The Learning Environment

Flexible degree structure

Our flexible course structure allows you to study economics on its own, or with another social science or business discipline.

Options within the course enable you to study the application of economic principles to key areas such as business, the global economy, labour, finance and development.

You may also choose options from outside your core economics specialism, including modules in accounting and marketing or various languages, as well as subjects from across the social sciences.

Our flexible course structure allows for changes in degree path at the end of year one, whilst the range of options available means you have freedom to pursue your interests as they develop.

High-quality teaching and learning

We performed well in National Student Satisfaction surveys being ranked 9th overall for Economics in 2010.

We have invested heavily in our learning and support services and utilise the latest computer packages to support your study.

We have been praised for the quality of our Economics provision in national subject reviews of teaching quality.

We received top marks in the areas of student progression and achievement, student support and guidance, learning resources, and quality management and enhancement. In particular, we were praised for its wide access for prospective students, especially from different backgrounds.

High level of care through Personal Academic Tutor system

You will find a friendly, open and supportive environment when your Economics degree.

These are structured to help you develop as a learner during your time with us so that you leave us as a reflective, independent and informed individual able to assess issues and form judgements. We will help you do this, first by allocating you to a Personal Academic Tutor who is your first point of contact for academic advice and support.

Second, we provide you with the tools to identify and develop yourself through modules in study skills, research skills and career and personal development.

Finally, we encourage students to help and support each other, formally in teamwork exercises and informally through participation in the Economics Society, the Student-Staff Liaison Committee and social activities provided within the degree programme.

You will also find that through regular seminar and workshop activities your tutor will be available to advise and support on subject-specific knowledge and understanding.

Teaching informed by staff research

You will be taught by lecturers who are actively involved in economics research. This means that your lecture courses and seminars will be informed by the latest ideas and thinking in economics.

Our staff areas of interest range across the subject and include international economics (including exchange rate systems, European economic integration and international trade) and social economics (the study of labour markets and employment behaviour; consumption behaviour, lifestyle choices and culture; and economic policy and society).

This means that the teaching you receive benefits from cutting-edge research and stays at the forefront of latest thinking in the subject.

Reflecting their expertise, several staff members serve on the editorial boards of economics journals which provides a further link to cutting edge research.

Therefore, the range of modules we offer is directly informed by our research, with particularly strong links through our modules in the economics of leisure, labour, trade and globalisation and international money.