University of Hertfordshire - BA (Hons) Economics

University of Hertfordshire

BA (Hons) Economics

Indicative course structure

This course will give you a solid knowledge of economics and a rigorous understanding of the quantitative methods economists use in their analyses. It will also enable you to apply economic principles to a wide variety of contemporary problems and use your quantitative skills in numerous professional situations when you graduate. The course will also have modules specifically focused on your employability and developing and enhancing the skill necessary to thrive in your future career. These skills will be valuable for career roles such as Financial Risk Analyst, Auditor, Risk Manager, Business Analyst, Stockbroker, and more. 

The opportunity to study abroad or spend a year in industry will give you valuable experience and enhance your career prospects. 

You can also study a language with this course. You can be awarded the degree ‘with language’ in the title if you choose to study a foreign language in all years of study.

In the first year, all students study introductory modules on microeconomics and macroeconomics and are equipped with fundamental quantitative skills. The Intro to Microeconomics module is concerned with the behaviour of individual firms, markets, and consumers and their economic activity. The Intro to Macroeconomics module looks at the economy as a whole and focuses on economic factors such as interest rates and national productivity. Our students must have a general understanding of both of these economic concepts as they will be beneficial in making and understanding practical business decisions in their future careers.  

In the second year, all student progress to intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics. Economics students develop their quantitative skills by studying techniques of economic analysis and econometrics, while Business Economics students enhance their appreciation of economics in relation to business. Students will learn about consumers and firms and how their decisions making affect the markets in which they engage and ultimately the success of the economy. This vital relationship will be explored for various types of market structures. During this year, students will also develop and enhance employability and research skills that will equip them for future employment.  

In the final year, Business Economics students study managerial economics and strategic thinking in business, while Economics students study advanced microeconomics and macroeconomics with an emphasis on policymaking. Students of both pathways can choose from a variety of optional modules, including Industry Practise for Economic Professionals. In this module, students will assess, develop and evaluate their employability skills through work-based learning. Through their work students will have the opportunity to apply and critically evaluate academic theories and current business school research in practical business environments.  

Entry Requirements

UCAS pointsA LevelBTEC
112-120BBC-BBBDMM-DDM

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

Career Prospects

An economist provides specialist advice based on economic theory and knowledge. They study data and statistics and carry out in-depth research, which enables them to be able to forecast future trends and make recommendations. Economists are employed in a variety of roles in both the public and private sectors, and they are highly sought after. Typical jobs relating to Economics include Financial Risk Analyst, Actuary or Statistician. Other options that use relevant skills such as analytical and problem-solving would be in sectors such as business intelligence, market research, retail merchandising and social research. 

Our graduates have gone on to work for major companies including Citibank, Friends Provident, HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Schroders and Standard Bank. Job roles have included emerging market analyst, fund manager’s assistant, trainee accountant and trainee stockbroker.

Course Details

You will be studying four 15 credit modules in each semester (this may vary between double modules) and your contact time varies between modules, but usually you will have two sessions per week for each module, a one-hour lecture followed by a one-hour seminar/tutorial. Typically, a new topic or theory will be introduced in each lecture and will be followed up with class discussion and feedback in the subsequent seminar. In addition, as part of your study time, you will be collaborating with your peers on tasks and group assignments. Module leaders also offer weekly drop-in and feedback sessions, usually 2 x 1 hour per module as well as revision sessions.

The University’s ‘online learning environment’ means you can access all your course resources, literature and timetables from anywhere in the world.

Usually, assessment is split between coursework and examinations. The style of coursework can vary from presentations to business reports, essays depending on the taught topics.

Year 1

Principles of marketing
Introduction to business operations
Introduction to microeconomics
Introduction to macroeconomics
Accounting for business
The economics professional
Economics tools and techniques
Economy and society

Year 2

International trade and the open economy
Econometrics
Consumers, firms and markets
Skills for economists
History of economic thought
Macroeconomics

Optional modules
Techniques of economic analysis
Health economics
Labour economics
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Year 3

Markets, competition and policy performance
Macroeconomics performance
Contemporary issues in economics
Hbs placement

Optional modules
Anatomy of financial crises
Dissertation - economics
International production and governance
Money, banking and finance
Modern econometrics
Research methods
Game theory and economic applications
Industry practice for economic professionals
Public finance
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*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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