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Economics

Special Features

• Our flexible course structure allows you to study economics on its own, or with another social science discipline. You also have considerable freedom to choose which optional modules you take, including subjects outside your core specialism
• Options within the course enable you to study all the major branches of economics: international trade, the public sector, accountancy, or econometrics
• Our courses place less emphasis than most on mathematics in the explanation of economic ideas, and we do not therefore require mathematics at Advanced GCE level for admission

Economics is concerned with understanding the way societies make decisions on factors which determine everything from employment to global finance. Our economics courses locate the discipline within the real world, enabling you to use economics to analyse real-world problems.

We offer a single Honours course which allows you to concentrate entirely on economics and three degrees combining economics with either politics, history, or sociology. All four courses are based on a common first year, and contain sufficient flexibility for you to take other subjects as well, and construct your own degree programme to reflect your own interests.

Course Content

All courses share a common first year, introducing all the major social science disciplines, and covering them in greater depth than you will normally find in school or college. You will take compulsory modules, covering the principles of economics (micro and macro) and information technology, plus supplementary mathematics if you have not taken mathematics at Advanced GCE level. You may then choose related modules in accountancy and statistics, and/or may select the remainder from a range including politics, history, sociology, social psychology, literature, geography, or a language. You must also take the modules which correspond to any joint Honours specialism you intend to take.

You finalise your choice of course at the end of the first year, as the courses start to diverge in the second year. If you are taking the single Honours economics course, you must take at least 18 of your 24 from the selection of over 40 economics modules available. If you are taking a joint Honours course, then at least nine must come from economics and at least nine from your other specialist subject. Modules available for joint degrees are taught in the Departments of European Studies (for Politics and History, click here) and Applied Social Sciences (for Sociology/Social Psychology, click here)

Additionally, over the second and third year you can take up to six modules, a quarter if your degree, from other subject areas, such as management.

The Economics course includes nine compulsory modules whoch cover the main areas of economic theory, applied economics, and the quantative aspects of the subject. Your 15 optional choices enable you to shape your degree to suit your own interests, both within economics and in related subjects. Potential specialisms include: business, European, internationla, social and development aspects of economics. The optional modules covering these specialist categories are offered either every year or every other year.

The Economics and Politics course combines the study of economics with political science. Politics involves both theoretical studies of the nature and legitimacy of power and authority, and practical examination of the mechanisms and institutions through which power is gained and excercised. There is an opportunity to specialise in European Politics.

The Economics and History course combines the study of economics with compulsory and optional modules in history. Our courses concentrate on modern European history: from the French Revolution of 1789 until the very recent past. The major emphasis is on political, social and economic development in Europe, and on relations between European states.

The Economics and Sociology/Social Psychology course combines economics with the closely related areas of sociology and social psychology. Sociology involves the study of society: its structure, dynamics, and the mechanisms and process of social change. You will examine how people live in groups (society) and how they acquire learned forms of behaviour (culture). Issues of particular interests include: race and ethnicity, and the relation of literature to contemporary society.

Preparation is advanced in the introduction of 'International Economics' and 'Development Economics' as future degrees. To offer greater students choice the Economics Department and the University's School of Management are proposing to introduce a new degree course in 'Economics with Management.' For further information on these courses please contact the department direct.

"Why was Economics at Bradford the right choice for me? The course is varied and enjoyable, the University is friendly and convenient, and Bradford is cheap and quite a nice place to live. Maybe it would be the right choice for you too!" Elizabeth Walton, 3rd year BSc Economics and Sociology/Social Psychology

Assessment

Most modules are assessed at the end of the semester in which they are taught, usually by either examinations or coursework.

Career Prospects

Our courses develop your powers of analysis and critical thought, and build skills in communication, expression and rational argument. These are valuable in any area of employment. About two-thirds of our recent graduates have found employment in commerce or industry: in accountancy, banking, building societies, insurance companies, retail stores, marketing and sales. Many start as financial or management trainees. Others take public or Civil Service posts. The remaining third undertake further study, often for careers such as teaching.

"I really enjoyed it. It was fantastic! I couldn't have chosen a better course. The wise range of modules was the most outstanding feature. The course really prepared me for the world of work - you use a lot of the skills picked up during the course such as communication skills. I can honestly say Bradford is one of the most friendly places on earth." Noreen Kauser, graduated in 2000, now a Customer Services Adviser.

Courses Offered

Study Patterns

Application and Admission

If you are taking the new Curriculum 2000 qualifications and offering any combination of Advanced GCEs, vocational A levels, AS levels, and Scottish Framework qualifications, our standard offers are:

For further and more detailed information on application and admission, including other qualifications, click here.

24 July 2001

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