Economics BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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Course overview

Economics is about resource allocation within and between societies, but it is also a study of how our decisions, and the institutional contexts in which we make those decisions, impact our success in achieving our wants and addressing our needs. We ask important questions such as how does the behaviour of individuals and firms affect the modern global economy? How can we develop policies that protect the environment and ensure economic development?

On this BSC (Hons) Economics degree course, you will learn to understand, interpret and develop policies for individuals, firms, governments, and global economies. You will learn to participate in current economic and policy debates.

If your mind is curious and you enjoy gaining rich and varied perspectives, then a degree with us is perfect for you as we have our home in a versatile and multidisciplinary department.

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Why study this course with us?

Our Economics degree offers a unique setting within an experienced Department of Social and Political Science. The course reinforces the vision of economics as a major social science that influences others, and the consideration of the different contexts and fields that economics is related to. In that sense, it distances its approach from the traditional focus on financial markets, to look into wider factors influencing the development of countries’ economies.

You can benefit from a broad range of work experience opportunities, including our innovative Work Based Learning module which includes a placement, or a year abroad. In addition, you will have the opportunity for direct contact with potential employers. With economics you can pursue a career in big data, finance, business or consulting. Economist work across public and private sectors as well as work in the non-profit sector. The University’s careers service is also available to help develop and enhance employability prior to graduation.

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What you’ll experience:

An enriched experience of your study by obtaining new perspectives from experts in economics and our neighbouring courses such as politics, international relations, sociology and criminology.

Increased confidence in your quantitative skills even if mathematics makes you nervous.

Firm grounding in core economic theories and concepts and the ability see how theory is relevant to the real world.

The ability to make sense of data using various data analysis tools and programmes such as R, STATA and SPSS.

Confidence in your employability profile through our work-based learning placements and our study abroad opportunities.

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Program Outline

Teaching methods

The course has a mix of theoretical and practical content, so it will be delivered as lectures and tutorials in classrooms, or as computer-based sessions for data-analysis-related modules, in a computer lab.

You will also undertake independent study, completing exercises, readings and other assignments. There is also the opportunity to ask for individual meetings with the lecturers, if required.

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Assessment

The course uses a continuous evaluation approach: students will complete oral and written coursework (essays, presentations, posters, reports), individually and in groups, as well as more traditional tests and exams (approx. 40% exams, 60% coursework).

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Work based learning

As part of your studies you may take our

Work Based Learning

module, where you will be fully supported in securing a work placement of at least 150 hours, which you may be able to use in trying out a future career. Alternatively, you may wish to undertake Experiential Overseas Learning, where you can take advantage of our long-established links with organisations worldwide. Most students have the opportunity to undertake either one of these options as an integral part of their undergraduate course.

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Job prospects

Graduates in Economics gain a wide set of transferable skills, making them employable in a wide variety of sectors, public or private, national or international, including: governmental institutions, research centres, financial institutions, consultancy companies, and health services. Roles include data analyst, consultant, economist, economic development officer, and statistician. Examples of jobs our graduates have taken include the Government Economic Service, treasurer for a charity, quality and environment advisor, and project manager.

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Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability - Student Services aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Students and graduates of the University of Chester can use our services free of charge for up to two years after graduating.

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The location

The campus is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.