reflecting professional standards used in economics;
4. interpret and present economic and financial information effectively in a variety of contexts, using up-to-date statistical and modelling tools and appropriate software.

Economics

A range of assessment methods are used across each level of the course, reflecting the range of learning outcomes at each level and the diversity of learning styles amongst students. In each module the assessments methods chosen are those best-suited to measuring the achievement of that particular module’s learning outcomes.

For instance essays are used in modules where learning outcomes include the development of writing skills, referencing, synthesis and critical evaluation. Group work is used in modules where co-operative skills are being developed. Case studies are employed where students are learning how to apply economic analysis to particular scenarios or organisations. Other methods or assessment include:  individual presentations, coursework problem sets and mini-projects, group reports, in-class tests, seen and unseen exams.

Priority is given to methods of assessment consistent with timely formative feedback, either in the development stage of the work or as soon as possible after the assessment has been completed.
On some modules formative feedback on drafts of essays may be provided before essays are handed in. Presentations and in-class tests are examples of assessment methods where feedback can be given quickly after completion of the assessment task.

Unseen examinations are also seen as an important tool for assessing the achievement of learning outcomes and the maintenance of academic standards.

Students have the option of taking the short work placement module (15 credits) at level 5 or level 6 as well as the 30 credit module between levels 5 and 6.

Economics graduates are among the highest paid and a degree in economics can give your career a major head start.

Our graduates pursue diverse career routes in banking and finance, international corporations, management, government, consultancy and research. Others progress to postgraduate study at leading universities around the world.

Find out how we helped economics graduate Tim Armitage to become vice chancellor of investment management firm, Black Rock.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• 280 or more UCAS points, including at least 180 from two or more A levels (or equivalent, eg BTEC National, OCR Diploma or Advanced Diploma) in academic or Business subjects
• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent)

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.