University decisions?
What about
Economics?
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
What is economics?
“Economics is concerned with how society sets about meeting
people's demands for things they want to consume.
It looks at the production, consumption and sale of goods and
services, both at the level of individual products, firms and consumers and at
the level of the total production and consumption by countries.
It also compares alternative ways of using the limited resources that countries
and individuals possess and considers how efficient and/or fair such alternatives
are.”
Professor John Sloman
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
Where does Economics fit?
Economics and…..
- Maths
- Politics
- French
- Finance
- Geography
- Philosophy
Or, just Economics.
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
I like being able to apply what I have learnt to
politics, and I remain convinced that some knowledge of
economics is essential for informed voting behaviour
and a good understanding of politics.
Libby, Economics Graduate
I feel that the broad range of
topics covered, from financial
markets to government policy,
ensure I find something that
interests me.
Hannah, 3rd year Economics and Maths
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
What do I get?
BA or BSc?
BA = Bachelor of Arts
BSc = Bachelor of Science
Economics: Art or Science?
Generally:
BA: A social sciences approach
BSc: A scientific and quantitative approach
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
What do I need?
At least 140 UCAS points
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
Yep, that’s it.
You don’t need an A-level in economics.
You don’t need an A-level in maths for most
economics degrees.
*Some institutions do have A-level maths as a pre-requisite
(especially BSc).
*No institutions say you need economics.
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
However…
Economics does contain maths. If you don’t have a
strong maths background, some extra time in your first
year might be spent learning some key mathematical
concepts.
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
What will I study?
The Core
Micro and Macro (little and big economics) and Quants
Micro = the economics of the individual, consumer, firm and market,
who produces, who benefits.
Macro = economics at the national and international level
Quants = maths and statistics for economists
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
Typically:
Module Options
- Money and Finance
8- 10 hours of
contact time a
week
- Development Economics
(including seminars, tutorials
and lectures)
- Business Economics
In addition to this you will also
have to do your own,
personal study.
- Environmental Economics
- International Economics
- Political and Social Economics
- Health Economics
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
How will I be marked?
Not dissimilar to your A-levels
Exams +
Groupwork +
Tests +
Assignments +
Essays +
Reports +
Presentations +
=
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
What skills will I learn?
• Written
• Analytical and problem solving
• Numerical and computing
• Presentation
• Research
• Communication
• Team working
• Political Awareness
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
Economics alumni, what skills helped
you to get your current job?
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
Source: Alumni Survey
What happens after University?
Of 3460 economics graduates….
Numerical clerks and cashiers
Other clerical and secretarial jobs
Commercial ,industrial and public sector
managers
Other jobs
Business and financial
Studying for a further degree
Not available for employment or
unemployed
*Other jobs include IT, technical,
marketing, education, engineering
and legal.
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
Source: HESA Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education 2006/7
And is there money in it?
Increase in earnings you can expect with a degree (compared to only having Alevels).
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
Source: LFS Survey, ONS, 1994 - 2006
What will I do to earn all of this money?
Underwriting Assistant
Lecturer at Technological Institute of Patras
Terminal Stock Controller
Assistant Economist
Economic Advisor
Programme Manager: Fiscal Policy
Salesperson
Researcher
Director of Campaigns and Communications
Director of Finance and Corporate Governance
Logistics Manager
Partner in Accountancy Firm
CPD and Business Consultant
Relationships Director
Investment Banker
Expatriate Tax Manager
Credit Analyst
Sky1 Online Editor
Detective Superintendent
Theatre Storekeeper
Professor and Director
Environment and Climate Change Analyst
Army Officer Assistant Government Economist
European Regulatory Manager
Social Worker
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
Account Executive
Internet and CRM Marketing Manager
Press Associate Director
System Analyst
Fixed-income Derivatives Trader
Assistant Statistician
Source: Alumni Survey
What next?
Look at www.whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
See what courses you can do at www.ucas.com
Find some Universities to visit www.opendays.com
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
Credits
This presentation has been made by the Economics Network of the Higher Education Academy
Images sourced from
Colouring pencils from Andrew_1000
Simple as 3.14 from Maitri
Graduation from ajschwegler
Economy Inn from Brent and MariLynn
Students from jisc_infonet
Alumni survey conducted nationally by the Economics Network, 2008 / 09.
Labour Force Survey, 2004 conducted by the Office of National Statistics.
HESA Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education 2006/7 from prospects.ac.uk
whystudyeconomics.ac.uk