UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Social and International Studies
Division of Economics
BSc (Hons) Economics
Awarding and teaching institution:
University of Bradford
Final award:
BSc (Honours)
[Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications level 6]
Programme title:
Economics
Duration:
3 years full-time
UCAS code:
L100
Subject benchmark statement:
Economics
Date produced:
May 2003
Last updated :
May 2012
Introduction
The Division of Economics operates within the School of Social and International
Studies, where teaching staff have research interests in the fields of trade, economic
integration, macroeconomic policy, finance, individual behaviour and social
economics, and these are reflected in developments in the curriculum. Degrees
courses within the Economics Programme have an emphasis on transferable skills in
addition to subject knowledge and aim to be relevant to contemporary life,
occupations and events.
The Division’s programmes range across economics and related disciplines. Current
programmes focus on economics in general; economics and its application to
particular fields in the areas of business, finance or international trade; and a range
of degrees that combine economics with other social sciences or marketing.
All courses comprising the Undergraduate Economics Programme in the Division of
Economics provide a structured approach to the discipline of economics that is
informed by the Quality Assessment Agency for Higher Education (QAAHE)
Benchmarking Statement in Economics with respect to the aims of the degree
programme, subject knowledge and understanding, together with subject-specific
skills including numeracy and quantitative skills. Each course offers a choice of
complementary options taught in the Division of Economics, in other divisions within
the School of Social and International Studies, and appropriate subjects taught in
other Schools.
The BSc (Hons) Economics provides you with a thorough grounding in economic
principles and their application to a wide range of related financial, social and policy
issues.
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Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1.
Provide you with a thorough grounding in economic principles
A2.
Provide you with an appreciation and understanding of the wider international
economic context
A3.
Examine the factors that shape business decision-making and the
developments in government policy that impact on the regulatory
environment.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
LO1. Understand and evaluate the theories and concepts of economics at both the
macro- and micro-levels, relevant methods and analytical techniques, and the
applications of economic principles to diverse areas of national and
international affairs.
LO2. Abstract and examine essential features of complex systems; analysis,
deduction and induction applied to assumption-based models; quantification
and design of data and its effective organisation; framing of parameters in
problems.
LO3. Access, retrieve, and synthesise information, apply critical thinking and use
numerical and statistical techniques to construct reasoned arguments and
present empirical evidence
LO4. Apply IT skills, use written and electronic sources of information, communicate
effectively and fluently in speech and writing, and work as an effective team
member
LO5. Research, make decisions and action plans, demonstrate self-evaluation and
reflection, and construct effective applications in relation to career planning
Curriculum
The degree consists of 360 credits, made up of core and optional course units. You
take 120 credits at each Stage.
Stage 1 consists of core modules to provide the essential foundation for your further
study. By the end of this stage you will have gained knowledge and understanding
of: the core principles of economics and corresponding mathematical tools; history of
economic thought and financial markets.
In Stage 2 you will deepen your understanding of core economic principles and of
quantitative methods to support economic enquiry. This will provide you with the
basis to study applied topics in economics in Stages 2 and 3. You will also develop
an understanding of the job market, your goals and how you can present yourself to
prospective employers. To prepare you for the final year dissertation you will study
Research Skills for Economists. By the end of this stage you will have: a critical
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awareness of the tools and principles of micro and macroeconomic analysis and
their applicability to policy issues; an understanding of statistical techniques and
mathematical analysis relevant to economic enquiry; an awareness of the skills
necessary to identify, frame and research a dissertation topic in your chosen area of
economics as well as an understanding as to how you can develop your career and
set appropriate personal goals.
In Stage 3 you will research and write-up your chosen dissertation, with guidance
from your supervisor. By the end of this stage you will have: demonstrated your
ability to apply appropriate economic theory and methodology to a chosen topic
within economics in your dissertation; developed a deeper, more specialised
knowledge and understanding of the application of economic principles to
specialised areas and policy issues.
Study Abroad and Placement opportunities
We encourage you to consider an optional year of study abroad or work placement,
normally taken between Stages 2 and 3 of your degree. If you opt for one of these
experiences, you will transfer to the four year degree route. You will be invited to
various School and University events providing more information about these
opportunities.
For study abroad, the School has links with universities in Europe, North America
and Australia. In most of our European partner institutions, classes are taught in
English, and study abroad activities to these universities are part of the European
Union Erasmus scheme. Whatever partner institution you choose, a year of study
abroad will provide you with invaluable experience of living and working in another
culture and the modules you select will complement your main degree studies.
If you opt for Study Abroad, your diet of study at the partner institution will be agreed
with the Study Abroad co-ordinator and will be in addition to the credits you will study
towards your Economics degree. During your year abroad, you will be registered for
the Diploma in International Studies, to be awarded following successful completion
of a reflective assessment in recognition of your experience and development.
We also encourage our students to consider applying for work placement
opportunities. We ask you to identify opportunities in conjunction with the Careers
Service, who will help you locate and apply. A year spent in employment provides an
excellent opportunity to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills that you have
developed during the earlier stages of your degree programme. It will also enable
you to further develop your transferable skills and may even secure your entry onto
the graduate career ladder as many employers use a placement year as a method of
recruitment onto their graduate training scheme. Our students are increasingly
securing work placements, either during the summer vacation or for a full year in
industry and the public sector, including HM Treasury and the Government
Economic Service. If you opt for a work placement, agreed with your degree coordinator, you will be registered for the Diploma of Professional Experience, to be
awarded following successful completion of a reflective assessment in recognition of
your experience and development.
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Stage 1
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SE-4001U
Principles and Applications of
Economics (Microeconomics)
C
30
1
1 and 2
SE-4002U
Principles and Applications of
Economics (Macroeconomics)
C
30
1
1 and 2
SE-4004D
Study Skills and Data Analysis for
Economists
C
20
1
1
SE-4003M
Mathematics for Economists
C
10
1
2
SE-4007M
Introduction to Financial Markets
C
10
1
2
SE-4005M
The Development of Economic
Ideas
C
10
1
2
SE-3001M
Preliminary Mathematics for
Economics
O
10
0
1
SE-4006M
The World Economy Since 1945
O
10
1
1
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
Stage 2
Module
Code
Module Title
SE-5001L
Microeconomic Theory
C
20
2
1 and 2
SE-5002L
Macroeconomic Theory
C
20
2
1 and 2
SE-5004L
Statistics and Econometrics
C
20
2
1 and 2
SE-5003L
Further Mathematics for
Economists
C
20
2
1 and 2
SE-5005M
Research Skills for Economists
C
10
2
2
LSS4000
M
Career and Personal Development
for Economists
C
10
2
1
SE-5006M
Financial Markets and Institutions*
O
10
2
1
SE-5010M
Development Economics
O
10
2
1
MAN0713
M
Marketing Management and
Strategy
O
10
2
1
SE-5008M
Industrial Organisation
O
10
2
2
SE-5009M
Environmental Economics
O
10
2
2
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
Stage 3
BSc (Hons) Economics
Module
Code
Module Title
SE-6001M
Topics in Microeconomics
C
10
3
1
SE-6002M
Topics in Macroeconomics
C
10
3
1
SE-6003K
Dissertation in Economics
C
40
3
1 and 2
SE-6011M
Financial Institutions*
O
10
3
1
SE-6012L
Economics and Finance of
O
20
3
1 and 2
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Business
SE-6013L
Trade, Regionalism and
Globalisation**
O
20
3
1 and 2
SE-6010M
International Trade**
O
10
3
1
SE-6016M
Financial Economics
O
10
3
1
SE-6017M
International Monetary Economics
O
10
3
2
SE-6018M
Economics of Labour
O
10
3
2
SE-6019M
Economics of Leisure
O
10
3
2
SE-6020M
Integrated Strategic Human
Resource Management
O
10
3
2
SE-6021M
European Political Economy
O
10
3
2
SE-6022M
Public Policy
O
10
3
2
*Students can only take one of the two modules indicated
**Students can only take one of the two modules indicated
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring
and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The strategy for learning within the Division is to enable you to achieve your optimum
level of competence and understanding at each Stage in order to be well prepared,
and feel confident, to progress to higher levels of skill and knowledge. While
lectures are the main teaching method, a wide variety of other learning activities take
place including: lectures with notes and supplementary reading, exercises, projects
and workbooks, independent study and group work. Different assessment methods
are employed to match the learning outcomes of each course unit, and to achieve an
overall balance between examinations, essays and other written work, oral
presentations, problem solving exercises and group work. Classroom and midsemester tests are intended to provide feedback on your progress.
The Stage 3 dissertation is a substantial piece of work that gives you the opportunity
not only to increase your specialist subject knowledge, but also to demonstrate your
ability to undertake independent study. Throughout the three-year course, you will
acquire skills that will be useful not only in Economics, but in whatever profession
you choose to follow. These will be taught, practised and assessed.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard University
Assessment Regulations which are available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-quality-unit/ordinances-and-regulations-fortaught-courses/
In addition to the standard regulations:
1)
to progress to the Honours Degree course in Stage 2 students must achieve
at least 40.0% in the core course units SE-4001U Principles and Applications
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of Economics (Microeconomics), SE-4002U Principles and Applications of
Economics (Macroeconomics), and for Economics and International
Economics students only, SE-4003M Mathematics for Economists
2)
to progress to the Honours Degree course in Stage 3, all single-Honours
students must achieve at least 40.0% in the core course units SE-5001L
Microeconomic Theory and SE-5002L Macroeconomic Theory.
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact
the programme leader before you apply.
Course-specific information
A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be in the
range 260-300 points. This points total must include a minimum of 180 points from 2
GCE A-levels. There are no specific subject requirements and General Studies may
be included within the overall points score. GCSE English and mathematics grade C
or equivalent are also required for entry.
Applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on
entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic
qualifications, have significant relevant experience. On completion of a UCAS form
you will be invited to the School for an Open Day when you will have the opportunity
to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss “the Bradford experience” with current
students.
We also welcome candidates with the appropriate Irish Highers or the
European/International Baccalaureate, together with a range of equivalent
international qualifications (and which include evidence of ability in maths equivalent
to GCSE grade C or above).
Applicants with other previous certificated learning (for instance an overseas or
vocational qualification) are also welcome to apply for entry to stage 1 or higher, as
appropriate to their level of qualification and subject experience. International
students need to show competence in English to a high level, for example, IELTS
with overall band score of 6.0 or equivalent.
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Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School
of Health Studies and the School of Management provide a wide range of printed
and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you
want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to
discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training
sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your
assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available
on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and course-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7
IT helpline available.
The Division of Economics supplements the IT resources available on campus with
its own computer cluster for teaching and individual study. The University Library is
a designated European Documentation Centre with a comprehensive coverage of
EU information.
Student Support and Guidance
Course Team
Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the
University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is
someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services
(based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues
such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students
can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability
and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available
throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part
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time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.
Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the
extensive resources on the web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring
options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input
by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged
workshops. These may take place as early as year 1, or may be achieved through a
customised Career and Personal Development module in year 2 or 3 which is
developed in close cooperation with the academic department. An annual First
Destination Survey leads to compilation of a report on the outcomes of all
programmes and to the development of an annually updated Traffic Light Analysis of
Employability which is used as a performance indicator.
The Economics degree will allow you to present a wide range of skills to potential
employers, or indeed provide a solid basis for further postgraduate study in the fields
of economics, social sciences or business. Indeed, graduates with a training in
economics are increasingly in demand for their analytical and problem solving skills
as much for their knowledge of economic principles and applications. Our graduates
pursue a range of careers in the fields on finance, insurance, general management,
government and education. See www.whystudyeconomics.ac.uk for more
information about the skills acquired by economics graduates and the types of
careers pursued.
Learner Development Unit (LDU)
The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths,
numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is
delivered during both semesters which complements individual support available
from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials available from the
LDU website.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone.
The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get
the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any
concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate
to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability
Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: [email protected]
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity:
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
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initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
http://www.brad.ac.uk/economics
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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