UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Faculty of Social Sciences Division of Economics Programme title: BSc (Hons) Economics Awarding and teaching institution: Final and interim award(s): University of Bradford BSc (Honours) [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 6] BSc (Ordinary) [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 6] Diploma of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 5] Certificate of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 4] Programme title: Programme approved / accredited by: Duration: UCAS code: Subject benchmark statement(s): FHEQ Level: Economics N/A 3 years full time or 4 years full time (with study abroad/work placement) L100 (L104 4year) Economics 4-6 Date produced: May 2003 Last updated : February 2016 Introduction The Division of Economics operates within the Faculty of Social Sciences, 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. Programmes within the Economics Division 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 1
to particular fields in the areas of business, finance or international trade; and a range of programmes that combine economics with other social sciences. All programmes 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 programme, subject knowledge and understanding, together with subject-specific skills including numeracy and quantitative skills. Each programme offers a choice of complementary options taught in the Division of Economics, in other divisions within the Faculty of Social Sciences, and appropriate subjects taught in other faculties. 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. 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 To be eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education at FHEQ level 4, students 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 at an appropriate level. LO2. 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. Additionally, to be eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education at FHEQ level 5, students will be able to: LO3. Abstract and examine essential features of complex systems, demonstrating analysis, deduction and induction applied to assumption-based models; quantification and design of data and its effective organisation; framing of parameters in problems. LO4. Access, retrieve, and synthesise information, apply critical thinking and use numerical and statistical techniques to construct reasoned arguments and present empirical evidence. LO5. Research, make decisions and action plans, demonstrate self-evaluation and reflection, and construct effective applications in relation to career planning. Additionally, to be eligible for the award of Ordinary Degree of Bachelor at FHEQ level 6, students will be able to: 2
LO6. Select and apply the relevant methods and techniques to review, consolidate, or extend knowledge and understanding. LO7. Effectively communicate complex economic information, ideas, problems, analysis and solutions. LO8. Display familiarity with the possibility that many economic problems may admit of more than one approach and may have more than one solution. Additionally, to be eligible for the award of Honours Degree of Bachelor at FHEQ level 6, students will be able to: LO09 Critically evaluate and comment upon current research, practice and policy related to economics. LO10 Critically evaluate and debate theory and practice in written and oral presentation. LO11 Evaluate the development of appropriate polices and strategies within a changing environment to meet stakeholder interests and engage with the complexity of the sustainability agenda in its broadest sense. Curriculum The programme consists of 360 credits, made up of core and optional modules. You take 120 credits at each Stage. Stage 1 [Level 4] 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. Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period ECO4002-D Principles of Economic Theory Core 40 4 1&2 ECO4003-B Quantitative Methods for Core 20 4 1&2 ECO4004-B Critical Thinking and Presentation Skills for Core 20 4 1&2 ECO4005-B Introduction to Financial Markets & Banking Core 20 4 1&2 ECO4006-B Economic Thought & Economic Development Core 20 4 1&2 Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 4 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education. Stage 2 [Level 5] 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 and Econometrics. By the end of this stage you will have: a critical awareness of the tools and principles of micro- and macroeconomic analysis and 3
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. Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period ECO5005-B Further Mathematics for Core 20 5 1&2 ECO5011-D Intermediate Economic Theory Core 40 5 1&2 ECO5012-B Research Skills & Econometrics Core 20 5 1&2 ECO5013-B Personal & Professional Skills Development Core 20 5 1&2 ECO5015-B Financial Markets Core 20 5 1&2 Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 5 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education. Stage 3 [Level 6] 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. Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period ECO6003-D Dissertation in Economics Core 40 6 1&2 ECO6028-B Advanced Economic Theory Core 20 6 1&2 ECO6024-B Econometrics & Quantitative Economics Core 20 6 1&2 ECO6027-B Financial Economics & International Finance Core 20 6 1&2 ECO6013-B Trade, Regionalism & Globalisation Option 20 6 1&2 ECO5016-B Business Economics & Industrial organisation Option 20 6 1&2 ECO5020-B Economics of Labour & Leisure Option 20 6 1&2 University Elective* Elective *A 20-credit elective module, chosen from relevant University provision, may replace a 20 credit optional module in the final year. The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. 4
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 programme. If you opt for one of these experiences, you will transfer to the four year programme route. You will be invited to various Faculty and University events providing more information about these opportunities. For study abroad, the Faculty 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 programme 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 programme. Study abroad will be recognised on your transcript, following successful completion of a reflective assessment of your experience and development. We also encourage you 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 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 programme co-ordinator, placements will be recognised on your student transcript, following successful completion of a reflective assessment of your experience and development. 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 module, and to achieve an overall balance between examinations, essays and other written work, oral presentations, problem solving exercises and group work. Classroom and mid-semester tests are intended to provide feedback on your progress. Please see the appendix for further details. 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 threeyear programme, 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. 5
Assessment Regulations This Programme conforms to the standard University Regulations which are available at the following link: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/ 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. We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these. A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 300 points. This points total must include a minimum of 200 points from two 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 Faculty 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 welcome students who have taken the University of Bradford Foundation Year who are required to achieve 55% in Foundation Year plus maths GCSE grade C (or equivalent) or pass in their mathematics module. 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. 6
Learning Resources The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and the specialist library in the Faculty 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 Faculty 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 both 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 journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-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 Programme Team Support for you personally and in your programme of study will be provided both by the University and the programme 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 Faculty 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 programme 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 student representatives and formal Staff Student Liaison Committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly. The Students Union provides professional academic representation and advice. 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 Students Union. Employability and Career Development The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile and capabilities through learning opportunities embedded within the curriculum. 7
Furthermore, the University is committed to supporting students to develop their commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan. Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one-to-one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, graduate internship programmes and graduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students, as part of their programme of study, may have the opportunity to complete a Career and Personal Development accredited module delivered by the Career Development Service. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk. Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all graduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services website www.careers.brad.ac.uk The Economics programme 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. Academic Skills Advice Service For undergraduate students who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline or level of study. Students can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study. http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills/ 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 support, advice and equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It 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: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk 8
University Policies and Initiatives Learning and Teaching Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is encapsulated by an integrated set of themes and principles within our Curriculum Framework. All of our degree programmes have been designed to provide you with an inclusive and engaging learning environment which gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop in your area of study. Our research-informed programmes have a particular focus on developing your employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative, real-world and enquiry-based learning, supported by appropriate learning technologies. Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement, but also to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing level of challenge as you progress through your degree. Together, these lead to you developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare you for life beyond university. 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 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 9
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 Course Enquiries University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford BD7 1DP UK +44 (0) 1274 236088 www.bradford.ac.uk/economics The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures. 1 0
Appendices: BSc Economics 1. Programme Learning Outcomes Level Module Title Type LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 4 SE-4009K Principles of Economic Theory Core A S S 4 SE-4010L Quantitative Methods for Core S A S S S 4 SE-4011L Critical Thinking and Presentation Skills for Core A S S 4 SE-4012L Introduction to Financial Markets & Banking Core S S S 4 SE-4013L Economic Thought & Economic Development Core A A S S 5 SE-5003L Further Mathematics for Core A A 5 SE-5011K Intermediate Economic Theory Core A S A 5 SE-5012L Research Skills & Econometrics Core A A A A 5 SE-5013L Personal & Professional Skills Development Core A A 5 SE-5015L Financial Markets Core A A 6 SE-6003K Dissertation in Economics Core S S A A A A A A 6 SE-6029L Advanced Economic Theory Core A S A A S A 6 SE-6030L Econometrics & Quantitative Economics Core S A 6 SE-6033L Financial Economics & International Finance Core A A A 6 SE-6013L Trade, Regionalism & Globalisation Option A A A 6 SE-6027L Business Economics & Industrial Organisation Option A A A 6 SE-6031L Economics of Labour & Leisure Option A A 6 SE-6032L European Political Economy & Public Policy Option A A Notes: A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed
2. Teaching map Level Module Title Type 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 4 SE-4009K Principles of Economic Theory 4 SE-4010L Quantitative Methods for Critical Thinking and 4 SE-4011L Presentation Skills for 4 SE-4012L Introduction to Financial Markets & Banking 4 SE-4013L Economic Thought & Economic Development Core X X X 5 SE-5011K Intermediate Economic Theory X 5 SE-5012L Research Skills & Econometrics X 5 SE-5013L Personal & Professional Skills Development 5 SE-5015L Financial Markets X X Further Mathematics for 5 SE-5003L 6 SE-6003K Dissertation in Economics Core X X X 6 SE-6029L Advanced Economic Theory Core X X 6 SE-6033L Financial Economics & International Finance Core X X X 6 SE-6030L Econometrics & Quantitative Economics 6 SE-6027L Business Economics & Industrial organisation Option X X X 6 SE-6013L Trade, Regionalism & Globalisation Option X X X X 6 SE-6031L Economics of Labour & Leisure Option X X X X
Level Module Title Type 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Teaching and Learning Methods 1. Lectures 2. Seminars/workshops 3. Project-based learning 4. Activity-based learning 5. Library/computer sessions 6. Conference/poster session 7. Case studies 8. Simulation 9. Presentations 10. Supervision/tutorials 11. Group work 12. Discussion 13. Clinics 14. Quizzes 15. (ALL) Directed reading, self study, VLE 16. Formative test/online exam
3. Assessment Map Level Module Title Type 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 4 SE-4009K Principles of Economic Theory 4 SE-4010L Quantitative Methods for Core X X X 4 SE-4011L Critical Thinking and Presentation Skills for Core X X X 4 SE-4012L Introduction to Financial Markets & Banking Core X 4 SE-4013L Economic Thought & Economic Development Core X 5 SE-5003L Further Mathematics for Core X X X 5 SE-5011K Intermediate Economic Theory 5 SE-5012L Research Skills & Econometrics 5 SE-5013L Personal & Professional Skills Development 5 SE-5015L Financial Markets Core X X 6 SE-6003K Dissertation in Economics Core X X X 6 SE-6029L Advanced Economic Theory Core X 6 SE-6030L Econometrics & Quantitative Economics Core X 6 SE-6033L Financial Economics & International Finance Core X X 6 SE-6013L Trade, Regionalism & Globalisation Option X X X X X 6 SE-6027L Business Economics & Industrial organisation Option X X
Level Module Title Type 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 6 SE-6031L Economics of Labour & Leisure Option X Methods of Assessment 1. Coursework/Essay 2. Proposal 3. Literature review 4. Research article assessment 5. Bibliography 6. Exam 7. Class test 8. Report 9. CV 10. Presentation 11. Oral assessment 12. Video 13. Group assignment 14. Data task 15. Formative online tests 16. Dissertation 17. Reflective portfolio