Course specification and structure
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UDBUSECM - BA Business Economics

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Arts Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Arts
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School Guildhall School of Business and Law
Subject Area Business and Management
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS  
Part-time 5 YEARS  
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The course adopts an approach to teaching and learning based on practices that have been agreed across Economics, Finance and International 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 activity in 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 their quantitative 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.

Course aims

The BA Business Economics aims to:

  1. Instil a knowledge and understanding of methods, theory and application in Business 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.

Course learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Upon successful completion of the BA Business Economics, students will be able to:

  1. articulate core economic concepts, theories and models and use these tools to analyse business and 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 Business Economics, including the determination of industry market structure, the effectiveness of regulation and the strategies, organisation, and operation of business both domestic and international;
  4. apply and evaluate research techniques used in Business Economics;
  5. critically assess the importance of effective management of human resources and cultural diversity and their impact on the management of business.

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 business economics;
  2. marshal evidence and assimilate, structure and analyse qualitative and quantitative data;
  3. explain verbal, graphical and mathematical representations of ideas and analyses in Business Economics , 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. describe the principles, issues and practices of global ethics and social responsibility in managing international businesses
  3. work within time and other constrained environments, requiring the need to be selective and precise and to make informed decisions;
  4. produce reports and give oral presentations to a professional level;
  5. 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, especially with reference to the existence and development of modern business;
  3. design, plan, organise and deliver an individual research project reflecting professional standards used in economics and business;
  4. interpret and present business, economic and financial information effectively in a variety of contexts, using up-to-date statistical and modelling tools and appropriate software.

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

Knowlede and understanding

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:

EC4006, EC4004, EC4007, EC4008,
EC5001, EC5005, EC5007, EC6006,
EC6003, EC6008

2. explain and apply mathematical and econometric methods and computing techniques in a variety of economics-related contexts:

EC4007, EC5001, EC5005, EC5007,
EC6003, EC6008

3. elaborate the range of economic ideas and differing methods of analysis used in
Economics:

EC4006, EC4004, EC5001, EC5005,
EC6006, EC6003, EC6008

4. apply and evaluate research techniques used in Economics:

EC5001, EC5005, EC5007, EC6006,
EC6003, EC6008

Cognitive/intellectual skills

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:

EC4006, EC4004, EC5001, EC5005,
EC6006, EC6003, EC6008

2. marshal evidence and assimilate, structure and analyse qualitative and quantitative
data:

EC4007, EC5007, EC6006, EC6003,
EC6008

3. explain verbal, graphical and mathematical representations of economic ideas and
analyses, including the relationship between them, drawing appropriate inferences:

EC4006, EC4007, EC4008, EC5001,
EC5005, EC6006, EC6003, EC6008

4. carry out independent scholarly research and use acquired knowledge to analyse and evaluate specific issues and problems in economics and business:

EC5007, EC6006, EC6003, EC6008

Practical/transferable skills including
employability

1. demonstrate strategies and methods which provide independent learning capabilities
required for continuing professional development and which demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility:

EC4006, EC4004, EC4008, EC5001,
EC5005, EC6006, EC6003, EC6008

2. work within time and other constrained environments, requiring the need to be selective and precise and to make informed decisions:

EC4006, EC4004, EC4007, EC4008,
EC5001, EC5005, EC5007, EC6006,
EC6003, EC6008

3. produce reports and give oral presentations to a professional level:

EC4006, EC4004, EC5005, EC6006,
EC6003, EC6008

4. work effectively in groups and demonstrate team-working, planning, communication and other “soft” skills:

EC4006, EC4004, EC5005, EC6006

Subject-Specific Practical Skills

5. link theoretical and quantitative knowledge and analytical skills to practice in business, government and other organisations:

EC4006, EC4004, EC4007, EC4008,
EC5001, EC5005, EC5007, EC6006,
EC6003, EC6008

6. communicate complex ideas and analysis in business and economics through written and oral expositions:

EC4006, EC4004, EC4008, EC5001,
EC5005, EC6006, EC6003, EC6008

7. design, plan, organise and deliver an individual research project reflecting professional standards used in economics:

EC6006

8. interpret and present economic and financial information effectively in a variety of
contexts, using up-to-date statistical and modelling tools and appropriate software:

EC4007, EC5007, EC6006, EC6003,
EC6008

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Economics

Assessment strategy

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.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

As part of our Undergraduate Student Promise, every student will undertake accredited work-related learning (in either the form of a work placement or ‘live’ project with a partner organisation or planning to set up small business) as a core, compulsory element within their course programme.

You will have the option of taking the “Learning Through Work” or “Create a Winning Business” 15 credit module in the third year of the course programme. Additionally there is the option of taking an additional 30 credit 12 month sandwich placement module (which would extend the course to four years).
Work-related learning provides students with:
● the experience of a competitive recruitment process or pitching for an opportunity
● a work-related experience or project which impacts a real organisation
● assessment and feedback on their reflections on their experience of the work-related learning and planning for their future career.

Where required, students will be supported in finding suitable opportunities which can be either be a placement, part-time role or ’live’ project for an external organisation untaken within the University. We have dedicated placements and careers teams who will assist learners with all aspects of their job search and application. The suitability of the opportunities will be assessed by the Module Leader on an individual basis. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for opportunities and engage with the relevant University personnel who to assist them in gaining a suitable role.

Learners may be able to utilise their existing part-time / vacation employment (whether or not this relates to their subject area), providing they can demonstrate that it is personally developmental and involves responsibility (decided upon submission of the role details by the Module Leader).

Modules required for interim awards

Students are usually required to take all the core modules in order to qualify for an award. It is possible for students transferring into level 5 or level 6 from another course to be given credit for similar modules taken at levels 4 and/or 5 without these modules being identical to the core modules on BA Business Economics, subject to the agreement of the course leader.

Career opportunities

A degree in business economics can give your career a major headstart. The skills acquired on our degrees are highly valued by employers, and economics graduates are among the highest paid graduates, according to a 2014 report published by the Sutton Trust.

A wide range of career opportunities are opened up by this course, such as working in international corporations, management, government, banking and finance, consultancy and research. You could also choose progress to postgraduate study. Some of our previous students have gone on to attend universities around the world such as Birkbeck in London and the University of Augsburg in Germany.

Entry requirements

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

  • a minimum of grades CCC in three A levels in academic or business subjects (or a minimum of 96 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC National, OCR Diploma or Advanced Diploma)
  • English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C (grade 4 from 2017) 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.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2013/14 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 01 Sep 2013 Last validation date 01 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes L100 (Economics): 100%
Route code BUSECM

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
EC4006 Principles of Economics Core 30        
EC4007 Quantitative Methods in Economics Core 30        
EC4008 Accounting, Financial Markets and Institutions Core 30        
MN4001 Business and Enterprise Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
FE5001 Econometrics and Financial Modelling Core 30        
FE5004 International Business and World Markets Core 30        
FE5005 Microeconomics Core 30        
MN5W50 Creating a Winning Business 1 Alt Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT FRI AM
          NORTH SPR FRI AM
          NORTH AUT FRI PM
MN5W55 Learning through Work Alt Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH AUT FRI AM
          NORTH SPR FRI AM
          NORTH AUT FRI PM
          NORTH SPR FRI PM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
FE5003 Macroeconomics Option 30        
FE5006 Bank Lending and the Legal Environment Option 30        
FE5051 Corporate Financial Services Strategy Option 15        
FE5052 Money and Banking Option 15        
FE5053 Economics and Ethics Option 15        
FE5055 Information Technology for Professional Practice Option 15        
OL0000 Open Language Programme Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
FE6003 Economics of Human Resources Core 30        
FE6P01 Empirical Research in Global Banking, Finance a... Core 30        
MN6W04 Professional Experience Year Placement Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR NA  
MN6W50 Creating a Winning Business 2 Alt Core 15        
MN6W55 Learning through Work 2 Alt Core 15        
FE6051 Economics of Multinational Business Option 15        
FE6052 Personal Finance Option 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
FE6053 International Trade and Finance Option 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
OL0000 Open Language Programme Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA