BANNER BOX:

By studying this programme you will gain a thorough grounding in the principles and practices of economics, look at the role of the government and regulation in relation to global markets, and discover analytical reasoning abilities you may not think you had. You will also learn straight from the city with our new Money, Banking and Finance modules delivered on-site in the heart of Canary Wharf. 

For admission, applicants normally need to have either:

• 280 Tariff points with at least two A2 passes or equivalent
• 25 points (pass) International Baccalaureate
• Pass in a recognised Access Course or International Foundation Programme

In addition to the above, we require GCSE Maths and English grade C or equivalents, unless competency is part of the qualification gained.

We also welcome mature student applicants with relevant professional qualifications, and these will be dealt with on an individual basis and may require an interview.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then an IELTS score of at least 5.5 in all components (or equivalent). International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.

Why BA (Hons) Economics?

All individuals and societies must organise themselves to meet their material needs: this is ‘economic life’. But economic life is changing. It is becoming more interconnected, more networked across countries and more ’globalised’. Rapid growth of economic life in China, India and Brazil has moved millions out of poverty. Across the world, increasingly large business corporations coordinate the networks of economic life, shaping the opportunities for smaller businesses, setting the pace of change, influencing local communities in many different countries. Globally interconnected banks and money markets finance these business operations, operating 24 hours a day, every day. ‘Economic’ issues and events nightly make the news: of a widening gap between the rich and the rest, of some business corporations being ‘too big to fail’, of bankrupt governments and personal debt, of sudden shifts in the ‘markets’, of changing prices and changing numbers of jobless people.

As economic life changes and new economic events happen, an understanding of these issues and events and why they happen has never been more important. This degree is designed to help you make sense of the world, be more effective in this world and through this, help you find your place in the world.

By studying ‘Economics’ at the University of East London, you build up the ideas, explanations, techniques and experiences to help you make sense of this world. Economics offers an understanding of how financial markets (and many other markets) work- and why they can fail to work. Economics seeks to understand how individuals make decisions in a changing, uncertain world. Economics analyses the motives, strategy, performance and relationships of different ‘species’ of business – from the very large to the very smallest. Economics provides an explanation of how national ‘economies’ work, how they are linked together and how well they provide jobs and a better quality of life. Economics explains what governments can do to influence the operation of markets, businesses and economies. Economics can help you understand why even expert professional economists can disagree about the role of markets, businesses and government in economic life. Economics can help you decide where you stand on these issues. As you do so, you begin to understand more clearly what you can offer to the world.

As you study Economics, you develop your mind, especially your powers of analysis. You will more easily see the larger picture in which events happen. You will know how to interpret and measure economic events and test economic ideas. You will have a better grasp of why economic events happen. You will be more aware of the reasons why different economic groups have different interests and perspectives on these events.

Employers value Economics graduates with these developed powers of analysis. Employers, communities and the wider society needs people who can make intelligent judgements in a rapidly changing world. Across over 40 years of economics at the University of East London, our Economics graduates have successfully moved into careers in a wide range of different occupations.

Economics at UEL

The programme delivered at UEL’s Docklands campus differs from similar programmes offered elsewhere in several ways.

First, this programme recognises the global context in which economic events occur and recognises the increased contestability of economic ideas within the economics discipline.  The programme emphasises an integrated understanding of business behaviour with financial institutions and markets informed by a strong core of economic theory and policy analysis and a further core of institutional context and plural perspectives. The programme situates economic ideas in their institutional context (important in building students’ capacity for intelligent judgement) and offers a plurality of theoretical perspectives on economic events (important for building students’ awareness of their own values, so clarifying their personal sense of self and self direction, increasing study motivation and employability).

Second, the programme is offered by a dedicated and enthusiastic team of permanent lecturers. They draw on their experience from a wide range of countries.

Third, our students come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds which enhances classroom discussion and interaction as they contribute their views and experiences from a wide range of countries and cultures.

Fourth, the programme is taught at the Royal Docks Business School’s state-of-the-art Docklands Campus within easy reach of the City of London and Canary Wharf. Eligible students can, in their final year, choose one module studying within Canary Wharf itself, guided by a set of guest speakers in the areas of Money, Finance and Banking.

Fifth, students are able to gain international experience and exposure through our study abroad programmes in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Programme structure

BA (Hons) Economics is offered as a Single Honours, Joint, Major or Minor award and is normally completed in three years of full-time study. A part-time option over four-and-a-half to five years is also available but very few modules are taught in the evening. It is possible to switch between full-time and part-time mode, within the limits of timetabling.

In line with all RDBS undergraduate degrees, students undertake eighteen 20 credit modules to complete their degree. A small number of modules are shared with other business degrees (e.g. International Business, Business Management, Marketing) broadening the student experience and knowledge base by exposing students to new and alternative viewpoints in related fields of study.

There are three sets of core modules in each year: those that emphasise economics principles, those that emphasise finance and financial institutions and those that provide context with a particular emphasis on the global dimension to corporate activity. Optional modules including work-based learning, languages, a project and other economics or finance related subjects are available in Years 2 and 3. To further students’ skills in the workplace, an optional placement of 9-12 months’ duration is available between Years 2 and 3.

Details of the programme structure for Single Honours students are outlined below. Details for Combined Honours students can be found in the section ‘What you will study and when’.

Year 1

• Developing as a Manager
• Global Business Environment
• Introduction to Economics
• Financial Services in the Modern World
• Accounting and its Regulatory Framework
• Analysing Business

Year 2

• Research in Business and Management
• International Economic Policy
• Macroeconomics and Money
• Microeconomics and Institutions
• Banking
• One Option (See Option List for Year 2 on pages 11-12 below)

Year 3

• The Business Professional
• Public Finance
• International Macroeconomics and Finance
• Three Options (See Option Lists for Year 3 below)

Learning environment

The programme is offered at our Docklands campus where students can take advantage of our modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms, the contemporary and well-stocked library and wireless networking facilities. We will help students to maximise their potential and benefit from these powerful resources. Student learning is supported by our virtual learning environment which has the added benefit of improving your technology skills.

We will help where possible in assisting students to develop their academic and professional skills including researching, professional writing, team working and presentation techniques. 

We also provide the opportunity to add an international dimension to the degree. Students can choose to study for one semester in Europe, Asia or the Americas as part of their degree and gain first-hand experience in a foreign learning and work environment.

Assessment

A range of assessment methods will be used to evaluate students’ learning and progress on the programme. The majority of assignments will be completed individually but some group work will also be undertaken to simulate the requirements of the work environment.

Assessment formats are generally a combination of individual coursework (including essays, presentations, tests, reports, case analyses, critical reviews of academic literature) and end of semester examination.

Weightings of coursework and examinations vary from module to module, though within the University’s assessment template. In line with University policy, Semester A First Year modules do not have an end of semester examination.

Each module is assessed separately, and assessment requirements and marking criteria are communicated to students at the start of each module. Only second and final year marks count towards degree classification.

Work experience/placement opportunities

Students have the opportunity to undertake a placement year between Years 2 and 3. They can also choose to undertake volunteering or a work-based learning module as an option at Level 3.

Project work

In their final year of study, students have the opportunity to undertake a research project under the supervision of a member of staff. This allows them to produce an extended piece of work that is based on independent research in an area that is of particular interest to the student. Students’ eligibility for the project will depend on staff evaluation of their Second Year performance.

Added value

The programme incorporates a distinctive skills curriculum that is specifically designed to develop students’ skills for work and life and to improve their employment prospects after graduation.

To further enhance their attractiveness to future employers, students have the opportunity to obtain academic credits for practical work in a broadly economics-related volunteering activity or workplace.

Given academic performance in your second year, we can offer students the opportunity to study a module at Canary Wharf itself, at the core of London’s financial services industry. A range of invited expert guest speakers will each week cover today’s central issues in finance, money and banking.

Students can choose to learn a foreign language and /or study overseas for one semester.

Students will discuss current issues in the UK and beyond with classmates from a wide a range of cultural backgrounds under the guidance of lecturers and tutors who have worked in various countries.

Students benefit from extensive library resources that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week onsite and online. FT.com, ESDS, Data-stream and Bloomberg databases are available to download financial and economic data and information. Many of the economics-related books are also available in electronic form to allow students easy access to lecture and seminar materials.

• How economic ideas can be used to understand individual behaviour, business behaviour and performance, the operation of markets and national economies
• How financial markets and institutions affect individual opportunities, business performance and national economies
• How the globalisation of economic life affects individual opportunities, business behaviour, national economies  and government policy
• How to recognise and interpret economic changes, how to measure them and how to predict and quantify future economic changes
• How economists test their ideas
• Why economists disagree

• Following economic and social events in the news
• Acquiring skills, identifying problems and finding solutions for them
• Understanding theories and applying them to real-world problems or issues

• To develop a wide range of important employment-related skills
• To understand the reasons why economic life and society is changing
• To make intelligent assessments of the operation of businesses, markets, economies and their interactions
• To be able to make informed judgements about future actions in a personal, business-related or public policy context
• To understand why the interests and views of important economic decision makers in society can be different

Your future career

The Economics programme is designed to support future careers in any sector. Economics graduates have moved into a wide range of careers including occupations in for-profit private business, not-for-profit private organisations, the financial sector and the public sector (including the civil service and teaching at primary, secondary and higher levels). 

• A personal tutor will be allocated to you for the duration of your degree who can advise you on academic and personal development matters.
• Module leaders and seminar tutors provide feedback on your progress in each module to assist with your learning.
• The programme leader can help if you have any programme-related issues.
• The subject librarian is available for any queries regarding the use oflibrary resources for your research and can advise you on locating sources for relevant materials.
• The student representatives who study Economics in the same year as you can raise any concerns regarding the programme or individual modules with the teaching team on behalf of your student cohort.

• The staff at the Royal Docks Business School Helpdesk will be able to answer the queries you may have about the operation of your degree.
• The Student Services team can assist with financial matters, health and wellbeing as well as offering support for students with a disability. 

• The Royal Docks Business School offers a range of opportunities to engage with industry through its lecture series.
• The Royal Docks Business School offers a mentoring scheme where you can benefit from the experience of a personal business mentor.
• Our employability team will recommend opportunities for work placements, assist with writing your CV and advise you on your interview skills and technique.

The Docklands Campus

The Royal Docks Business School is located at our state of the art Docklands campus near London City Airport and the ExCel exhibition centre. The campus offers a large range of new student facilities including modern lecture theatres, IT labs and library.

Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the semester, allowing you to undertake your guided and independent research and reading when it is most suitable for you. We hold a wide range of Economics, Finance and Business journals that enable you to find relevant materials for your degree and beyond, thus supporting you in developing an extensive knowledge base. FT.com, ESDS, Data-stream and Bloomberg databases are also available to download financial and economic data and information. Many of the economics-related books are also available in electronic form to allow students easy access to lecture and seminar materials.

Study Abroad

During your second year you can study in Europe, Asia or the Americas. We have links to universities that offer their programmes in English and you will study modules which we have previously agreed. The grades obtained abroad will count towards your degree classification at UEL.

Canary Wharf Study

Given your academic performance in your second year, we can offer you the opportunity to study a module at Canary Wharf itself, at the core of London’s financial services industry. A range of invited expert guest speakers will cover today’s central issues in finance, money and banking.

• Develop knowledge of ‘core’ economic theory;
• Apply this knowledge in areas relevant to business and non-business organisations, finance and public policy;
• Understand the methods of reasoning used by economists;
• Develop an understanding of individual and organisational decision-making and an awareness of the institutional and social context within which economic life occurs;
• Develop appropriate quantitative skills;
• Develop the ability to communicate economic ideas and to consider opposing ideas and interpretations;
• Build appropriate study skills and ability to make use of basic information technology skills;
• Build transferable skills in the form of the abilities to formulate and analyse problems, use relevant sources in seeking to clarify problems, reach reasoned conclusions, choose between available alternatives and present ideas coherently in both verbal and written form.

• demonstrate understanding of the assumptions, logical structure, implications and limitations of core economic theory
• apply economic theory to the analysis of business and non business organisations, national and global financial structures and public policy
• demonstrate knowledge regarding the nature and development of key economic (and economics-related) institutions and socio-economic structures affecting the operation of business and non business organisations, national economies, the global economy and government.

• critically evaluate the relevance of diverse theories and concepts
• apply these theories and concepts to various topics
• discuss, evaluate and analyse government policies and assess the performance of the UK, other national economies and the global economy
• discuss the relationship between economic theory, the broader institutional context, and government policies

• locate and interpret sources of information that will assist you in identifying and solving economic problems
• use quantitative skills in the identification and analysis of economic problems

• use industry-standard (e.g. Excel) software to solve problems
• apply the analytical techniques of economics to a range of issues and contexts

• identify gaps in your own knowledge and deliberately undertake steps to fill these
• identify, interpret and synthesise a range of theoretical and empirical data to develop a sophisticated and reasoned argument,
• undertake independent research and make practical recommendations based on the evaluation of different data sources,
• communicate effectively in written and oral form to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Introduction

All programmes are credit-rated to help students understand the amount and level of study that is needed.

One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).

Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:

0          equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme

1          equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme

2          equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme

3          equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme

M         equivalent in standard to a Masters degree

Credit rating

The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.

Typical duration

The expected duration of this programme is three years when attended in full-time mode or four-and-a-half to five years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may affect the overall duration of their study period.

How the teaching year is divided

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February. 

A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.

What you will study when

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year.  An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.

It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

Single            120 credits at levels one, two and three

Major              80 credits at levels one, two and three

Joint               60 credits at levels one, two and three

Minor              40 credits at levels one, two and three

Optional module list 1

• Introduction to Econometrics
• Principles of Investment
• Portfolio Analysis and Management
• Fundamentals of Finance

Optional module list 2 

Optional module list 3

• Applied Econometrics
• Economics of Strategy
• International Trade and Development
• Options, Derivatives and Risk

Optional module list 4

• Project
• Economics of Business Strategy