Economics BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG10 of Reduced Inequalities and SDG12 of Responsible Consumption and Production.

  The University of Northampton is the first modern university in England to introduce CORE, a problem-motivated and interactive way to learn economics.

  Unlike traditional economics education that start with simple models and a tenuous link to reality, CORE starts with reality and uses suitable economic tools. CORE combines different perspectives by organising the whole curriculum on the key themes of market power, imperfect information and social interactions. CORE is regarded by many employers as the cutting-edge approach to economics higher education.

  This course provides a solid understanding of both economic theory and the quantitative methods economists use in empirical analysis. You will be introduced to real world issues currently faced by individuals, companies and governments and their possible solution from the different perspectives of the major economic thinkers of the last two centuries. The BSc (Econ) Economics is intended for those who are considering practicing as an Economist in the future, in careers such as economic research, econometrics, forecasting as well as management finance and accountancy. It also provides an excellent basis for pursuing the study of economics at postgraduate level.

  You will benefit from staff who are experts in their areas, which include:

  • Banking and Finance Economics
  • Behavioural Finance
  • Monetary Economics
  • Econometrics
  • International Economics
  • Development Economics
  • Health Economics
  • Economic History
  • The Informal Economy

  Economists are employed in a variety of fields including local and national government, banking, insurance, industry and education. The analytical skills and training provided in the economic units will enable graduates to immediately start working in business or management as a career or in more specialised functional areas such as accounting or marketing.

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  List of modules

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • Ideas and Actors in International Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: DEV1003

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the main schools of thought and approaches to International Development, and to consider how these ideas are reflected in the actions of key institutions and actors in International Development
    • Introduction to Key Economic Thinkers (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN1014

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to a range of key economic thinkers from the history of economic thought, especially thinkers that have either played a leading role in shaping economics as we know it today, or whose theories are still discussed today in relation to specific economic phenomena, such as economic crises. It will also introduce a range of different schools of thought, and will assess how economics as a discipline has changed over time. The module is designed to give students a solid theoretical platform on which to develop a critical perspective in the level 5 module ECN2011.
    • Data and Mathematics For Economists (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN1019

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides an introduction to the mathematical concepts which are of key importance in economics for single and joint degree programmes. It aims to enable students whose background in mathematics is less rigorous to develop the understanding of essential mathematical techniques used in economics. The module also aims to introduce students to the use of data, descriptive statistics, correlation and simple regression analysis. The objective is to provide sufficient background to allow students to understand more advanced techniques used in Part 2 and Part 3 modules.
    • The Economy 1 (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN1021

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the threshold concepts in economics.
    • The Economy 2 (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN1022

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economics that can be used to understand and engage with problem solving in a wide range of contexts.
    • Communication, Freedom and Democracy (20 Credits)
      Module code: IRD1009

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to explore the variety of ways in which from earliest times to today, humans have not merely transmitted signals in an attempt to communicate, but have in so doing transformed whole cultures and disseminated variable global and more local orderings of political culture, power and societal relations.
  • Stage 2
    • Development Economics (20 Credits)
      Module code: DEV2002

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to more complex areas of theory in the economics of development, with a focus on economic growth. The module will also apply these theories to specific sectors and/or development issues.
    • Intermediate Microeconomics (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN2013

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is designed to enable students to use the principles of economics acquired on the first-year undergraduate programme to develop a more analytic and critical understanding of microeconomics. The emphasis will be on showing how such understanding can lead to improved application of economic ideas particularly in policy making.
    • The History of Economic Thought (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN2017

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to build on the introductory module, ECN1014, to offer a deepended discussion and debate around competing schools of thought. This will entail a critical assessment mainstream economics, in terms of both it?s underlying assumptions and mathematical framework, and the degree to which mainstream economics is useful in helping us understand contemporary economic phenomena. The module will also discuss how ideas from different economic schools of thought can be applied to current economic issues, and will contrast the insights they offer with those of mainstream economics.
    • Intermediate Macroeconomics (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN2018

      Status: Compulsory
      The module gives those students who have already studied Economics at an introductory level the opportunity to consider in some depth the (new to them) key intermediate macroeconomic models which have influenced macroeconomic theorizing and policy making over the last one hundred years. The emphasis will be on showing how an appreciation of such models can lead to improved application of economic ideas in the process of making economic policy.
    • Research Methods for Economists (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN2019

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students? understanding of the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. The focus of the module is to help students to develop a toolkit of econometric techniques so that they can model economic problems with increasing rigour. The module also provides students with a thorough grounding in research methods, focusing in particular on the application of research methods and skills which have direct bearing on the development of their independent learning at both levels 5 and 6.
    • Careers in Economics (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN2020

      Status: Compulsory
      This module exposes students to economics-related career opportunities, as well as provides them the opportunity to critically reflect on these opportunities and requisite skills. In addition, students will gain valuable insight into the sources of, opportunities and requirements for employment in Economics-related jobs and the challenges and rewards that such a career presents. While the module is not a placement module, it offers to students the opportunity to meet and interact with, and learn from economists or people on economics-related employments.
    • Financial and Monetary Economics
      Module code: ECN2021

      Status: Designate
    • Game Theory (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN2022

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to equip students with the game-theoretic tools to analyse real world strategic situations. They will be able to analyse situations in business and politics with strategic complementarity or strategic substitutability.
    • Learning Through Work (WBL) (20 Credits)
      Module code: HRM2042

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide the learner with the opportunity to examine and analyse the specific characteristics or behaviours, employability and job-related skills and knowledge required to be a successful and effective employee in their particular business sector/type of organisation.
  • Stage 3
    • International Money and Finance (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC3007

      Status: Designate
      This module appraises the increasingly important aspect of multinational financial management in dynamic international business. It critically analyses the attractions and limitations of doing business in a global market, identifying the additional inherent risks that global market exposure produces and strategies in managing the global firm.
    • The Political Economy of Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: DEV3002

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with a firm basis in the theories and strategies of economic development in the developing world. The module covers the political economy of the post-independence era and the shifts in policies that occurred in the 1970s. The module takes a multidisciplinary approach to issues related to the national bourgeois model (aka the developmental state) of the post-independence era, the Neoliberal agenda as well as the role of international institutions in the developmental process.
    • International Economics (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN3005

      Status: Designate
      Students will be made to explore the key questions and issues of the international economy to include analyses of the major global economic institutions and the implications of international economic relations for poor countries.
    • Econometrics (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN3013

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with statistical, interpretive and practical skills they need to move seamlessly into graduate workforce by using advanced econometrics techniques. Also, to equip students with skills to manipulate data, evaluate, estimate and model business problems, functions and phenomena.
    • Advanced Economic Theory (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN3016

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides students with the opportunity to explore modern micro- and macroeconomic theory, policy and practice. The module will cover topics in economic growth and also equip students with skills needed to analyse macroeconomic behaviour and stabilisation policies. In addition, the module develops topics in modern microeconomic theory, technical analysis and demonstrates how these are applied in research/policy debates
    • Applied Economics (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN3017

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides students with the opportunity to explore various debates in economics from a range of theoretical and applied perspectives. Topics covered can vary from year to year depending on current events and the interests of staff and students. Students will be encouraged to make connections, where appropriate, with themes and issues covered in other parts of their degree programme.
    • Economics Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: ECN4001

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is designed to provide students with the skills to be able critically analyse key debates/theories/views associated with the chosen topic. Students must choose to research, analyse and discuss a `contemporary issue in economics?. Students will be expected to look at the topic chosen from an economics perspective while possibly incorporating other areas (politics or business, for example) into the discussion. The dissertation represents a significant final element of study where students can develop their own academic and intellectual interests. The module also allows students to develop their skills in research and independent work. The dissertation allows students to draw together different aspects of their study. They will have been required to select the topic and do the initial proposal as part of the Level 5 Research Methods for Economists module. The dissertation, therefore, represents a continuation of that work.

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• Entry Requirements

  In addition to meeting the University’s entry requirements, a typical offer would be BCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC. You are required to achieve GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or above or level 2 Key Skill in Application of Number or a similar quantitative module.

  Integrated Foundation Year Entry Requirements

  The standard entry requirements for the Integrated Foundation Year are DEE at A level or MPP at BTEC.

  For more information on how to make an application please visit our How to Apply pages for Home and EU, and International students.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  22/23 Tuition Fees
  

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,250
  • UK Part Time: £1,500 per 20 credit module
  • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  • International Full Time: £14,000
  • International Integrated Foundation Year: £14,000 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2022. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  21/22 Tuition Fees
  

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,250
  • UK Part Time: £1,465 per 20 credit module
  • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £6,780 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  • International Full Time: £13,000
  • International Integrated Foundation Year: £13,000 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2021. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time degree at Northampton you will receive a laptop when your course begins. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks visit our Student Perks page.

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• Integrated Foundation Year

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for Economics we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Economics programme which includes a Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  Please see our Integrated Foundation Year page for more details.

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• Optional Work Placement Year

  You are encouraged to undertake a year-long placement in between Stages Two and Three of study. If you meet the entry criteria, and choose to take up a placement year you will find it an invaluable experience that helps you to apply your learning in your final year and prepares you for your career. We offer a lot of support in helping you to find a placement, which can be in the UK or overseas.

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• FAQs

  What is the schedule for this course?

  This course can be studied full-time over three years or over four years with an optional work placement year or foundation year. We also offer a flexible part-time option.

  How will I be assessed?

  We use a range of assessment methods on our courses. On this course you will encounter individual and group written work,  presentations and exams as well as extended project work.

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Careers and Employability

Our graduates work in a variety of fields including national and local Government, banking, insurance, industry and education. Our graduates are also able to immediately start working in business or management as a career or in more specialised functional areas such as accounting or marketing.

Studying a degree in Economics can also lead to careers in fields such as the Civil Service, government (national and regional) and management consultancy. Graduates from this course can choose to progress onto a full-time, part-time or distance learning course. Postgraduate study will enable you to focus your studies in specialist areas such as the MSc Economics or can give you a general management qualification such as the MBA.