UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Social and International Studies
Division of Economics
Certificate of Postgraduate Foundation Studies: Economics
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final award:
Certificate in Postgraduate Foundation Studies
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 6]
Programme title:
Economics
Programme accredited by:
University of Bradford
Duration:
1 year
Subject benchmark
statement:
Economics
Date produced:
July 2011
Last updated :
Introduction
This programme is designed to provide non-specialist undergraduates with a
bridging foundation for the study of economics or related subjects at postgraduate
level. You will study alongside other students from the Division of Economics on the
programme which comprises of 120 credits at Levels 2 (FHEQ 5) and 3 (6).
The Division of Economics operates within the School of Social and International
Studies, where teaching staff have research interests in the fields of trade, economic
integration, macroeconomic policy, finance, individual behaviour and social
economics, and these are reflected in developments in the curriculum. Degrees
courses within the Economics Programme have an emphasis on transferable skills in
addition to subject knowledge and aim to be relevant to contemporary life,
occupations and events.
The Division’s programmes range across economics and related disciplines. Current
programmes focus on economics in general; economics and its application to
particular fields in the areas of business, finance or international trade; and a range
of degrees that combine economics with other social sciences or marketing.
All courses comprising the Undergraduate Economics Programme in the Division of
Economics provide a structured approach to the discipline of economics that is
informed by the Quality Assessment Agency for Higher Education (QAAHE)
Benchmarking Statement in Economics with respect to the aims of the degree
programme, subject knowledge and understanding, together with subject-specific
skills including numeracy and quantitative skills. Each course offers a choice of
complementary options taught in the Division of Economics, in other divisions within
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the School of Social and International Studies, and appropriate subjects taught in
other Schools.
Programme Aims
This is a one-year programme for those who have successfully completed a Diploma
(equivalent to a UK Ordinary Degree) either in economics or in a subject other than
economics, but can demonstrate sufficient relevant experience in quantitative
subjects. You will build on your previous study in order to provide you with the ability
to study an economics or related subject at postgraduate level.
The Postgraduate Foundation in Economics has been developed to complement the
other undergraduate courses offered by the Division by providing a route to develop
the skills and knowledge of graduates from advanced diploma programmes. You will
share modules with students in the final or penultimate year of our other economics
degree courses.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes indicate what you should know and understand, and be able to
do, on successful completion of the programme. They have been developed with
reference to the QAAHE Economics Benchmark Statement (2007).
When you have completed the Certificate in Postgraduate Foundation Studies
successfully, you will be able to:
LO1.
Understand the theories and concepts of economics.
LO2.
Apply discipline skills including abstraction of essential features of
complex systems; analysis, deduction and induction applied to assumptionbased models;
LO3.
Quantify and design data and organise them effectively; and frame
parameters in problems.
LO4.
Use your developed skills in critical thinking, independent and group
study experience, analytical skills and IT;
LO5.
Develop simplifying frameworks for studying the real world;
LO6.
Effectively communicate with fluency in writing.
Curriculum
You will study 120 credits of modules which includes a compulsory (C) 80 credits of
modules and 40 credits of optional modules (O).
The curriculum has been devised to allow you to extend and complement the skills
and knowledge you have gained during your previous studies. At the beginning of
the year, you will be given help to choose the most appropriate optional modules,
taking into account how your previous education and/or experience meet the
demands of the modules, your career aspirations and personal preference.
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Notes for the curriculum
1.
You will study 120 credits during the year.
2.
You must choose 40 credits of options offered at Level 3.
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SE-6023U
Microeconomic Theory and Analysis
C
30
3
Semester
1 and 2
SE-6024U
Microeconomic Theory and Analysis
C
30
3
Semester
1 and 2
SE-5004L
Statistics and Econometrics
C
20
2
Semester
1 and 2
SE-6012L
The Economics and Finance of
Business
O
20
3
Semester
1 and 2
SE-6013L
Trade, Regionalism and Globalisation
O
20
3
Semester
1 and 2
SE-6016M
Financial Economics
O
10
3
Semester
1
SE-6017M
International Monetary Economics
O
10
3
Semester
2
SE-6018M
Economics of Labour
O
10
3
Semester
2
SE-6019M
Economics of Leisure
O
10
3
Semester
2
SE-6020M
Integrated Strategic Human Resource
Management
O
10
3
Semester
2
SE-6021M
European Political Economy
O
10
3
Semester
2
SE-6022M
Public Policy
O
10
3
Semester
2
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring
and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The strategy for learning within the Division is to enable you to achieve your optimum
level of competence and understanding in order to be well prepared, and feel
confident, to progress to higher levels of skill, knowledge, learning and experience.
While lectures are the main teaching method, a wide variety of other learning
activities take place including: lectures with notes and supplementary reading;
exercises; workshops; independent study and group work. You will generally study
alongside current undergraduate economics students however, where appropriate in
the key principles modules covering microeconomics and macroeconomics
dedicated classes and workshops will be provided to ensure appropriate support.
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Different assessment methods are employed to match the learning outcomes of
each course unit, and to achieve an overall balance between methods (e.g. essays
and other written work, oral presentations, problem solving exercises and group
work). You may be asked to undertake classroom and mid-semester tests to provide
feedback on student attendance and progress. The core principles modules covering
microeconomics and macroeconomics will also incorporate a small, applied research
project which will help prepare you for postgraduate research.
During the course, you will acquire skills that will be useful not only for the study of
economics, but in whatever profession you choose to follow. These will be taught,
practised and assessed.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations which
are available at the following link:
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/CertPgFoundationStudies.htm
Admission Requirements
Candidates will be required to have successfully completed a period of
undergraduate study and hold:

a Diploma (equivalent to a UK Ordinary Degree) containing a significant
component in economics of an approved degree-awarding body; OR

have a Diploma (equivalent to a UK Ordinary Degree) in a subject other than
economics, but can demonstrate sufficient relevant experience in quantitative
subjects.
AND

English GCSE grade C or above; GCSE mathematics grade C or above (or
equivalent).
If you are an international student (non-UK) you will need to show competence in
English to a high level, for example, IELTS with overall band score of 6.0 or
equivalent.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of
Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support
your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group
study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students.
Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance
in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise
your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available
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on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and course-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7
IT helpline available.
The Division of Economics supplements the IT resources available on campus with
its own computer cluster for teaching and individual study. The University Library is a
designated European Documentation Centre with a comprehensive coverage of EU
information.
Student Support and Guidance
Course Team
Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the
University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is
someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
The Hub, Student Support Centre
The Hub, Student Support Centre provides a central reception where students can
receive information, advice and guidance on a whole range of topics about their life
at University. The Hub is located in the Richmond Building adjacent to the Atrium.
The teams located within The Hub:





Accommodation
Admissions
o Education Liaison
o Enquiries
Student Administration and Support
o Bursaries and Financial Support
o Finance and Credit Control Group
o Payzone
o Records and Tuition Fees
International Office
Customer Service Team
www.brad.ac.uk/hub
+44 1274 232233
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services
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(based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues
such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students
can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability
and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available
throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part
time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.
Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the
extensive resources on the web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring
options and refining skills of job-hunting. A programme of career development
workshops and presentations is provided by Career Development Services each
year. These events and other employer presentations and events are advertised to
students on the programme.
An annual First Destination Survey leads to compilation of a report on the outcomes
of all programmes and to the development of an annually updated Traffic Light
Analysis of Employability which is used as a performance indicator.
Graduates with training in economics are increasingly in demand for their analytical
and problem solving skills as much for their knowledge of economic principles and
applications. Our graduates pursue a range of careers in the fields on finance,
insurance, general management, government and education. Many will also go on to
further postgraduate study at Masters level to study economics in greater depth or to
complement their first degree with a specialist business degree. See
www.whystudyeconomics.ac.uk for more information about the skills acquired by
economics graduates and the types of careers pursued.
In choosing this degree course you will be able to combine practical, business
knowledge with a broader understanding of the wider economic environment. This
will allow you to present a wide range of skills to potential employers, or indeed
provide a solid basis for further postgraduate study in the fields of economics,
business or the social sciences.
Learner Development Unit (LDU)
The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths,
numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is
delivered during both semesters which complements individual support available
from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials available from the
LDU website.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone.
The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get
the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any
concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate
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to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability
Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity:
The University of Bradford, and the School of Social and International Studies
(SSIS), are committed to the principles of Education for Sustainable Development
(ESD) set out in UNESCO’s definition (see
http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.phpURL_ID=23279&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html ), which include:
interdisciplinarity; value-driven; critical thinking and problem solving; participatory
decision-making; and applied learning which is relevant and culturally appropriate to
local and other contexts.
In your programme you will find these principles underlie the teaching learning and
assessment strategies. ESD is integrated within the programme’s aim of allowing
you the opportunity to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills and
appreciation of the interplay between the international economic environment and
business. This programme will provide you with a critical understanding of the
complexity and interconnectedness of the global economic environment and the
scope for, and limits to, sustainable development.
In addition there are modules in which the themes and issues of ESD are particularly
exemplified, such as:

Microeconomic Theory and Applications

Macroeconomic Theory and Applications
In these modules students will examine competing perspectives on policy, regulation
and economic objectives and develop a critical awareness of debates
We are also committed in SSIS to giving you opportunities to engage in debates
about the meaning and future of Sustainable Development, as well as in the practice
of ESD, for example, through volunteering on and off campus, by taking action in a
series of activities as a School.
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
School of Social and International Studies
Richmond Road
The University of Bradford
Bradford, BD7 1DP
Pemberton Building
UK
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
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UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
+44 (0)1274 235717 / 3981
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
http://www.brad.ac.uk/acad/ssis
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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