About the course
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Indicative course structure
Discover the vital role economics plays in shaping policy in companies, institutions and governments. This course will give you solid knowledge of economics and a rigorous understanding of the quantitative methods economists use in their analyses. It will also enable you to apply economic principles to a wide variety of contemporary problems and use your quantitative skills in numerous professional situations when you graduate. The opportunity to study abroad or spend a year in industry will give you valuable experience and enhance your career prospects.
Why choose this course?
- To receive a broad intellectual learning experience by studying economic issues within the wider political and social environment;
- to develop a critical understanding of the principles of economic theory;
- for an appreciation of different approaches to economic problems and their relevance for real life circumstances;
- to develop the ability to apply the theories of economics to a range of decision making problems in business;
- to become equipped with a set of subject specific and transferable skills needed to pursue a successful career.
What job can I get?
Our graduates have gone on to work for major companies including Citibank, Friends Provident, HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Schroders and Standard Bank. Job roles have included emerging market analyst, fund manager’s assistant, trainee accountant and trainee stockbroker.
Key staff
Dr Frank Currie
Subject Group Leader – Economics & Business Economics
Mr Jon Easter
Head of Department - Accounting, Finance and Economics
Dr Tassos Patokos
Programme Leader – Economics & Business Economics
Find out more about Dr Tassos Patokos
Course details
Careers
An economist provides specialist advice based on economic theory and knowledge. They study data and statistics and carry out in-depth research, which enables them to be able to forecast future trends and make recommendations. Economists are employed in a variety of roles in both the public and private sectors, and they are highly sought after. Typical jobs relating to Economics include Financial Risk Analyst, Actuary or Statistician. Other options that use relevant skills such as analytical and problem-solving would be in sectors such as business intelligence, market research, retail merchandising and social research.
Teaching methods
You will be studying four 15 credit modules in each semester (this may vary between double modules) and your contact time varies between modules, but usually you will have two sessions per week for each module, a one-hour lecture followed by a one-hour seminar/tutorial. Typically, a new topic or theory will be introduced in each lecture and will be followed up with class discussion and feedback in the subsequent seminar. In addition, as part of your study time, you will be collaborating with your peers on tasks and group assignments. Module leaders also offer weekly drop in and feedback sessions, usually 2 x 1 hours per module as well as revision sessions.
The University’s ‘online learning environment’ means you can access all your course resources, literature and timetables from anywhere in the world.
Usually, assessment is split between coursework and examinations. The style of coursework can vary from presentations to business reports, essays depending on the taught topics.
Work Placement
We will very strongly urge all students to obtain relevant work experience in order to maximise their employability. Moreover, both the Economics and the Business Economics pathways allow, but do not require, all students to undertake a paid placement year on completion of the second year. If they complete this successfully they will qualify for the “Sandwich” award in their degree title. Additionally they will be eligible to attempt to obtain a City And Guilds qualification based on their placement portfolio. There are no fees for the placement year.
Study Abroad
All students have the option to study either a semester or a year abroad at a number of institutions around the world including North and Latin America, Europe, Asia and Australia and many of our students benefit greatly from taking these development opportunities.
The reach of the Programme is global and our graduates will have the attributes, cultural sensitivity and aspiration to succeed everywhere. The Economics / Business Economics curricula have a strong global perspective, and the Business School has developed international partnerships and has a wide international alumni network.
Structure
Level 4
Core Modules
- Introduction to Microeconomics - 15 Credits
- Introduction to Macroeconomics - 15 Credits
- Economics Tools and Techniques - 30 Credits
- Economy and Society - 15 Credits
Optional
- Principles of Marketing - 15 Credits
- Introduction to Business Operations - 15 Credits
- Accounting for Business - 15 Credits
- Mandarin Route A - 4a - 15 Credits
- Mandarin Route A - 4b - 15 Credits
- French Route C - 4a - 15 Credits
- French Route C - 4b - 15 Credits
- French Route A - 4a - 15 Credits
- French Route B - 4a - 15 Credits
- French Route B - 4b - 15 Credits
- German Route C - 4a - 15 Credits
- German Route C - 4b - 15 Credits
- German Route A - 4a - 15 Credits
- German Route A - 4b - 15 Credits
- German Route B - 4a - 15 Credits
- German Route B - 4b - 15 Credits
- Japanese Route A - 4a - 15 Credits
- Japanese Route A - 4b - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route C - 4a - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route C - 4b - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route A - 4a - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route A - 4b - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route B - 4a - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route B - 4b - 15 Credits
- Japanese Route B-4A - 15 Credits
- Japanese Route B-4B - 15 Credits
Level 5
Core Modules
- International Trade and the Open Economy - 15 Credits
- Econometrics - 15 Credits
- Consumers, Firms and Markets - 15 Credits
- Skills for Economists - 15 Credits
- History of Economic Thought - 15 Credits
- Macroeconomics - 15 Credits
Optional
- Techniques of Economic Analysis - 15 Credits
- Health Economics - 15 Credits
- Labour Economics - 15 Credits
- French Route A - 5a - 15 Credits
- French Route A - 5b - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route A - 5b - 15 Credits
- French Route B - 5a - 15 Credits
- French Route B - 5b - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route B - 5a - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route B - 5b - 15 Credits
- German Route A - 5b - 15 Credits
- German Route A - 5a - 15 Credits
- German Route B - 5a - 15 Credits
- German Route B - 5b - 15 Credits
- German Route C - 5a - 15 Credits
- German Route C - 5b - 15 Credits
- Mandarin Route A - 5a - 15 Credits
- Mandarin Route A - 5b - 15 Credits
- French Route C - 5a - 15 Credits
- French Route C - 5b - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route C - 5b - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route A - 5a - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route C - 5a - 15 Credits
Level 6
Core Modules
- Markets, Competition and Policy Performance - 15 Credits
- Macroeconomics Performance - 15 Credits
- Contemporary Issues in Economics - 15 Credits
- HBS Placement - 0 Credits
Optional
- Anatomy of Financial Crises - 15 Credits
- Dissertation - Economics - 30 Credits
- International Production and Governance - 15 Credits
- Money, Banking and Finance - 15 Credits
- Modern Econometrics - 30 Credits
- Research Methods - 0 Credits
- Industry Practice for Economic Professionals - 15 Credits
- Public Finance - 15 Credits
- French Route A - 6a - 15 Credits
- French Route A - 6b - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route A - 6a - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route A - 6b - 15 Credits
- French Route B - 6b - 15 Credits
- French Route B - 6a - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route B - 6b - 15 Credits
- German Route A - 6a - 15 Credits
- German Route A - 6b - 15 Credits
- German Route B - 6a - 15 Credits
- German Route B - 6b - 15 Credits
- Mandarin Route A - 6a - 15 Credits
- Mandarin Route A - 6b - 15 Credits
- French Route C - 6a - 15 Credits
- French Route C - 6b - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route C - 6a - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route C - 6b - 15 Credits
- Italian Route A - 6a - 15 Credits
- Italian Route A - 6b - 15 Credits
- Spanish Route B - 6a - 15 Credits
- Italian Route B - 6a - 15 Credits
- Italian Route B - 6b - 15 Credits
- Japanese Route A - 6a - 15 Credits
- Japanese Route A - 6b - 15 Credits
- Japanese Route B 6a - 15 Credits
- Japanese Route B 6b - 15 Credits
Fees & funding
Fees 2019
UK/EU Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2019/2020 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £12350 for the 2019/2020 academic year
Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
View detailed information about tuition fees
Other financial support
Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students
Living costs / accommodation
The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Entry requirements...
2019 entry
72 - 168 UCAS points.
Standard IB offer ie 72 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above.
GCSE Maths and English Language at grade 4 (C) or above.
‘All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International Entry Requirements.
If you are planning to take a language as part of your degree, please refer to the Business School languages page to check your eligibility.
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
How to apply
2019
| Start Date | End Date | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 27/09/2019 | 24/05/2020 | Apply online (Full Time) |
| 27/09/2019 | 24/05/2020 | Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich) |
| 27/09/2019 | 24/05/2020 | Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich) |
2020
| Start Date | End Date | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 27/09/2020 | 24/05/2021 | Apply online (Full Time) |
| 27/09/2020 | 24/05/2021 | Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich) |
| 27/09/2020 | 24/05/2021 | Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich) |