BSc Business Finance and Economics (NL41)

Course Code UNU1NL41301
Duration 3 Years
Attendance Full Time
Award Degree of Bachelor of Science

Overview
Why Choose Us
Requirements
Course Profile
Fees and Funding
Apply

Overview

The BSc Business Finance and Economics degree course is offered in conjunction with Norwich Business School and will appeal to those who are interested in the finance side of a career in business or management. Your training will ensure a thorough training in both economic analysis and managerial economics, including management-based approaches to understanding organisations, incentives, motivation, teams, and leadership.

Teaching, Assessment and Feedback

Teaching methods are designed to provide an in-depth knowledge of the subject, as well as developing the analytical, presentation, teamwork and communication skills sought by employers.

A typical Economics' degree module has two lectures and about one seminar per week. While lectures are attended by all students, seminars are held in smaller groups of 12-18 students to promote more student/teacher interaction. This will provide an opportunity for you to ask questions, discuss the economic issues the module deals with, and to give presentations on selected topics. Some seminars are in the form of computer lab sessions, and, in quantitative economics modules, students analyse economic data using statistical software packages.

Assessment for most Economics' modules is usually a combination of coursework and a May-June examination, although some modules have coursework only (sometimes in the form of a project). For coursework you might be asked to write 2 essays at different times during the semester, or to complete a home assignment which might involve computing work, or to engage in a group presentation. Our Economics Guide to Study Skills contains information on essay writing, seminar participation, examination skills, and curriculum vitae preparation.

Although all students are encouraged to work independently, we are happy to help students if there is a need for one-to-one tuition: you can drop in on the lecturer of each module during his or her weekly office hours, or email him or her for assistance. There are a variety of channels designed to provide students with feedback on modules and the degree programmes - these include the Economics Staff Student Liaison Committee where any issue relating to the academic or social well-being of UEA Economics students can be raised.

Career Opportunities

An Economics undergraduate degree offers excellent career prospects. In a survey of recent economics graduates, 83% were in long-term full-time employment, and 15% were undertaking further vocational or academic study (eg MA, MBA, PhD). The University of East Anglia provides a professional Careers Centre and, together with the School's Academic Careers Adviser, we will help students to choose their career path and develop their employability skills.

Please click on the links below to view the career profiles of some of our recent Economics graduates:

Stine Larsen - Political Adviser to the International Trade Committee within the European Parliament

Christian Moppett - Entrepreneur and Project Manager at Universal Air Tool Company Limited

Robert Lamb - Postgraduate Student, University of York

Ricky Shin - Finance Operations Team Member, AXA

Eleanor Marcham - Research and Information Officer at the Economic Development Unit, Great Yarmouth Borough Council

Course Organiser

Dr Susan Long

Related Courses

Why Choose Us?

Thank you for showing an interest in Economics at the University of East Anglia. The School of Economics provides a wide range of Undergraduate degrees and I hope you will find something that interests you.

Whether you are interested in business, politics or simply how the world ticks, Economics is a wonderful discipline for understanding how individuals make choices: how those choices create markets, and how markets interact to create national and global economies. It also provides the essential understanding for how economic policies can be developed to improve social welfare.

You will find that we place a high priority on our teaching and we are proud of the learning experience offered at UEA. We continuously monitor course quality by obtaining written feedback from all our students on each module they take, we discuss and develop ideas with our staff-student liaison committee, and we hold a thorough review of our teaching each June.

You do not have to take my word for our commitment to teaching - there is plenty of external evidence to back this up. Students consistently rate our teaching and their overall satisfaction of the UEA student experience among the highest of Economics departments in the UK, including placing us 1st in two of the last five years (source: HEFCE, 2005-09). Quite separately, our syllabus, quality assurance systems and facilities are rated excellent by the Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency, scoring 23 out of a maximum 24 points.

One reason our teaching is at the forefront of knowledge is because of the original research we conduct here. For example, we have an internationally renowned research group on the economics of decision making, and our Centre for Competition Policy is the UK’s leading research group on this crucial dimension of business policy. You will have opportunities to find out more about such issues during your study here, particularly by your choice of optional modules.

If you are interested in studying here, please look around this website. We hope it will provide all the information you need, but please do contact us if you have any further queries. I hope you choose to study Economics at university, and I would be very pleased if you chose to study Economics at UEA. Whatever you choose, however, you have my very best wishes for your education and future career.

Campus Life at the University of East Anglia Professor Daniel Zizzo
Head of the School

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere. The next Undergraduate Open Days will be held on Saturday 23 June 2012 and Saturday 7 July 2012.

You will have the chance to attend subject-specific talks and presentations about student life and finance. You will also be able to talk directly to academics, admissions staff and current students giving you a first-hand impression of life at the University of East Anglia - check out the accommodation, learning resources, student support, and our sport and entertainment facilities.

In addition to the above we offer a Personal Visit option, available on specific Friday afternoons throughout the year. These include organised tours of the campus. We have also created a Virtual Open Day experience for you which we hope will help to provide you with an insight into life and study at the School of Economics.

Students who have been offered a place on one of our undergraduate programmes will be invited to attend one of our Visit Days.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do cont International students place a high value on their experience at the University of East Anglia.

International students place a high value on their experience at the University of East Anglia.

act us:

Admissions Office (Economics)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 593711 or 591902
Email: eco.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to download the School of Economics Undergraduate Prospectus or register your details via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

Entry Requirements

Candidates will be expected to have 3 A levels (see below for typical offer). Please note: We do not accept A level General Studies as one of these.

For students without A level Mathematics, we offer a modified version of the "Introductory Mathematics for Economists" module in the first semester of Year 1. There is a special non A level teaching track enabling students to start from a very basic level and learn the complete range of mathematical skills that are required later in the degree.

Candidates with equivalent qualifications to the A level requirement are encouraged to apply (eg International Baccalaureate; Access to Higher Education certificate). International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

Students should also have 5 GCSEs including English (grade C) and Mathematics (grade B).

A Level BBB excluding General Studies
International Baccalaureate 31
Scottish Advanced Highers BBB (acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications)
Irish Leaving Certificate BBBBBB
Access Course Pass with Merit in 45 credits at level 3
HND Please contact eco.admiss@uea.ac.uk for further information
European Baccalaureate 70%

Students for whom English is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 87 overall (minimum 21 in the listening and writing components; 22 in the reading component; and 23 in the speaking component)
PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in all components)

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

If you do not meet the academic and or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

International Foundation in Business and Economics
International Foundation in Computing with Business
International Diploma in Business Management and Economics
International Foundation in Humanities and Law

Interviews

Sometimes applicants are requested to attend an interview prior to being offered a place on the course. These are normally quite informal and provide the interviewer with the opportunity to find out more about your current studies, your reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and the extra-curricular activities that you are involved in.

Intakes

The course begins in September each year.

Approximate annual intake of students: 20

Assessment

Key factors used to assess an application include:

Past and future achievement in examinations
Academic interest in the subject
Personal interests and extra-curricular activities
The reference

All applications are considered on their own individual merits.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

Year 1

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students will select 120 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Introduction to Business This module offers an introduction to business and its environment, providing the necessary background for subsequent honours modules in the business arena. It may also be taken as a stand-alone module by students seeking a general insight into the world of business. It considers a broad range of management disciplines and seeks to introduce skills necessary for future management career pathways. more...	NBS-1B1Y	20	Year Period
Introduction to Financial and Management Accounting This module provides a foundation in the theory and practice of accounting and an introduction to the role, context and language of financial reporting and management accounting. The module assumes no previous study of accounting. It may be taken as a stand alone course for those students following a more general management pathway or to provide a foundation to underpin subsequent specialist studies in accounting. more...	NBS-1A2Y	20	Year Period
Introductory Macroeconomics Introductory Macroeconomics is a module designed as an introduction to university-level macroeconomic analysis. In macroeconomics we examine the economy as a whole and will focus on topics including economic growth; the general price level and its rate of increase (inflation); exchange rates and the balance of payments; money and goods markets; monetary and fiscal policy; the relationship between unemployment and inflation. We will be introduced to macroeconomic models which will help us understand why measures such as lowering interest rates and quantitative easing have been introduced. more...	ECO-1A2Y	20	Year Period
Introductory Mathematics for Economists This module covers those mathematical techniques that are most relevant to the study of economics at university level. It will cover some of the material normally covered in a typical mathematics A-level course. It starts off at a very elementary level, and gradually progresses to a treatment of differential calculus. The focus will be on the mathematical techniques themselves and their economic applications. This will enable students to gain an understanding of the importance of mathematics in economics. more...	ECO-1A05	20	Semester 1
Introductory Microeconomics This is a year-long compulsory module for all ECO students. It may also be taken as an optional module by other students and is a prerequisite for later microeconomic modules. Topics to be covered include: what is economics, its scientific status; demand and supply analysis including elasticity concepts and tax incidence; costs and profit maximisation; perfect competition, monopoly, and monopolistic competition; game theory and oligopoly; factor markets; an introduction to welfare economics - market failure, public goods and externalities. There will be some simple applications of calculus to problems in microeconomics such as profit maximisation etc. more...	ECO-1A1Y	20	Year Period
Quantitative Methods This module provides an introduction to statistical techniques and methods of data analysis which are commonly applied in economics, and in other areas. Topics include: descriptive statistics, events and probability, Bayes' rule, permutations and combinations, expected value and variance, the normal distribution, the t- distribution and confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and an introduction to simple regression analysis. There is a strong practical element, with students engaging in statistical analysis of a range of problems using PASW Statistics 18. more...	ECO-1A06	20	Semester 2

Year 2

Compulsory Study (80 credits)

Students will select 80 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Business Finance This module sets out the basic principles of financial management and applies them to the main decisions faced by the financial manager. For example, it explains why the firm's owners would like the manager to increase firm value and shows how managers choose between investments that may pay off at different points of time or have different degrees of risk. Moreover, it discusses how companies raise the necessary funds to pay for these investments and why they might prefer a particular source of finance. Additionally, it provides a broad introduction to the financial landscape by describing the main features of financial markets, the major players operating within them, the role of financial institutions in the economy and how securities are traded and valued by investors. Overall, this module presents the tools of modern financial management in a consistent conceptual framework. more...	NBS-2F2Y	20	Year Period
Methods of Economic Research An introduction to the subject of econometrics: the statistical methods that are applied in empirical work in economics. Topics covered are: simple regression, multiple regression, causes of, effects of and remedies for: misspecification, serial correlation, heteroscedasticity and multicollinearity and the use of dummy variables. There is a strong practical element, with students engaging in the econometric analysis of a variety of economic datasets using PASW Statistics 18. more...	ECO-2A06	20	Semester 2
Principles of Macroeconomics The primary aim of this module in intermediate macroeconomics is to provide a framework for the understanding of contemporary controversies about macroeconomic policy and performance, by focusing on the major theoretical models which underlie these debates. The module also aims to provide insight into topics such as unemployment, inflation and economic growth, as well as into policy issues such as stabilisation policy and central bank independence. The development, evaluation and application of theoretical models aids the acquisition of general analytic and reasoning skills, while the seminar programme encourages development of problem solving and communication skills. more...	ECO-2A05	20	Semester 1
Principles of Microeconomics This is a module in intermediate microeconomics. Topics include: consumer choice, market structure, game theory, market failure and welfare economics. This module aims to develop your understanding of key microeconomic models, to develop your skills in applying these models and to provide the framework for further study in Economics. more...	ECO-2A07	20	Semester 1

Option A Study (40 credits)

Students will select 40 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Business and Company Law This module provides an introduction to contract and company law. It is designed primarily for students on Accounting related degrees who intend to pursue a career in the accountancy profession. The module should also be of interest to students contemplating a career in business or commerce. more...	NBS-2B2Y	20	Year Period
Financial Accounting The general aim of the module is to study the theory and practice of financial accounting and reporting. This includes an examination of current and legal professional requirements as they relate to limited liability companies in the UK. Some international issues, for example in relation to the US and the European Union, are also considered. more...	NBS-2A1Y	20	Year Period
Information Systems for Management The module addresses the changing role of information technology and management information systems in organisations today. In particular, it examines the role of IT and MIS as competitive tools for all organisations and the role of IT as an essential enabler of innovation. It aims to provide an understanding of the use of information by modern organisations and an understanding of concepts such as systems theory, data warehouses and electronic commerce. more...	NBS-2A2Y	20	Year Period
Management Accounting The module aims to develop students' understanding of the theory and practice of management accounting. The course develops some underpinning competencies in management accounting. It builds on topics introduced in the first year to extend comprehension of the role and system of management accounting for performance measurement, planning, decision making and control across a range of organisations. It also emphasises recent developments in management accounting practice, particularly those which underpin its growing strategic role. more...	NBS-2F1Y	20	Year Period

Year 3

Compulsory Study (20 credits)

Students will select 20 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
The Economics of Corporate Finance This module comprises two sections. The first section examines finance from an investor's perspective, highlighting aspects of portfolio diversification, asset pricing and the use of derivatives in financial markets. In the second section, we focus on corporate finance, examining corporate governance issues, how operations are funded (capital structure), and how firms return money to shareholders (payout policy). Particular emphasis is placed on the ability of students to synthesise empirical evidence from a variety of sources. more...	ECO-2A10	20	Semester 2

Option A Study (40 credits)

Students will select 40 credits from the following module(s).

You may pick any of the modules that begin with:

NBS-2

Business and Company Law This module provides an introduction to contract and company law. It is designed primarily for students on Accounting related degrees who intend to pursue a career in the accountancy profession. The module should also be of interest to students contemplating a career in business or commerce. more...	NBS-2B2Y	20	Year Period
Quantitative Methods for Business This module considers quantitative methods used in business for analysing and solving problems. The emphasis is on practical applications such as SPSS software, including interpretation, presentation and reporting of findings. more...	NBS-2B3Y	20	Year Period
Principles of Marketing This module is concerned with the marketing function of an organisation. It seeks to develop awareness and understanding of marketing as an integrated business activity and focuses on the framework of theory which underpins an organisation's responses to market demand. In addition it considers examples of marketing programmes for a variety of organisational contexts. It is suitable for all UEA students and is a stand-alone module. more...	NBS-2M1Y	20	Year Period
Financial Accounting The general aim of the module is to study the theory and practice of financial accounting and reporting. This includes an examination of current and legal professional requirements as they relate to limited liability companies in the UK. Some international issues, for example in relation to the US and the European Union, are also considered. more...	NBS-2A1Y	20	Year Period
Marketing Communications This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts, theories, techniques and challenges involved in managing the organisation's integrated marketing communications mix and examines its individual elements. The module thereby considers issues that arise in planning, implementing and controlling marketing communications strategies across different media channels, including print and broadcast advertising, PR, sponsorships, product placements, sales promotions, retail marketing as well as direct and digital marketing. Students will also evaluate current promotional strategies for existing brands and have to develop, design and present a new marketing communication campaign of their own. more...	NBS-2M2Y	20	Year Period
Legal Issues in Business This module introduces students to legal issues arising in business by their participation in an imaginary enterprise called Ocean Marine Company Limited and its product the Wells Kipper motor cruiser. Both the enterprise and product encounter legal and business issues relating to the EC, dispute resolution, commercial agreements, defective products, consumer credit, intellectual property, data protection, enterprise structure, premises and workforce. more...	NBS-2B6Y	20	Year Period
Information Systems for Management The module addresses the changing role of information technology and management information systems in organisations today. In particular, it examines the role of IT and MIS as competitive tools for all organisations and the role of IT as an essential enabler of innovation. It aims to provide an understanding of the use of information by modern organisations and an understanding of concepts such as systems theory, data warehouses and electronic commerce. more...	NBS-2A2Y	20	Year Period
Management Accounting The module aims to develop students' understanding of the theory and practice of management accounting. The course develops some underpinning competencies in management accounting. It builds on topics introduced in the first year to extend comprehension of the role and system of management accounting for performance measurement, planning, decision making and control across a range of organisations. It also emphasises recent developments in management accounting practice, particularly those which underpin its growing strategic role. more...	NBS-2F1Y	20	Year Period
Operations Strategy and Management This module deals with the key operations strategy and operational management functions in a work setting. The core theme is the relevant knowledge and management skills necessary to effectively and efficiently develop strategies for the delivery of high quality services and/or goods in complex and dynamic environments. Students will examine the strategic importance of operations, the core input, transformation and output functions of any business and management situation, and the latest international strategic developments across numerous commercial sectors and organisations. more...	NBS-2P2Y	20	Year Period
Human Resource Management Students who successfuly complete this module will be able to demonstrate an understanding and critical awareness of the importance of people resourcing, and performance management in creating employees who are "thinking performers" demonstrating high commitment through their "organisational citizenship". As such, this module provides the knowledge required to understand the organisational importance of creating a performance management culture aligned to the strategic business objectives. Such a "contributor culture" is one where employees add organisational value through their flexibility and willingness to make a positive difference in the workplace. Apposite and effective HRM practice is thus a critical strategic tool in businesses gaining sustainable competitive advantage; one that is becoming increasingly important in the labour market's "War for Talent". Further, the module affords the opportunity for students to develop apposite skills associated with human resource management practice. more...	NBS-2P3Y	20	Year Period
Accounting for Non-Specialists This introductory module for non-accounting specialists emphasises the use and interpretation of accounting data in a corporate environment. Concepts of cost, profit, cashflow and the time value of money will be introduced and their usefulness in the context of business decision making critically examined. The aim of this module is to present an introduction to financial and management accounting and the types of information which each provides (and does not provide). It introduces basic accounting concepts and procedures used in the preparation of accounting statements to enable the interpretation of the performance of the organisation. The module also aims to introduce some of the techniques used in management accounting so as to develop an appreciation of its role in organisational planning, control, decision making and performance evaluation. No prior knowledge of accounting is assumed. NOTE - THIS MODULE IS NOT NORMALLY AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY STUDIED EITHER NBS-1A1Y (Introduction to Financial Reporting), or NBS-1F1Y (Accounting for Management Decisions), or NBS-1A2Y (Introduction to Financial and Management Accounting). more...	NBS-2A10	20	Semester 2
Business Finance This module sets out the basic principles of financial management and applies them to the main decisions faced by the financial manager. For example, it explains why the firm's owners would like the manager to increase firm value and shows how managers choose between investments that may pay off at different points of time or have different degrees of risk. Moreover, it discusses how companies raise the necessary funds to pay for these investments and why they might prefer a particular source of finance. Additionally, it provides a broad introduction to the financial landscape by describing the main features of financial markets, the major players operating within them, the role of financial institutions in the economy and how securities are traded and valued by investors. Overall, this module presents the tools of modern financial management in a consistent conceptual framework. more...	NBS-2F2Y	20	Year Period
Strategic Business Decision Making This module encourages the development and understanding of strategic management and the associated skills. Students will develop a range of key management skills, including creative problem solving, evaluating and controlling, ethical judgement, leadership, motivating others, delegating, managing one-to-one relationships, leading groups and influencing. With underpinning knowledge and theory provided through the lectures, students work in teams on practical business problems through the use of a sophisticated, Internet-based, business simulation game set in a high-tech industry. The simulation game ties together a series of related decisions and outcomes over time, challenging students to maintain profitability, sustainability and resilience by adapting their strategic decisions in the light of critical events. more...	NBS-2B8Y	20	Year Period
Economics for International Business This module develops understanding of the international economy. In Part 1 it considers international trade. We ask who benefits from trade, who it can harm, and relate our insights to the current debate about globalization. In Part 2 we consider currency markets, the central banks, interest rates, exchange rates, and the balance of payments. Part 3 turns to multinational firms, asking why they have grown so fast, and what is their impact. more...	NBS-2B4Y	20	Year Period
Business Ethics As business in the 21st century assumes a position of unprecedented power and influence throughout the world, understanding its moral significance - in particular the impact on stakeholders - becomes increasingly important. This module explores some of the ethical questions raised by modern business practice in a global context. The module draws upon a range of ethical theories based on the philosophy of Aristotle, Kant, Mills and others but no prior knowledge of philosophy is required. more...	NBS-2B5Y	20	Year Period

NBS-3

Managing Innovation and Creativity Innovation and creativity are at the centre of the contemporary economy. It is convincingly argued that the development of individuals, business, cities and whole nations increasingly relies on their capacity to develop not only new products and processes, but also new technologies, new organisational structures and new cultural forms. This course will introduce third year students to key concepts and topics in innovation and creativity research from a critical perspective as well as exploring the application of those ideas to management practice. more...	NBS-3P3Y	20	Year Period
Financial Modelling This module intends to build a bridge between the theories that are introduced during the NBS-2F2Y module and financial practice. The module will enable the student to analyse financial models using real datasets and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel). Applications will include models of valuation, capital appraisal, portfolio choice and risk management. An important part of the module will introduce basic statistical methods and their use in financial modelling. Overall, the module will provide a comprehensive overview of the tools used by financial advisors, researchers and industry consultants. more...	NBS-3F3Y	20	Year Period
Audit and Accountability The aim of this module is to give students an introduction to the theory and practice of auditing. The emphasis is on the external audit of limited companies. The module also includes a discussion of current dilemmas and research in auditing, notably the audit expectations gap and audit regulation. It is designed as a specialist module for students on Accounting related degrees. more...	NBS-3A2Y	20	Year Period
Personal and Corporate Taxation The general aim of this module is to study the theory and practice of personal and corporate taxation within the UK. The module includes an examination of current legal and professional taxation requirements. Whilst the module is primarily directed at the UK taxation system, aspects of International taxation will also be considered. more...	NBS-3A7Y	20	Year Period
Behavioural Aspects of Marketing This module builds upon the Principles of Marketing module taken in Year 2. It introduces the student to the field of consumer behaviour, a major sub-discipline within marketing that is concerned with understanding what meanings products, brands and possessions have in consumers' lives and identity projects. Thus, the module's overall aim is for the student to develop a detailed knowledge and deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts and main theories behind the two dominant paradigms of 'Buying Decision-Making Theory' (BDT) and 'Consumer Culture Theory' (CCT). Further attention is paid to how the application of such knowledge and insights would benefit the development of suitable marketing strategies. It thereby aims to demonstrate that a customer focus within the organisation is not only the key to any successful marketing strategy, but is also highly dependent on a thorough in-depth understanding of both BDT and CCT. The lectures will be supported by a series of seminar sessions, whose aim is the practical application of the module syllabus. more...	NBS-3M1Y	20	Year Period
Entrepreneurship and Small Business This module aims to provide students with knowledge of the significance of entrepreneurship and the small business sector within the economy, and research-led understanding of the factors that affect the small business birth, growth, success and failure more...	NBS-3M4Y	20	Year Period
Strategic Management This module aims to develop students' understanding of the principles and practices of strategic management. It builds on business management concepts developed during the first and second years, and while the focus of the module is on strategic management as a managed process, the module also takes into account differences in strategy perspectives, external and internal organizational contexts. As a third year module, students are required to understand strategic management within the broad context of current debates and contemporary issues as they influence business management in the global economy. more...	NBS-3M3Y	20	Year Period
Contemporary Workplace Relations - Conflict and Cooperation Employee relations are central to organisational and work-place practice. Ineffective governance of workplace relations whether it be discipline, redundancy or discrimination or any other related aspects can have serious consequences for modern organisations. The changing national and international (the European Union in particular) as well as the political context in which employee relations take place directly affect both employers, employees and their representatives. In essence dynamic employee relations shift between conflict and cooperation. Thus the shifting power relations that underpin employee relationships can mean that employee relations policies and practice can subtly change which has major implications for how employee relations are managed. This course will introduce third year students to key concepts and topics in employee relations research from a critical perspective outlining both continuity and change in employee relations as well as exploring how this is managed in organisations. more...	NBS-3P4Y	20	Year Period
Organisational Information Systems The objective of this module is to explore some of the assumptions surrounding the use of information in contemporary organisations. These issues will be examined within a modern philosophical framework, giving rise to a critical reflection of methodology and organisational models that form the basis of organisational systems. Students with computing modules and/or organisational background may be considered for this module. more...	NBS-3A5Y	20	Year Period
Supply Chain Management:strategy and Design Supply Chain management (SCM) is about how upstream and downstream members (e.g. suppliers, manufacturers, retailers) collaborate together to design, manufacture, and distribute the products or services in order to serve the final customers. Success depends on the ability to provide suitable (be it innovative, high quality or low cost) products and services that customers need. Recent technological developments have led to promising changes in SCM that is now recognised as a key aspect of competitive strategy. The module introduces students to large-scale, real-world supply chain processes and their key operational choices and managerial decisions. more...	NBS-3P7Y	20	Year Period
Advanced Financial Accounting This module continues the study of the theory and practice of financial accounting and reporting introduced in Financial Accounting. The module examines a narrow range of topics in depth which reflect current academic and professional interests. It develops accounting skills and the ability critically to assess financial accounting principles. more...	NBS-3A1Y	20	Year Period
Marketing: Social Responsibility and the Law This module aims to critically analyse modern marketing practices in a hard hitting way by exploring some of the myths and abuses of marketing that not only damage the wider society, but also the public and private sectors that exercise such practices. The module examines socially irresponsible marketing practices by governments and businesses, taking national and international perspectives, and looks at the effect on the public, consumers and other businesses. Legal, moral and ethical concerns are investigated in an exciting and stimulating way, through case studies that are regularly updated to reflect the continual developments within the field of socially responsible marketing. This module will of interest to those who have studied Principles of Marketing, as well as those who have taken or are taking Legal Issues in Business and Business Ethics and for any students that have genuine concerns for what is wrong with current marketing practices. more...	NBS-3M9Y	20	Year Period
Management Consulting and Development This module is aimed at those students who are considering pursuing a career in management consulting and/or organisational development. It introduces the conceptual frameworks, theories and processes associated with management consulting and organisational development outlining its impact within a business context. Students will examine management consulting from the descriptive, practitioner and client perspective. Students will discuss the critical issues regarding the delivery of successful consulting projects, including theoretical, practical and research challenges, and further examine issues such as ethical considerations when delivering consultancy projects and consultancy as a career. Students will participate in groups in a `live' consultancy project where they will deliver against a specific brief. more...	NBS-3P5Y	20	Year Period
Strategic Corporate Sustainability This module reviews the challenges, solutions and opportunities faced by businesses due to environmental and energy issues. Students who successfully complete this module will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ways that businesses interact with the environment. This issue will be examined in the interfaces of regulatory, strategy and economics frameworks. However, basic knowledge of science and engineering systems will be transferred. This will enable interdisciplinary, industry relevant skills to be acquired. At the end of this module students will be able to: (1) Evaluate the impact that commercial and industrial businesses have on the environment (2) Critically evaluate the risks that businesses face due to environmental parameters and environmental regulation (3) Demonstrate working knowledge of the main operational principles of energy systems and their techno-economic parameters (4) Demonstrate synthetic skills to provide complex solutions including but not limited to regulatory compliance, risk management and lower operational costs (5) Understand the decision making process for selecting appropriate sustainable investments more...	NBS-3B1Y	20	Year Period
Strategic Brand Management This is an advanced module for business and management third year undergraduate students, designed to familiarize the student with contemporary brand management theory and practice. The focus of the course is on learning brand and brand related concepts (e.g., brand equity and brand extension) and an understanding on how organisations can invest in building strong brand image and equity. Strong emphasis will be placed on a) psychology and customer-based conceptualisation of brand; b) holistic approach to brand building, instead of pure marketing-communication based approach; c) combination of both most recent academic brand research and contemporary branding practice. To be eligible to attend this module, you must have passed the module of Principles of Marketing. You are expected to undertake primary research projects during the course. more...	NBS-3M8Y	20	Year Period
International Financial Services Why do banks exist? Why are banks important in a modern economy? Are bank customers funds secure in a world with increasing risk and uncertainty? What is the future of banking internationally? This module will critically examine contemporary international issues in banking, financial intermediation and financial regulation. This is achieved through the linking of theory and contemporary practice with respect to how banks and other financial services firms are managed, regulated and analysed. The module is divided into five parts; Part 1: Financial Intermediation and the Theory of Banking Part 2: Financial Statements and the Analysis of Banks Part 3: International Banking Systems Part 4: Lending, Saving and Investment Part 5: Regulation, Central Banking and Financial Regulation more...	NBS-3A8Y	20	Year Period

Option B Study (20 credits)

Students will select 20 credits from the following module(s).

You may pick any of the modules that begin with:

ECO-3

Industrial Organisation This module investigates the nature of the competitive process through a focus on the behaviour of firms. Industries are comprised of groups of firms supplying similar goods or services. But firms in a given industry do not operate in isolation from one another - so, what factors determine whether firms compete or collude? Also some firms spend heavily on advertising or R&D while others spend very little on these activities. What factors determine the behaviour of the firm, its size, and the scope of its activities? Why and how should government intervene in the competitive process? Competition issues are illustrated by real cases of the UK and EU. A distinctive feature of the module is the use of case studies in the seminars. more...	ECO-3A11	20	Semester 1
Industrial Organisation (Cw) This is a coursework-only version of ECO-3A11 Industrial Organisation. more...	ECO-3A11C	20	Semester 1
Labour Economics (Cw) This is a coursework-only version of ECO-3A15 Labour Economics. more...	ECO-3A15C	20	Semester 1
Development Economics (Cw) This is a coursework-only version of ECO-3A09 Development Economics. more...	ECO-3A09C	20	Semester 1
Labour Economics This module uses the tools of economic analysis to examine the workings of the labour market. We consider a range of topics: why do people work, what is the impact of immigration on domestic labour markets, why do men earn more than women, is it worth joining a union, and what explanations does economics offer for persistent unemployment? Having looked at the relevant economic theory we use results from empirical studies to assess its heuristic value. Finally, we use international comparisons to discover the impact of labour market institutions and government. more...	ECO-3A15	20	Semester 1
Development Economics This module covers most of the central issues of concern for developing economies. It addresses the following sorts of questions: What is development? Does economic growth ensure human development? Why is child labour so prevalent in developing countries? How can a developing economy achieve structural transformation? Why is agricultural growth crucial for development? Can international trade provide growth opportunities to developing countries? more...	ECO-3A09	20	Semester 1
Topics in Economic Analysis This is an advanced and integrating module in economic theory. It covers a broad range of topics from microeconomics and macroeconomics, with an emphasis on modern developments in academic economics that are presently influential within the science or more broadly in public policy and debate. Topics from microeconomics might be expected to include auctions and market design; analyses of bargaining and cooperation; behavioural economics and the role of bounded rationality in economic interactions. From a macroeconomic perspective, we examine the contemporary macroeconomic debate about the role of macroeconomic policy. Should policy be governed by rules rather than discretion? What are the implications for the economy of the decision by the policy makers? We analyze this issue using game theory and macro economic models. more...	ECO-3B08	20	Semester 2
Topics in Economic Psychology This module builds on the foundation that was laid in the first year modules, Introductory Economic Psychology (ECO-1A07) and Economics and Society (ECO-1A08), and the second-year economics module, Principles of Microeconomics (ECO-2B07). We consider a number of issues in individual and group economic decision-making from a behavioural perspective. In individual choice, we consider behaviour in intertemporal decision-making, including exponential versus hyperbolic discounting, dynamic inconsistency, procrastination, and commitment. In the domain of group decisions, we look at how cooperation, trust, coordination, and competition affect group behaviour. We discuss the possible role of markets in alleviating or aggravating individual and group biases in decision-making, and explore the implications of these biases for welfare economics, including the arguments for and against designing mechanisms to nudge people to correct perceived errors in judgment. more...	ECO-3B10	20	Semester 2

Free Choice Study (40 credits)

Students can select modules worth 40 credits from the course catalogue with the approval of their School.

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Economics Courses

Economics