Business Economics BSc (Hons)

at Coventry University

Why you should study this course
 

The Business Economics course offers an insight into the world of an Economist. By studying this course you will have the opportunity to:
 

• Learn from experienced staff who have worked as economic advisors, e.g. for Deutsche Bank in the Netherlands (please note staff are subject to change).
• Develop economic skills, while also being exposed to how businesses operate in widely different international markets.
• Gain hands-on experience using a range of economics and business software packages, such as Bloomberg.
• Benefit from faculty research expertise in exchange rate equilibria, international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI) and conflict economics.
• Opportunity to change course to either Economics BSc (Hons) or Financial Economics BSc (Hons) after successfully completing your first year, allowing you the opportunity to gain an understanding of the subject before confirming your specialism (course change is subject to Tier 4 compliance approval for international students).
• Expert contributions by professionals from industry (subject to availability) which in the past have included our own alumni, HM Treasury, Lloyds Bank, Barclays, and the European Commission.
• Join a student-led Economics Society who organised social events, visiting speakers and field trips which in the past have included a visit to Amsterdam to visit the stock exchange (opportunities are subject to availability, competitive application, meeting applicable visa and additional fees may apply).
• Develop skills in facilities which include our Trading Floor, currently one of the largest of its kind in Europe, featuring 42 dual screen Bloomberg terminals.
• Benefit from support offered for maths and stats through the university’s Sigma Centre, which offers drop-in sessions led by experienced staff (subject to availability).
• Opportunity to gain exemptions from professional examinations with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) , which could help you to progress your potential future career upon successful completion. Please see the Exemptions section of the Overview tab for more details.
   

What you'll study

Year one

All of our Economic courses have a common first year, during which you will have the opportunity to gain a firm foundation in the core subjects of your course as well as the chance to broaden your field of study, through mandatory modules that have a balance between microeconomics and macroeconomics. You will need 120 credits to pass the year.
 

Modules
 

• Principles of Economics 1 - 20 credits

  This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the basic concepts, principles and analytical methods of both microeconomics and macroeconomics. 

  Compulsory
   

• Applied Economic Principles - 20 credits

  This module aims to enable you to explain economic issues through the application of economic theory. It will integrate economic concepts from the Principles of Economics modules into an applied context. In addition, you will be able to develop academic skills through the study of the academic content of this module. 

  Compulsory
   

• The Economist's Toolkit - Analytical and Professional Skills - 10 credits

  This module is the first stage of a suite of modules which will develop three sets of fundamental skills: 

  • Fundamental adaptability skills (i.e. adapting to a new study environment such as how the university works, how to study and placement opportunities) and transferable skills (e.g. communication, digital skills and modern study/work tools) for employability/study. 
  • Fundamental academic writing skills (e.g. writing an economics essay, referencing and finding academic resources); 
  • Fundamental numeracy skills in maths.  

  Compulsory
   

• Principles of Economics 2 - 20 credits

  This module advances your understanding of the concepts, principles and analytical methods of both microeconomics and macroeconomics. 

  Compulsory
   

• Mathematics for Economists - 20 credits

  This module aims to provide you with mathematical skills and knowledge required for the study of economics and related quantitative methods. The module builds on your pre-existing knowledge of mathematics and then considers and develops an in-depth understanding of the theory and application of calculus, matrix algebra and other techniques widely used in economics, economic analysis and econometrics. 

  Compulsory
   

• Statistics for Economists - 20 credits

  This module aims to provide you with an introduction to the fundamental concepts and methods of classical statistics, as used in economics and other social sciences. This will allow you to carry out basic empirical investigations in applied economics and provides the necessary foundation of knowledge for later modules in econometrics. 

  Compulsory
   

• Add+vantage - 10 credits

  The Add+vantage module allows you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that may not be directly related to your degree, enabling you to demonstrate to prospective employers that you are a well-rounded graduate with a wider knowledge base than just your degree subject. Add+vantage modules are arranged around themes such as Global Perspectives; Professional Development; Creativity and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship; Work Experience, Global Experience Field Trips, Projects and Skills; Languages; Professional Accreditation and Research Skills2. These additional skills and experiences give you a wider perspective, develop independence and can set you apart from other graduates.(Add+vantage modules are subject to availability and change)  

  Compulsory
   

Year two

Your second year will give you the opportunity to further develop knowledge gained the previous year. Modules include a number of mandatory modules, together with one optional module, which can be selected from a range of choices, and can be used either to develop a specialisation with an eye on your potential future career, or to broaden your approach into various applied topics. You will need 120 credits to pass the year.
 

Modules
 

• Intermediate Microeconomics - 20 credits

  The module aims to: 

  • Introduce and evaluate intermediate level theoretical foundations of microeconomics and provide examples of their application. 
  • Define and critically apply methods of microeconomics of relevance to complex problem solving in government, business and individual decision-making. 
  • Explore the relevance and limitations of intermediate microeconomic foundations as applied to other related areas, e.g. labour economics, health economics and international trade.  

  Compulsory
   

• Introduction to Econometrics - 20 credits

  This module aims to introduces you to the discipline of Econometrics with a particular emphasis on the theory and applications of the Classical Linear Regression Model and the violation of its underlying assumptions. The module builds on the statistical techniques developed in Statistics for Economists and the mathematical tools developed in Mathematics for Economists. It also provides the necessary basis for those students wishing to take Further Econometrics. 

  Compulsory
   

• The Economist's Toolkit - Employability Skills - 10 credits

  This module is the second stage of a suite of modules which equip you with three sets of transferable skills: job application skills, leadership skills and intermediate academic skills. It prepares you to embark on career pathways to best suit your personal aspirations.  
   

  • The development of the first two will encourage you in your own career journey and enable you to generate evidence and build the confidence of your employability which can be used when applying for jobs, internships and/or placements as well as other work-related learning opportunities. 
  • The further development of the last set of skills will encourage you to begin considering your research project in the final year and enable you to enhance your research skills for the project or for postgraduate studies.  

  Compulsory
   

• Intermediate Macroeconomics - 20 credits

  This module aims to deepen and widen your understanding by building upon the macroeconomic foundations acquired from the introductory economics modules in Year One. It provides a thorough grounding in intermediate principles of macroeconomics. The module provides you with an appreciation of the potential applications of the analytical techniques, their limitations and critiques. In addition, it introduces you to some of the controversies between alternative theoretical approaches. It provides the underpinning for subsequent study in the degree courses in economics and it is also one of the key elements in the professional training of an economist. 

  Compulsory
   

• Managerial Economics – 20 credits

  This module aims to introduce managerial economics, where the emphasis is on the firm and its managers, the environment in which firms and managers finds themselves, and the decisions that managers take. 

  This module shows you how to use economic analysis to solve problems and make effective decisions in the complex world of business. It emphasizes the global aspects of managerial economics and its application in the international marketplace. 

  Compulsory
   

• Add+vantage - 10 credits

  The Add+vantage module allows you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that may not be directly related to your degree, enabling you to demonstrate to prospective employers that you are a well-rounded graduate with a wider knowledge base than just your degree subject. Add+vantage modules are arranged around themes such as Global Perspectives; Professional Development; Creativity and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship; Work Experience, Global Experience Field Trips, Projects and Skills; Languages; Professional Accreditation and Research Skills2. These additional skills and experiences give you a wider perspective, develop independence and can set you apart from other graduates.(Add+vantage modules are subject to availability and change)  

  Compulsory
   

• Optional modules
   

  Choose one from the following three modules:
   

  Economics of Business Organisations - 20 credits

  The aim of this module is to introduce you to the analysis of business organisations from an economic perspective. Having completed the module, you will have a solid foundation of knowledge regarding the structure and operation of businesses in the real world. You will also be equipped with the core economic concepts, principles and theories needed to appreciate and analyse the role and functioning of incentives in businesses as well as reasons for inefficiencies or failures. In addition, you will have an opportunity to learn how to critically discuss the merits and limitations of policies affecting the organisation of businesses and their scope to mitigate inefficiencies or failure of businesses. 
   

  Behaviourial Economics - 20 credits 

  This module will introduce you to the field of behavioural economics. It will examine the theoretical and empirical evidence and subsequently critically assess the usefulness of this sub discipline in interpreting consumer choice and behaviour. You will learn how to apply behavioural principles and employ experimental tests in analysing both economic and non-economic problems. 
   

  Economics of Globalisation - 20 credits

  The aim of this module is to enable you to understand and be able to provide an analysis of the economics of globalisation. You will use international trade theory and other relevant economic theory to assess major contemporary economic developments in the world economy. 

  Optional
   

Final year

In your final year, your studies should reflect an increased specialisation in your chosen field of business economics. The course now offers two optional modules for you to select, alongside four mandatory modules which are designed to give you the opportunity to become a well-rounded graduate, and include conducting a project in the field of business economics.
 

Modules
 

• Labour Economics - 20 credits

  Labour economics is very broad and covers many of the economic topics that are of concern in modern economies such as labour supply shortage, pay and incentive mechanisms and discrimination in the workplace. This module builds on the principles and techniques of microeconomics and macroeconomics that you have learnt, and applies them to the labour market. 

  Compulsory
   

• Industrial Organisation - 20 credits

  The aim of the module is to provide you with a detailed knowledge of the theory of industrial organisation and a critical understanding of its application to competition policy and business strategy. In addition, this module draws on business cases studies from the UK and internationally. 

  Compulsory
   

• The Economist's Toolkit - Research Methods - 10 credits

  This module is the final stage of a suite of modules which equip you with transferrable academic and professional skills, with a particular emphasis on implementations of employability and research skills learned in the previous years. In particular, this module will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of employability skills and how to communicate your skills through a job or postgraduate course application process.   This module will also give you the awareness, skills and tools to write a well-thought and achievable research or project proposal, helping you to lay a solid foundation for your project or dissertation in the final semester of your studies. 

  Compulsory
   

• Project - 20 credits

  This module will provide you with an opportunity to apply and develop your research skills by extending your knowledge, understanding and powers of critical analysis within a specialist domain. You will choose an academic area related to your programme of study and apply independent learning skills to research this area in depth. You will receive academic support through a series of group supervisions and will be allocated a project supervisor. 

  Compulsory
   

• Add+vantage - 10 credits

  The Add+vantage module allows you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that may not be directly related to your degree, enabling you to demonstrate to prospective employers that you are a well-rounded graduate with a wider knowledge base than just your degree subject. Add+vantage modules are arranged around themes such as Global Perspectives; Professional Development; Creativity and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship; Work Experience, Global Experience Field Trips, Projects and Skills; Languages; Professional Accreditation and Research Skills2. These additional skills and experiences give you a wider perspective, develop independence and can set you apart from other graduates.(Add+vantage modules are subject to availability and change)  

  Compulsory
   

• International Economics - 20 credits

  This module enables students to investigate in-depth the principle concepts and theories of international economics concerning issues arising from economic interactions between sovereign states. 

  Development Economics - 20 credits

  This module investigates in-depth the main economic concepts and principles used in understanding economic problems and policy issues as countries transition from low income status to middle and high income status. The module also provides students with an understanding and evaluation of the comparative development experience and performance of major regions of the world, particularly less developed and emerging economies. The module also leads students into assessments of the impact of a range of development strategies.
   

  Public Sector Economics - 20 credits

  This module critically investigates the development of the market-based model of the public sector, using case studies drawn, for instance, from education, healthcare, social services, social housing and defence. The module takes an international perspective, highlighting the experiences of the UK, other EU countries, and the US. To achieve its aims, the module introduces, applies and evaluates essential welfare economic concepts and principles. Topics covered include the critical assessment of the optimal scale and scope of the state, the impact of the new public management upon performance assessment in schools, public-private partnerships in funding of major projects, e.g. State hospital building programmes, the crisis in UK Local Government funding and the hypothecation of taxation.
   

  Health Economics - 20 credits

  This module provides an introduction to the economics of health and health care drawing upon health markets in the UK, EU, North America as case studies. It will give students a thorough grounding and working knowledge of the full spectrum of economic concepts and models used within the analysis of health and health care markets. Moreover, it includes the analysis of not only those behaviours which are considered good for us, e.g. regular exercise but also considers a range of economic ‘bads’, including smoking and binge drinking. The module demonstrates how health economics and health care influences behaviours, for instance, the way government determines who will live and who will die, e.g. through the allocation of health funding towards some cancer drugs but not others. Moreover, the module will evaluate a range of health management related issues including cost-management, the remuneration and reward of clinical staff and product innovation. 
   

  Environmental Economics - 20 credits

  This module explores the uses of economic analysis in investigating the causes, consequences and possible solutions to problems of environmental degradation. Some of the major themes in the module include: the determination of the optimum levels of environmental resource usage; the analyses of alternative ways of attaining those targets; and valuation of environmental resources. The crucial notion of 'sustainability' is a key focus as are the proximate and underlying causes of environmental problems. 
   

  Further Econometrics - 20 credits

  The aim of this module is to strengthen students' understanding of econometric models and techniques relevant to empirical analysis and policy evaluation aoplied to a wide range of Macroeconomic and Microeconomic problems. The module will equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills to design, undertake, and evaluate empirical work within economics, finance and business.

  Optional

Typical offer for 2022 entry.
 

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 overall.

International Tuition Fees:

£16800 per year

On successful completion, you will be able to:
 

• Critically evaluate modern economic theory and the empirical methods used by economists.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the workings of economic systems, both within the UK and the wider global economy, including the ability to interpret relevant data and evaluate government policies.
• Apply economic theories and empirical methods to real-world situations, by making appropriate use of data, abstraction, and logical reasoning to analyse economic events and issues.
• Communicate technical concepts related to economic analysis and policy debates to a diverse range of audiences.
• Examine issues of sustainability and ethics from an economic perspective, and critically appraise the ethical and sustainability implications of economic policy.
• Integrate issues of national economic policy and analysis in a global context, and hence appreciate the value of international cooperation.
• Use a range of transferable skills, such as: writing clear and concise reports based on evidence and logic; making effective use of information technology; confident delivery of presentations; creative problem solving and self-motivation.