Economics BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This economics 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 economics BSc 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 economics degree 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.

  Enhancing Opportunities through Bloomberg

  Bloomberg is the industry standard for economic, financial and other data provision and analysis; it is what financial traders rely on. It will enable you to obtain the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate, signifying that you can be functioning finance and economic consultancy professionals. The software even allows economics degree students to test trading strategies with real-life data. By giving you access to this resource ensures that your employability will be fully developed. It is a natural integral part of our active, authentic teaching and learning strategy.

  Society of Professional Economists Membership

  The Society of Professional Economists is Europe’s largest network of economists. By joining the 1300-strong group of vibrant and influential individuals, you show that you are committed to your profession and give yourself access to other professionals.

  Membership includes regular monthly seminars, masterclasses from leading researchers to ensure members are at the forefront of knowledge and reduced-rate access to the annual conference and very popular annual dinner. Members are drawn from all areas of the profession including finance and commerce, industry, government departments, private sector consultants, business schools and universities.

  List of modules

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

  • Stage 1
    • International Development: Social and Cultural Issues and Debates (20 Credits)
      Module code: DEV1001

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to key social and cultural issues related to international development. Students taking this module will develop their understanding of issues such as gender, migration, and religion. By the end of the module students will be able to confidently debate and discuss the challenges of international development from different theoretical perspectives within the field.
    • 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
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Economic Perspectives (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN2023

      Status: Compulsory
      This module examines competing schools of economic thought. Students criticallly assess the underlying assumptions and mathematical framework of mainstream economics, and the degree to which it aids understanding of economic phenomena. Students apply different schools of thought to current economic issues, and contrast the insights with those of mainstream economics.
    • Careers in Economics (10 Credits)
      Module code: ECN2024

      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.
    • Economic Growth and Inequality (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN2025

      Status: Designate
      This module introduces students to more complex areas of theory in the economics of economic growth and international development, with a focus on income and wealth disparities within and between countries, as well as groups of countries and regions. The module will also apply these theories to specific sectors and/or development issues.
    • Behavioural Economics (10 Credits)
      Module code: ECN2026

      Status: Compulsory
      In this module students explore incorporating psychological and experimental insights to gain a view of bigger social processes, for example altruism, cooperation, and trust. Students also consider the possibility of incorporating these aspects into policy design to impact on human behaviour.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • International Trade, Cooperation and Bargaining (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN3020

      Status: Designate
      This module explores key questions and issues of the international economy, including bargaining over climate change, raw material prices, as well as human and labour rights. Furthermore, students examine patterns of international trade and globalisation including barriers to trade and strategic trade policy
    • Advanced Applied Macroeconomics (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN3021

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides students with the opportunity to explore modern macroeconomic theory, policy and practice. The module will equip students with skills needed to analyse macroeconomic behaviour and policies. In addition, the module enables students to analyse topical debates in the theory of economic policy.
    • Advanced Applied Microeconomics (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN3022

      Status: Compulsory
      The module will equip students with skills needed to develop technical, as well as critical analysis of modern microeconomic policy issues, including cost-benefit analysis. Throughout the module emphasis is given to the idea of economics as a political as well as theoretical field, so as to obtain the abilty to apply advanced models in microeconomics.
    • 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 for this BSc economics degree would be:

  • BCC at A Level or
  • DMM at BTEC or
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level.

  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 or
  • Pass (D or E) at T Level.

  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

  23/24 Tuition Fees
  

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,250
  • UK Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  • International Full Time: £14,750
  • International Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750 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 economics course for students beginning their studies in September 2023. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  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

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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 our full-time BSc Economics 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 or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) for this BSc economics degree 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 this Economics course, 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.

  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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• FAQs

  Do I need an A-Level in Maths to study BSc Economics?

  No, you do not need an A- Level in Maths to study Economics at the University of Northampton. We start teaching from the beginning, so we will teach you all the fundamental skills you need to know.

  What is the schedule for this course?

  This economics 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.

  Are there any specific teaching tools for Economics?

  We have the Bloomberg Suite, which is the number one technology that is being used in industry, for example by Analysts and Stock Brokers to get all the latest information. As a Student at the University of Northampton you can complete the Bloomberg qualification for free, which will really boost your CV!

  Who are the Student Support Team?

  The Student Experience Support Team are a team of previous graduates of the University of Northampton, they are here to support all Faculty of Business and Law students by offering a friendly listening ear and ensuring students are aware of the numerous support systems that the University has to offer. The team provide confidential 1-1 meetings in person and online where they will signpost the students to the relevant support teams to ensure they are aware of the support available for them throughout their studies. You can follow the Student Experience Support Team to see the services they offer.

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