Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

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

This course provides students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of theory, methods and application in Business Economics and develops their ability to use economic reasoning in a variety of contexts. Students examine a range of business and policy-related issues in economics and apply economic analysis to a wide range of important questions. They develop a broad range of skills which enhance their employability and personal development. The Finance and Economics Team at London Met has a thriving alumni community that helps maintain links with employers and City institutions. Students also run an active Economics Society at the University. The stimuli and support for student learning is initiated and directed through timetabled contact with the teaching team in lectures, seminars and workshops. Students’ learning is promoted by small-group class activity and around directed reading, writing, problem-solving and other learning activity outside of formal class contact time. Students are guided with techniques to 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. The course adopts an approach to teaching and learning based on practices that have been agreed across Banking, Finance and Economics undergraduate courses.

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 skills are introduced and developed in core quantitative/statistics modules at levels 4 and 5. 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 activities undertaken by students who reflect on, develop and present work for informal assessment by the tutor. Initiative 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 examples of assessments with feedback.

Students gain experience of the practical business environment through the compulsory work-related learning module options which are selected by students.

Students may transfer between BA Business Economics and its two sister courses BSc Economics and the BSc Economics and Finance as well as to BSc Banking and Finance at the end of Level 4 without loss of time.

An inclusive learning environment anticipates the varied requirements of learners, while raising aspirations and supporting achievement for people with diverse requirements, entitlements and backgrounds.

Course aims

The BA Business Economics aims to:
1. Instil a knowledge and understanding of economic theory, methods and its application for Business;
2. Provide a range of cognitive and transferable skills that promote employability and/or further study;
3. Develop students’ abilities to use forms of economic reasoning and evaluate their use in a variety of contexts;

Overall to provide a rich and challenging course, that promotes both personal and academic development and instils a desire for life-long learning.

Course learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the BA Business Economics, students are expected to have developed the critical capacities of analysis, synthesis and the evaluation of concepts and theories in business economics. They will be able to demonstrate strategies and methods for independent learning required for continuing professional development and which demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility, showing that they have learned practical/transferable skills that will enhance their employability. They will be able:

1. to 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; describe the principles, issues and practices of global ethics and social responsibility in managing international businesses.

2. to understand and apply mathematical and econometric methods and computing techniques in a variety of economics-related contexts; They will thus be able to marshal evidence and assimilate, structure and analyse qualitative and quantitative data; thus explain verbal, graphical and mathematical representations of ideas and analyses in Business Economics, including the relationship between them, drawing appropriate inferences;

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

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

5. subsequently to 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.

6. to critically assess the importance of effective management of human resources and cultural diversity and their impact on the management of business, work effectively in groups and demonstrate team-working, planning, communication and other “soft” skills.

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

Module Title Module Code
Economics for Finance and Business FE4001
Fundamentals of Accounting FE4002
Quantitative Methods for Banking, Finance and Economics
FE4003

Contextualising Theory FE4052
Introduction to Financial Markets and Institutions FE4051
LEVEL FIVE
Econometrics and Financial Modelling FE5001
Macroeconomics FE5003
Microeconomics FE5005
International
Business and World markets FE5004
Bank Lending and the Legal Environment FE5006
Corporate Financial Services Strategy FE5051
Money and Banking FE5052
Economics and Ethics FE5053
IT for Professionals FE5055
Learning Through Work 2 MN5W55
Creating a Winning Business 2 MN5W50
Open Language Programme OL0000
Extension of Knowledge XK0000
LEVEL SIX
Professional Experience Year placement MN6W04
Economics of Multinational Business FE6051
Empirical Research in Global banking, Finance and Economics FE6P01
Economics of Human Resources FE6003
Personal Finance FE6052
International Trade and Finance FE6053
International Corporate Social Responsibility AC6063
Learning Through Work 2 MN6W55
Extension of Knowledge Module XK0000
Open Language Programme OL0000
Creating a Winning Business MN6W50

Covers Learning Outcomes LO1-LO6

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Economics (2015)

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. The University aims to provide feedback on the first assessment component within a week of submission, and for subsequent assessment components within two weeks of submission.

Unseen and seen 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.

Students have the opportunity to take a 30 credit 12-month sandwich work-placement module before commencing their final year of study (which would extend the course to four years). Students who do not take this sandwich work-placement year will take at least one Work-Related Module i.e., MN5W50 or MN5W55 or MN6W50 or MN6W55 in Level 5 or Level 6, enabling them to learn and enhance their practical business skills and experience; thus they will have the option of taking the “Create a Winning Business” or “Learning Through Work” 15 credit module in the second or third year of the course programme.

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).

The course draws on external links with economists and finance practitioners in the City and elsewhere in the UK. These links give rise to University and GSBL public lectures, external speaker seminars and other meetings of interest to undergraduate students. These events throughout the course provide opportunities for students to gain knowledge and experience from outside the University.

Students are able to study at various universities in Europe, usually for one semester, as part of the Erasmus programme. In the past students have visited the Universities of Lund, Perugia and Montpellier amongst others.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Students are encouraged to reflect on their personal development throughout the course. They are introduced to personal development planning in the academic skills seminars in FE4001 Economics for Finance and Business at level 4 and they are thereafter encouraged to plan the development of their skills and employability throughout their course.

Students are provided with initial support for the development and reflection on professional skills during continuous induction as part of FE4002, and develop their presentational and team-working skills in a number of modules across levels of study. Where particular skills are developed in particular modules, lecturers and course tutors make this process explicit to students to enhance reflection.

The level five and six extension of knowledge options allow students to shape their own specialist knowledge and development, including the option of developing skills in languages such as German, French, Spanish or Arabic. The Empirical Research in Global Banking, Finance and Economics requires students to carry out research and assessment work which incorporates work-based skills, career management and professional standards. This module will also feature presentations from outside professionals so that students relate their own project work to real-world practice.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Taking this course opens up a wide range of career opportunities. In the past BA Business Economics graduates have found employment in international companies and public sector organisations. A sizeable proportion also progress to postgraduate study.
The Careers Development and Employment Service is a university-wide resource made available to students which provides information about labour market opportunities and career development.
Students are given a “Careers” talk during Welcome Week at the beginning of level 4. The University careers advisor then gives career presentations in core lectures in all three levels of the course and also runs careers and CV forums which Economics students are encouraged to attend.

Students are also introduced to the local Careers and Employability team within the School and the placements service it provides. They are encouraged to plan early for their work-related learning module core options at either Levels 5 or 6 to assist students in finding work placement opportunities. The course leader, with the support of academic staff contributing to the course, provides information about career opportunities after graduation and works closely with Careers and Employability team to assist students to find beneficial part-time work and/or internships.

Guest speakers organised by Economics, the School of Business & Law and student societies bring students into contact with economic specialists and business managers from both national and international organisations. These meetings give students the opportunity to know more about future career paths and the best strategies to pursue their own career aspirations.

In addition, students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities including involvement in peer coaching of students, receiving professional mentoring, volunteering in the not-for-profit sector, joining or setting up student society and national competitions / activities including University Business Challenge and Amnesty International Raise Off. Within GSBL there are a series of regular staff research seminars provided by the different subject areas including economics, finance, management, and human resources. The University’s research centres also stimulate student links with outside activities and organisations. These centres provide opportunities for students to engage in wider research issues at the forefront at knowledge.

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 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
FE4001 Economics for Finance and Business Core 30        
FE4002 Accounting Core 30        
FE4003 Quantitative Methods for Banking, Finance and E... Core 30        
FE4051 Introduction to Financial Markets and Institutions Core 15 NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
FE4052 Contextualising Theory Core 15        

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        
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        
AC6053 Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics Option 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