The BSc Economics degree has a strong emphasis on critical understanding and application. The Government Economic Service, the largest employer of economists in the UK, has publicly criticised economics training in higher education for not putting enough emphasis on understanding and application. Thus, one of the reasons they have not been able to fill their vacancies. Therefore, we are proud to be the first new university to adopt the new CORE curriculum. This curriculum develops students to appreciate the application of economics to a range of problems in a variety of contexts, including social, political and environmental issues.
Our Economics tutors are specialists in Labour Economics, Regional Economics, International Political Economy, Financial economics, Energy Economics, Game Theory, and Economics of Crime. They work with organisations such as the Welsh Government and Government Economic Service, to ensure our curriculum is cutting edge and relevant.
Course Content
Foundation Year (Year 0):
This programme incorporates a foundation year, which is intended for students wishing to enrol onto the three-year honours degree, who fall into one of the following categories:
1. Students who have not achieved the required A-level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme.
2. Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time.
Further information about the foundation year can be found by
clicking here.
Degree:
Year One:
In the first year you will get an introduction into both micro- and macroeconomics, as well as being equipped with the necessary quantitative and academic skills to succeed not only in your studies, but more importantly in your future careers. Furthermore, you will get a wider perspective with an introduction to related subjects, like accounting, finance, information systems and law.
Students will complete 120 credits of compulsory modules in Year 1.
Modules (Compulsory):
- The Economy: Microeconomics (20 credits)
- The Economy: Macroeconomics (20 credits)
- Quantitative Methods (20 credits)
- Global Financial Services (20 credits)
- Finance For Managers (20 credits)
- Law and the World of Business (20 credits)
Year Two:
The second year concentrates on the more advanced study of micro- and macroeconomics. This includes game theory (Where you learn how to act strategically, taking possible actions of others into account.). You will also learn how to use statistical analysis and how to research. As with all CSM courses a workplace module is also included in the second year of study to prepare students for their careers after completing their studies.
Students will complete 100 credits of compulsory modules and will be able to select 20 credits from the range of available optional modules.
Modules (Compulsory):
- Intermediate Microeconomics (20 credits)
- Intermediate Macroeconomics (20 credits)
- Quantitative Methods II (20 credits)
- History of Economic Thought (20 credits)
- Work Experience OR Volunteering Project(20 credits)
Modules (Optional*):
- Contemporary Issues in International Political Economy (20 credits)
- Games and Information Economics (20 credits)
- Public Finance (20 credits)
Year Three:
The third year focuses on applying economics, but also explores further important areas of economics, which are health and monetary economics (why money is important, how a credit crunch happens), as well as public economics, which is all about the economic tools important for governments. The dissertation will be an opportunity to apply your acquired knowledge and skills. This will further prepare you for your future professional or academic career.
Students will complete 80 credits of compulsory modules, including a Dissertation and will be able to select 40 credits from the range of available optional modules.
Modules (Compulsory):
- Applied Microeconomics (20 credits)
- Macroeconomics: Theory and Application (20 credits)
Modules (Optional*):
- Econometrics (20 credits)
- Dissertation (40 credits)
- Industrial Economics (20 credits)
- International Political Economy (20 credits)
- Money and Credit (20 credits)
- Economic Tools for Government (Public Policy Economics) (20 credits)
- Behavioural Finance (20 credits)
*Please note that optional modules are delivered subject to demand and availability
Sandwich Degree Programme: Students on the sandwich modes complete a 20-credit level 6 module which consists of a full year’s secondment at an employer in the local area or the area local to the student’s home.
Learning & Teaching
We are committed to providing you with the necessary support to enable you to realise your full potential. Our innovative teaching methods include experiments and the very latest teaching materials. Modules are typically taught through a mixture of 2-hour lectures per week and 2-hour seminars/workshops per week. All modules are supported through Moodle and Leganto, the virtual learning environment.
Assessment
A wide range of methods are used including class tests, individual and group presentations, reports, essays, and open-book and closed-book examinations.
Employability & Careers
Economists are in demand in both the private and public sector. They can be skilled managers, researchers, analysts and strategists. Research shows that Economics students have higher average earnings than most other graduates, including those studying a general business degree.
Work Placements:
The provision of work-placements as an assessed part of your academic programme of learning is so important that we provide you with the opportunity to undertake placement as part of your second year studies. We have strong links with the business community and the work-placement programme is designed to enhance your future employability prospects.
Progression to postgraduate study within the Cardiff School of Management is also an option.
Entry Requirements & How to Apply
Five GCSE passes including English Language and Mathematics or Mathematics - Numeracy at grade C / grade 4 or above, plus 112 points from at least two A levels (or equivalent).
Typical offers may include:
- 112 points from at least two A levels to include grades CC; Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as the third subject
- RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma/Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma DMM
- 112 points from at least two Scottish Advanced Highers to include grades DD. Sottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers
- 112 points from the Irish Leaving Certificate at Highers to include 2 x H2 grades. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4
- 112 points from the Access to Higher Education Diploma
If you do not meet the above entry requirements, we also offer a Foundation Programme which allows progression to Year 1.
If you are studying combinations of the above, or if your qualification isn't listed, please either contact Admissions or refer to the
UCAS Course Search for entry requirements. Further information on our entry requirements, including qualifications from the EU can be found by clicking
here.
Candidates who do not possess normal minimum entry qualification may be interviewed and considered individually on the basis of their prior learning or working background. For applicants who are only undertaking 2 A levels or equivalent, this will be considered along with the rest of the academic profile and we may issue a graded offer in lieu of an offer using the UCAS Tariff.
International Applicants
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the
International pages on the website.
Selection Procedure:
Selection is usually on the basis of a completed UCAS application.
How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at
www.ucas.com. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at
www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer into year 2 & 3
If you are interested in transferring credit from another institution to study at Cardiff Met for a course which accepts entry for year 2 and/or 3, you can find further information on this and information on how to apply on the
RPL page. Please contact
Admissions for any queries that you have on RPL.
Mature students
A mature applicant is anyone over the age of 21 who didn't go to university after school or college. Cardiff Met welcomes applications from mature applicants and further advice and information can be found
here.
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