Whystudyeconomics.ac.uk University decisions? What about Economics?

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

University decisions?

What about

Economics?

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

What is economics?

“Economics is concerned with how society sets about meeting

people's demands for things they want to consume.

It looks at the production, consumption and sale of goods and

services, both at the level of individual products, firms and consumers and at

the level of the total production and consumption by countries.

It also compares alternative ways of using the limited resources that countries

and individuals possess and considers how efficient and/or fair such alternatives

are.”

Professor John Sloman

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

Where does Economics fit?

Economics and…..

- Maths

- Politics

- French

- Finance

- Geography

- Philosophy

Or, just Economics.

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

I feel that the broad range of topics covered, from financial markets to government policy, ensure I find something that interests me.

Hannah, 3rd year Economics and Maths

I like being able to apply what I have learnt to politics, and I remain convinced that some knowledge of economics is essential for informed voting behaviour and a good understanding of politics.

Libby, Economics Graduate

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

What do I get?

BA or BSc?

Economics: Art or Science?

BA = Bachelor of Arts

BSc = Bachelor of Science

Generally:

BA: A social sciences approach

BSc: A scientific and quantitative approach

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

What do I need?

At least 140 UCAS points

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

Yep, that’s it.

You don’t need an A-level in economics.

You don’t need an A-level in maths for most economics degrees.

*Some institutions do have A-level maths as a pre-requisite (especially BSc).

*No institutions say you need economics.

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

However…

Economics does contain maths. If you don’t have a strong maths background, some extra time in your first year might be spent learning some key mathematical concepts.

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

What will I study?

Micro and Macro (little and big economics) and Quants

Micro = the economics of the individual, consumer, firm and market, who produces, who benefits.

Macro = economics at the national and international level

The Core

Quants = maths and statistics for economists

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

Module Options

-Money and Finance

-Development Economics

-Business Economics

-Environmental Economics

-International Economics

-Political and Social Economics

-Health Economics

Typically:

8- 10 hours of contact time a

week

(including seminars, tutorials and lectures)

In addition to this you will also have to do your own,

personal study.

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

How will I be marked?

Exams +

Essays +

Assignments +

Reports +

Groupwork +

Tests +

Presentations +

Not dissimilar to your A-levels

=

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

What skills will I learn?•Written

•Analytical and problem solving

•Numerical and computing

•Presentation

•Research

•Communication

•Team working

•Political Awareness

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

Economics alumni, what skills helped you to get your current job?

Source: Alumni Survey

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

What happens after University?

Source: HESA Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education 2006/7

Of 3460 economics graduates….

*Other jobs include IT, technical, marketing, education, engineering and legal.

Not available for employment or unemployed

Numerical clerks and cashiers

Other clerical and secretarial jobs

Commercial ,industrial and public sector managers

Other jobs

Business and financial

Studying for a further degree

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

And is there money in it? Increase in earnings you can expect with a degree (compared to only having A-levels).

Source: LFS Survey, ONS, 1994 - 2006

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

Account Executive

Underwriting Assistant

Salesperson

System Analyst

Relationships Director

Partner in Accountancy Firm

Credit Analyst

Army Officer

Logistics Manager

Director of Campaigns and Communications

European Regulatory Manager

Director of Finance and Corporate Governance

Programme Manager: Fiscal Policy

Assistant Economist

Internet and CRM Marketing ManagerExpatriate Tax Manager

CPD and Business ConsultantResearcher

Detective Superintendent

Sky1 Online Editor

Lecturer at Technological Institute of Patras

Assistant Statistician

Investment Banker

Economic Advisor

Terminal Stock Controller

Press Associate Director

Assistant Government Economist

Environment and Climate Change Analyst

Professor and Director

Fixed-income Derivatives Trader

Theatre Storekeeper

Social Worker

What will I do to earn all of this money?

Source: Alumni Survey

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

What next?

Look at www.whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

See what courses you can do at www.ucas.com

Find some Universities to visit www.opendays.com

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk

Credits

This presentation has been made by the Economics Network of the Higher Education Academy

Images sourced from

Colouring pencils from Andrew_1000

Simple as 3.14 from Maitri

Graduation from ajschwegler

Economy Inn from Brent and MariLynn

Students from jisc_infonet

Alumni survey conducted nationally by the Economics Network, 2008 / 09.

Labour Force Survey, 2004 conducted by the Office of National Statistics.

HESA Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education 2006/7 from prospects.ac.uk