Teaching and Assessment

How will I be taught?

You will find a variety of learning and teaching activities on your timetable each week.

Each module will have weekly (or twice-weekly) lectures involving all students on the module. These are to introduce the key ideas and concepts and may include interactive elements such as quizzes, videos or short exercises.

In addition, you will have a regular seminar or workshop for each economics module (usually weekly). These are smaller gatherings of up to 20 students.

Here you will be undertaking a range of activities which may include:

• Individual or group exercises
• Informal or formal student presentations or discussion of a set topic or directed reading
• Hands-on computer labs in which you analyse data and/or refine your understanding of mathematical and statistical techniques

The whole programme is structured in such a way to provide more support in the early years leading to greater independence by the final year. As such, in your first year there is more directed class activity and frequent seminars and workshops.

Typically you will have around 15 hours of class contact, depending on precise module choices. The remaining time is spent reading, note taking, discussing activities, preparing work for seminars and writing coursework assignments or examination revision.

In the final year, one-third of your study is focused on the dissertation in which you will have regular meetings with your supervisor whilst more of your time is spent on independent, self-directed research. 

How will I be assessed?

Most modules are assessed at the end of the semester in which they are taught, although in core modules mid-semester tests are used to help you judge your progress.

First-year modules must be completed successfully before you can proceed to the second year, but marks do not count towards your final degree assessment.

Your final degree is determined by your performance in second- and final-year modules.

Assessment varies according to the nature and content of the module.

We use a range of methods, including examination, but also a variety of coursework including essays, class tests, the analysis and presentation of data and individual or group presentations.

This reflects the learning outcomes required by the module, but it also means you can demonstrate assessed skills in a range of areas, including various modes of communication and team working.

How is the year timetabled?

Teaching across all our courses is based on a modular system.

The academic year is divided into two semesters - September to January, and January to May - with breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See the 'Term Dates' page (external link) for up-to-date information on semester and term dates.