BA Economics

 Economics is concerned with the production and distribution of wealth at both a micro (individual and market) and macro (national economy) level. Almost all issues of public and private policy involve economics, as do your own personal decisions. From the 'credit crunch' and recession to the housing market and interest rates, from unemployment and inflation to market competitiveness and industry outputs, economic forces play a key role in our daily lives. Due to the central role that economics plays in society and its function as a social science, it relates closely to - and overlaps with - a wide range of other subjects.

A degree in economics will see you touch on areas including business, politics, sociology and psychology. It provides you with analytical and technical skills, whilst also reinforcing your ability to think through a problem and arrive at an appropriate solution. As such, our undergraduate students are drawn from a range of subject backgrounds including Economics, Maths, Business Studies, Sciences and Information Technology.

Concentrating on a working appreciation of core theory and the practical applications of economics, this programme provides you with in-depth knowledge spanning a broad range of subject areas. A rigorous analytical approach is adopted, including both mathematical and statistical components but a strong focus on policy and applications is retained. This enables the assessment of key reasons behind, and impact of policy decisions that influence the quality of life through institutional and other social channels. A particular feature of the programme is the requirement to undertake extended independent project work in the third year.

What will you study?

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Principles of microeconomics

Principles of macroeconomics

Introductory quantitative techniques

Introduction to economic institutions and policy

Mathematics for economics: introductory techniques for BA

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Intermediate microeconomics

Intermediate macroeconomics

Introductory econometrics (BA)

Economics of social policy

Economics of the environment & energy

Economic history

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Further microeconomics and macroeconomics

Applied economic projects

History of economic thought

Three optional modules from the following list:

Business economics

Business & financial forecasting

Business finance

Corporate social responsibility

Econometric methods

Economics of development

Economics of labour

European economic integration

Economic history

Economics of land, development & planning

European urban and regional economics

International economics

Money and banking

Processes of long term political & economic change

Public economics

Dissertation