Business Economics

This course focuses on the economic factors that affect businesses today. You'll be taught by staff who advise major organisations such as the World Bank, and will gain an in-depth knowledge of economic analysis and how it relates to business. In the most recent Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, 100% of all 2017 graduates from this course were in work or further study within six months.

This degree course focuses on the economic factors that affect businesses today. You’ll learn to interpret and analyse financial information, and to understand this data in the context of the wider business market. You'll cover topics such as the impact of technology, international trade, management and leadership, and ethical concerns.

As well as a solid knowledge base you’ll develop a broad range of vital skills, such as problem solving, team-working, IT and communication. You’ll also be trained in job applications and interview techniques, to prepare you for a successful career after graduation. Short and long accredited work placements are available as part of the course, to give you real-world experience.

Throughout the course you’ll have access to our extensive facilities and receive constant support from our experienced staff, many of whom are expert advisers to organisations such as the Bank of England, the European Commission, the UK Government, the World Bank and industry trade bodies. Our teaching was rated “Excellent” – the highest possible rating for a UK university – by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

Assessment

You'll participate in interactive group sessions and workshops, and will be assessed through industry projects, case studies, executive summary reports, computer-based projects, group presentations, scenario simulations, and exams.

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.

Accelerated study

If you have relevant qualifications or credit from a similar course it may be possible to enter this course at an advanced stage rather than beginning in the first year. Please note, advanced entr is only available for September start. See our information for students applying for advanced entry. Specific qualifications that may make you eligible for advanced entry to this course include a foundation degree or HND in a related subject.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2018/19 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time. Year 1 modules include:

• Accounting (core, 30 credits)
• Contextualising Theory (core, 15 credits)
• Economics for Finance and Business (core, 30 credits)
• Introduction to Financial Markets and Institutions (core, 15 credits)
• Quantitative Methods for Banking, Finance and Economics (core, 30 credits)

Year 2 modules include

• Econometrics and Financial Modelling (core, 30 credits)
• Information Technology for Professional Practice (core, 15 credits)
• Bank Lending and the Legal Environment (option, 30 credits)
• Corporate Financial Services Strategy (option, 15 credits)
• Creating a Winning Business 1 (option, 15 credits)
• Economics and Ethics (option, 15 credits)
• International Business and World Markets (option, 30 credits)
• Learning through Work (option, 15 credits)
• Macroeconomics (option, 30 credits)
• Microeconomics (option, 30 credits)
• Money and Banking (option, 15 credits)

Year 3 modules include

• Economics of Human Resources (core, 30 credits)
• Empirical Research in Global Banking, Finance and Economics (core, 30 credits)
• Creating a Winning Business 2 (alternative core, 15 credits)
• Learning through Work 2 (alternative core, 15 credits)
• Professional Experience Year Placement (alternative core, 30 credits)
• Economics of Multinational Business (option, 15 credits)
• International Corporate Social Responsibility (option, 15 credits)
• International Trade and Finance (option, 15 credits)
• Personal Finance (option, 15 credits)

After the course

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.