BSc (Honours) Economics, Finance and International Business

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1 ACADEMIC POLICY & QUALITY OFFICE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION for the award of BSc (Honours) Economics, Finance and International Business Managed by Oxford Brookes Business School Date approved: February 2017 (Programme first validated in May 2009) Applies to students commencing study in: September 2018, January 2019 RECORD OF UPDATES Date amended Nature of amendment Reason for amendment 05/02/2018 Addition of U52047 / ECON as compulsory Template updated May 2016

2 SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION Awarding body: Oxford Brookes University Teaching institution and location: Language of study: Final award: Programme title: Interim exit awards and award titles available: Oxford Brookes University, Oxford English BSc (Honours) Economics, Finance and International Business Degree without Honours BSCO-DF Named Diploma of Higher Education in Economics, Finance and International Business DHEN-DF Diploma of Higher Education (unnamed) Certificate of Higher Education Brookes course code: UCAS code: JACS code: BSCH-DF LN13 L100 HECoS code: See guidance note G2.2, section 1 Mode of delivery: Full-time (face to face/on-campus) Part-time (face to face/on-campus) Sandwich mode (full-time) Year 3 of study Sandwich mode (part-time) Mode/s and duration of study: QAA subject benchmark statement/s which apply to the programme: Professional accreditation attached to the programme: University Regulations: 3 Years for full time 4 years for sandwich mode (full time) Maximum duration is 8 years Honours degree subject benchmark statement for Economics, published by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) (2015) Not applicable The programme conforms to the University Regulations for the year of entry as published/archived at: Template updated May

3 SECTION 2: WHY STUDY THIS PROGRAMME? 2.1 Rationale for/distinctiveness of the programme The key distinctiveness of this programme is in its international orientation. While it is designed to provide students with a broad based training in economics and finance, it achieves this through a strong applied focus on the international and global environment in which today s business organisations (both for-profit and not-for-profit) must compete. This environment has become increasingly turbulent and subject to dramatic change following in the wake of the recent global financial crisis and the ongoing uncertainty concerning the future of the Euro. This degree will provide you not only with the skills necessary to understand such developments but also to enter careers in business and government where you can help shape how these organisations can respond to and manage such changes. The economics team has extensive research and teaching experience in international questions, especially in the areas of environmental economics, development economics and finance. It also has considerable expertise in the use of a range of techniques for the interpretation and analysis of economic data which will enable you to ground your analyses of key international developments on a firm empirical basis as you progress through the course. 2.2 Aims of the programme to provide an intellectually challenging and engaging training in the disciplines of economics, finance and international business to enhance students lifelong learning capabilities and personal development so as to enable them to work with self-direction and originality and to be able to contribute to society at large to prepare students for entering careers in a wide range of national and international organisations and businesses or for entry to further study and research at postgraduate level SECTION 3: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES On successful completion of the programme, graduates will demonstrate the following Brookes Attributes: 3.1 ACADEMIC LITERACY 1. Demonstrate understanding of the core of economic and financial principles and policy from both national and international perspectives (also Active Citizenship) 2. Develop a holistic perspective recognising the links between business, economic and financial decision making 3. Abstract the essential features of economic and financial theories, models and behaviour to provide a framework for understanding, evaluation and prediction 4. Formulate and analyse economic and financial arguments through the construction of assumption based models (both quantitative and qualitative) and by the application of inductive and deductive reasoning (also Research Literacy) 5. Develop problem solving skills through practice in identifying the main features of a given problem and in devising strategies for its resolution (also Research Literacy) 3.2 RESEARCH LITERACY 6. Select and critically apply research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) appropriate to the study of economic and financial phenomena and be able to use such methods to develop Template updated May

4 creative solutions to a wide range of practical problems arising in the context of markets and organisations. 7. Apply the knowledge, understanding and disciplinary skills of the economic and financial strategist to the analysis of international business behaviour and the formulation of effective business strategy 8. Use economic and financial reasoning to evaluate the effects of government policies on business and to predict the consequences of alternative policy choices. 3.3 CRITICAL SELF-AWARENESS AND PERSONAL LITERACY 9. Develop skills in self-management through practice in planning and managing their own learning experience 10. Demonstrate an awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses as a learner and be aware of how to improve the effectiveness of different learning strategies. 11. Work creatively and productively in different kinds of teams (formal, informal, project-based, committee based etc.) (also Active Citizenship) 3.4 DIGITAL AND INFORMATION LITERACY 12. Evaluate economic and financial theories and interpret business behaviour through the quantitative or qualitative analysis of empirical data (also Academic Literacy) 13. Select and be able to use appropriate information technology to describe and solve a range of economic and financial problems. 14. Express ideas and opinions, with confidence and clarity, to a variety of audiences for a variety of purposes (also Active Citizenship) 3.5 ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP 15. Understand how business decision making is constrained by cultural and social contexts at both an international and national level 16. Recognise the context and limitations of the prevailing paradigms in economic, finance and business theory and the implications of these (also Academic Literacy) Template updated May

5 SECTION 4: CURRICULUM CONTENT & STRUCTURE 4.1 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS: Code Module Title Credits Level Status : Exam ratio U50007 / ACFI-4004 U51002 / BMGT-4001 U52001 / ECON-4001 U52002 / ECON-4002 U52007 / ECON-4004 U52009 / ECON-4005 Accounting and Financial Information 15 4 Compulsory 40% CW 60% Written Foundations of Business 15 4 Compulsory (if without Business A level) CW Macroeconomics Compulsory 50% CW Microeconomics Compulsory 50% CW Mathematics for Economics & Finance Economics and Society in Context 15 4 Compulsory 30% CW 70% Written 15 4 Compulsory CW U50003 / ACFI-4001 U50013 / ACFI-4006 U58005 / BMGT-4008 U58009 / BMGT-4010 Essential Information Skills 15 4 Recommended 20% CW 80% Written 15 4 Recommended CW Raising Individual Financial Awareness The Entrepreneur 15 4 Recommended CW Work, Employment and Globalisation 15 4 Recommended CW U52031 / ECON-5006 U52032 / ECON-5007 U52042 / ECON-5008 Macroeconomics Compulsory 50% CW Microeconomics Compulsory 50% CW Statistics for Economics & Finance 15 5 Compulsory 50% CW U52047 / Skills and Knowledge for 15 5 Compulsory CW ECON-5015 Graduate Economists U58038 / Placement Search and 15 5 Compulsory (for CW BMGT-5038 Preparation sandwich mode) U58065 / BMGT-5027 Placement 15 5 Compulsory (for sandwich mode) CW At least 3 modules from: U51037 / BMGT-5005 International Business 15 5 Alternative Compulsory CW U52022 / ECON-5001 International Finance 15 5 Alternative Compulsory Written Template updated May

6 U52026 / ECON-5003 U52043 / ECON-5009 International Labour Markets 15 5 Alternative Compulsory International Trade 15 5 Alternative Compulsory 50% CW Written U50032 / BMGT-5001 U50033 / ACFI-5007 U50034 / ACFI-5008 U51056 / BMGT-5007 U52025 /ECON-5002 Corporate and Business Law 15 5 Acceptable 50% CW Corporate Finance 15 5 Acceptable Written E-Business 15 5 Acceptable CW Environmentally Sustainable Business Financial Markets & Institutions 15 5 Acceptable CW 15 5 Acceptable 20% CW 80% Written U52030 / ECON-5005 Introduction to Econometrics 15 5 Acceptable 10% CW 90% Written U52044 / ECON-5010 History of Economic Thought 15 5 Acceptable 50% CW U52045 Applied Game Theory 15 5 Acceptable Written U52046 / ECON-5012 U58023 / BMGT-5016 U58024 / BMGT-5017 Research Methods in 15 5 Acceptable CW Economics Ethics in Business 15 5 Acceptable CW Introduction to People Management 15 5 Acceptable CW U52070 / ECON-6001 U52074 / ECON-6005 U52080 / ECON-6010 U52071 / ECON-6002 U52072 / ECON-6003 U52073 / ECON-6004 U52076 / ECON-6006 U52077 / ECON-6007 Contemporary Issues in Economics 15 6 Compulsory CW Synoptic for Economics 30 6 Compulsory 50% CW Contemporary Issues in 15 6 Compulsory CW Finance Econometrics 15 6 Acceptable 50% CW Environmental Economics 15 6 Acceptable 50% CW Finance and Development 15 6 Acceptable CW Economic Growth 15 6 Acceptable CW Industrial Organisation 15 6 Acceptable 30% CW 70% Written Template updated May

7 U52079 / ECON-6009 U52081 / ECON-6011 U52082 / ECON-6012 U58088 BMGT-6020 Applied Econometrics 15 6 Acceptable CW Advanced Financial 15 6 Acceptable Written Management Economic Policy 15 6 Acceptable Written Independent Study 15 6 Acceptable CW Language Modules: No more than 2 credits from U61512 / FREN-4004 U61513 / FREN-4005 French B1 (1) 15 5 Alternative French B1 (2) 15 5 Alternative 60% U61536 / FREN-5002 U61537 / FREN-5003 U62012 / GERM-4004 U62013 / GERM-4005 U62720 / CHIN-5001 U62721 / CHIN-5002 U63012 / JPNS-4006 U63013 / JPNS-4007 U63512 / SPAN-4004 U63513 / SPAN-4005 U63536 / SPAN-5004 U63537 / SPAN-5005 U70923 / INSE-5005 U70924 / INSE-5006 French B2 (1) 15 5 Alternative French B2 (2) 15 5 Alternative German B1 (1) 15 5 Alternative German B1 (2) 15 5 Alternative Mandarin Chinese 2A 15 5 Alternative Mandarin Chinese 2B 15 5 Alternative Japanese 2A 15 5 Alternative Japanese 2B 15 5 Alternative Spanish B1 (1) 15 5 Alternative Spanish B1 (2) 15 5 Alternative Spanish B2(1) 15 5 Alternative Spanish B2 (2) 15 5 Alternative Academic English for Business Purposes Higher Academic English Skills 15 5 Alternative 15 5 Alternative 50% 60% 70% 30% Written 60% 60% 60% 60% Template updated May

8 4.2 PROGRESSION AND AWARD REQUIREMENTS Compulsory for Degree U52031 / ECON-5006 Macroeconomics 2 U52032 / ECON-5007 Microeconomics 2 U52042 / ECON-5008 Statistics for Economics & Finance Compulsory for Degree & Named Dip HE for Sandwich mode students only U58038 / BMGT-5038 Placement Search and Preparation U58065 / BMGT-5027 Placement Alternative Compulsory for Degree At least 3 modules from: U51037 / BMGT-5005 International Business U52022 / ECON-5001 International Finance U52026 / ECON-5003 International Labour Markets U52043 / ECON-5009 International Trade Compulsory for Honours Degree U52070 / ECON-6001 Contemporary Issues in Economics U52074 / ECON-6005 Synoptic for Economics U52080 / ECON-6010 Contemporary Issues in Finance 4.3 PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS Not applicable. SECTION 5: TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT Teaching, Learning and Assessment Academic Literacy requires students to have a firm grasp of the theories and methods that form the fundamental toolbox of economic enquiry and is the focus of Level 4 modules such as Microeconomics 1, Macroeconomics 1 and Mathematics for Economics & Finance. Key to the learning experience in these modules is the weekly in-class practice of problem-solving exercises. The Economics & Society in Context modules broadens the curriculum in a way that takes students beyond the textbook and emphasises the applied nature of economics and its role in everyday life (Active Citizenship). Development continues at Level 5 in Microeconomics 2 and Macroeconomics 2, with increasing emphasis on encouraging recognition of the limitations of different theoretical perspectives and on developing an appreciation of alternative approaches to modelling economic problems. At Level 6 Contemporary Issues in Economics and Finance enable demonstration of Academic Literacy through encouraging application of relevant theories to practical problems of the international financial system and to analysis of fundamental problems such as poverty and inequality. The skills-based module Statistics for Economics & Finance is primarily dedicated to developing Digital and Information Literacy, Critical Self-awareness and Personal Literacy and Research Literacy and focuses on skills of information sourcing, data selection and presentation. Development of Research Literacy is accomplished through both the approach to learning and through the assessments. This module has a strong focus on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) which enables students to undertake research on their own rather than as passive absorbers of content. Level 6 provides further opportunities to develop literacies related to research, IT and critical self-awareness and personal development. As part of the assessment on Contemporary Issues in Finance students produce a blog with critical assessment of choice and quality of sources used in its construction. Finally, the Synoptic for Economics requires a significant element of self-reflection on the learning process. Internationalisation of the curriculum enables the attribute of Active Citizenship to be developed progressively across successive years of the programme. An understanding of diversity begins in year Template updated May

9 one in Global Business Communications (recommended module for year one) with a focus on intercultural issues in communications. Appreciation of cross-cultural understanding is then further embedded in the international Level 5 compulsories, for example by looking at differences between the cultures of various national labour markets and financial systems. A major focus of International Labour Markets is developing awareness of issues relating to inequality and discrimination. Critical engagement with the welfare implications of these issues is then further developed in the final year compulsory Contemporary Issues in Economics. The majority of staff contributing to the programme are research active and their work is actively integrated within a number of modules, for example on Contemporary Issues in Economics and International Labour Markets. Learning is further enhanced through exposure to a diversity of teaching methods including traditional lectures, seminars and workshops. Students participate in activities such as group presentations, role-plays, analyses of numerical data, discussions of topical material (for example newspaper articles, videos and web-sites), and computer-based simulations. To encourage independent learning, face-to-face learning is supplemented by a range of activities undertaken outside class with emphasis on the use of e-learning, self-study quizzes and diagnostic assessments. In line with the Brookes Assessment Compact, the assessment process is seen as a fundamental tool of the learning process and learning outcomes are achieved through allowing students to engage with a variety of activities including the construction of case studies, group presentations, written reports, self and peer assessment as well as the through the use of media such as websites and videos. Face-to-face feedback is a feature of a number of compulsory modules The programme provides for a balanced assessment load with most modules using 50% coursework / 50% examination but there are a small number of modules assessed wholly by coursework or examination. Each module involves 150 hours of study time (300 for a double module). Study time consists of time in formal classroom activities (lectures, seminars etc.) and for most modules this consists of 12 two hour weekly blocks (24 hours per single module). Thus, self-study (preparing for seminars, undertaking research for coursework and meeting to collaborate on group work etc.) takes up the majority of the time devoted to the module (126 hours). Assessment regulations The programme conforms to the University s Academic Regulations; section B2 Undergraduate Modular Programme Regulations The Programme also embeds the principles and practices within the Brookes Assessment Compact. Assessments are carefully designed to contribute to formative developmental feedback and can incorporate peer feedback as well. All module guides include specific assessment criteria which are clearly communicated and an assessment calendar is also produced. SECTION 6: ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAMME 6.1 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Please see the University's general entry requirements Information regarding typical offers is available via the course entry in the University s on-line prospectus. The programme welcomes for consideration applications from applicants with non-standard qualifications. The following specific entry requirements apply to this course: GCSE: Mathematics (grade B or above), English (grade C or above), or equivalent qualifications Template updated May

10 English language requirements: Please see the University's standard English language requirements 6.2 DBS AND OTHER PRE-COURSE CHECKS REQUIRED Not applicable. SECTION 7: PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYMENT Work-placement and Careers Centre support The Work and Voluntary Experience Service (WAVES) supports sandwich-mode students in applying for and securing a work-placement. During the placement year itself students are supported by an assigned placement tutor who remains in regular contact with the student and their line manager and conducts at least one meeting at the student s place of work, WAVES also supports students in identifying volunteering or internship opportunities. The University Careers Service offers guidance on career planning as well as practical advice on CV writing, mock interviews and assessment centres, tutorials and careers counselling. Its online vacancies database Talent Bank details internship and graduate job opportunities plus volunteering and project work The knowledge and skills gained by Economics, Finance & International Business graduates will equip them for a wide range of careers, notably working as economists in the public and private sector, working for financial institutions and in financial markets and using their more specialised knowledge in a more general business setting. The programme is explicitly focused around developing the skills to work in international organisations. Economics, Finance & International Business graduates will also be well suited for work in the `third sector of not-for-profit and voluntary organisations and in NGOs. The degree is further designed to provide a good basis for postgraduate study in areas such as economics, finance or business and management. Visiting speakers from a range of organisations contribute to the programme. Links with organisations such as the Government Economic Service are actively maintained to ensure students are aware of opportunities for summer internships. The programme team has many links to employers such as Oxford Economic Forecasting, HM Treasury, IBM and Disney through the Work Placement Scheme. Students are strongly encouraged to undertake a third-year placement and to register with the Placements office for advice on obtaining internships. Template updated May