UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Social and International Studies
Division of Economics
Programme title: BSc Financial Economics
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final and interim award(s):
BSc (Honours)
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 6]
BSc (Ordinary)
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 6]
Diploma of Higher Education
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 5]
Certificate of Higher Education
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 4]
Programme title:
Financial Economics
Programme approved /
accredited by:
N/A
Duration:
3 years full-time / 4 years full-time (including
placement)
L111
UCAS code:
Subject benchmark
statement(s):
Economics
Date produced:
May 2003
Last updated :
October 2013
Introduction
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. Programmes
within the Economics Division have an emphasis on transferable skills in addition to
subject knowledge and aim to be relevant to contemporary life, occupations and
events.
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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 programmes that combine economics with other social sciences or marketing.
All programmes 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 programme,
subject knowledge and understanding, together with subject-specific skills including
numeracy and quantitative skills. Each programme offers a choice of
complementary options taught in the Division of Economics, in other divisions within
the School of Social and International Studies, and appropriate subjects taught in
other Schools.
The Financial Economics programme provides you with a grounding in accountancy,
financial markets, investment appraisal and corporate finance, alongside economics.
You will also research and write a dissertation within the context of financial
economics.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1.
Provide you with a thorough grounding in economic principles.
A2.
Provide you with an appreciation and understanding of the wider international
economic context.
A3.
Examine the factors that shape business decision-making and the
developments in government policy that impact on the regulatory
environment.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Certificate in Higher Education
When you have completed the year 1 of the programme you will be able to:
LO1.
LO2.
Understand and evaluate the theories and concepts of economics at both the macroand micro-levels, relevant methods and analytical techniques, and the applications of
economic principles to diverse areas of national and international affairs at an
appropriate level.
Apply IT skills, use written and electronic sources of information, communicate
effectively and fluently in speech and writing, and work as an effective team member.
Diploma in Higher Education:
When you have completed the year 2 of the programme you will be able to:
LO3. Abstract and examine essential features of complex systems; analysis,
deduction and induction applied to assumption-based models; quantification
and design of data and its effective organisation; framing of parameters in
problems.
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LO4. Access, retrieve, and synthesise information, apply critical thinking and use
numerical and statistical techniques to construct reasoned arguments and
present empirical evidence.
LO5. Research, make decisions and action plans, demonstrate self-evaluation and
reflection, and construct effective applications in relation to career planning.
Bachelor’s Honours Degree*
When you have completed the year 3 of the programme you will be able to:
LO6. Select and apply the relevant methods and techniques to review, consolidate,
or extend knowledge and understanding.
LO7. Effectively communicate complex economic information, ideas, problems,
analysis, and solutions
LO8. Display familiarity with the possibility that many economic problems may
admit of more than one approach and may have more than one solution.
* Those students awarded an Ordinary Bachelor’s degree will achieve the same
learning outcomes, but on the basis of a smaller number of credits.
Curriculum
The programme consists of 360 credits, made up of core and optional modules. You
take 120 credits at each Stage.
Stage 1[Level 4]
Stage 1 consists of core modules to provide the essential foundation for your further
study. By the end of this stage you will have gained knowledge and understanding
of: the core principles of economics and corresponding mathematical tools as well as
financial markets.
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SE-4001U
Microeconomics
C
30
4
1 and 2
SE-4002U
Macroeconomics
C
30
4
1 and 2
SE-4004D
Study Skills and Data Analysis for
Economists
C
20
4
1
SE-4003M
Mathematics for Economists
C
10
4
2
SE-4007M
Introduction to Financial Markets
C
10
4
2
MAN1061L
Introduction to Accounting and
Finance
O
20
4
1 and 2
SE-3001M
Preliminary Mathematics for
Economics*
O
10
3
1
SE-4005M
The Development of Economic
Ideas
O
10
4
2
* Students who have taken these subjects at Foundation Level will choose equivalent credits
from other options within the School
Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 4 may exit the
programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education.
Stage 2 [Level 5]
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In Stage 2 you will deepen your understanding of core economic principles and of
quantitative methods to support economic enquiry. This will provide you with the
basis to study applied topics in economics in Stages 2 and 3. You will also develop
an understanding of the job market, your goals and how you can present yourself to
prospective employers. To prepare you for the final year dissertation you will study
Research Skills for Economists. By the end of this stage you will have: a critical
awareness of the tools and principles of micro and macroeconomic analysis and
their applicability to policy issues, as well as a more detailed awareness of financial
markets and institutions; an understanding of statistical techniques relevant to
economic enquiry; an awareness of the skills necessary to identify, frame and
research a dissertation topic in your chosen area of economics as well as an
understanding as to how you can develop your career and set appropriate personal
goals.
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SE-5001L
Microeconomic Theory
C
20
5
1 and 2
SE-5002L
Macroeconomic Theory
C
20
5
1 and 2
SE-5004L
Statistics and Econometrics
C
20
5
1 and 2
LSS4000M
Career and Personal
Development for Economists
C
10
5
1
SE-5006M
Financial Markets and Institutions
C
10
5
1
SE-5005M
Research Skills for Economists
C
10
5
2
SE-5003L
Further Mathematics for
Economists
O
20
5
1 and 2
MAN0713M
Marketing Management and
Strategy
O
10
5
1
SE-5010M
Development Economics
O
10
5
1
SE-5008M
Industrial Organisation
O
10
5
2
SE-5009M
Environmental Economics
O
10
5
2
Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 5 may exit the
programme and are eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education.
Stage 3 [Level 6]
In Stage 3 you will research and write-up your chosen dissertation, with guidance
from your supervisor. By the end of this stage you will have: demonstrated your
ability to apply appropriate economic theory and methodology to a chosen topic
within economics in your dissertation; developed a deeper, more specialised
knowledge and understanding of the application of economic principles to
specialised areas and policy issues.
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SE-6006K
Dissertation in Financial Economics
C
40
6
1 and 2
SE-6001M
Topics in Microeconomics
C
10
6
1
SE-6002M
Topics in Macroeconomics
C
10
6
1
SE-6016M
Financial Economics
C
10
6
1
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SE-6012L
The Economics and Finance of
Business
O
20
6
1 and 2
SE-6013L
Trade, Regionalism and
Globalisation*
O
20
6
1 and 2
SE-6010M
International Trade*
O
10
6
1
SE-6015M
Development Policy Issues
O
10
6
1
SE-6017M
International Monetary Economics
O
10
6
2
SE-6018M
Economics of Labour
O
10
6
2
SE-6019M
Economics of Leisure
O
10
6
2
SE-6021M
European Political Economy
O
10
6
2
SE-6022M
Public Policy
O
10
6
2
Study Abroad and Placement opportunities
We encourage you to consider an optional year of study abroad or work placement,
normally taken between Stages 2 and 3 of your programme . If you opt for one of
these experiences, you will transfer to the four year programme route. You will be
invited to various School and University events providing more information about
these opportunities.
For study abroad, the School has links with universities in Europe, North America
and Australia. In most of our European partner institutions, classes are taught in
English, and study abroad activities to these universities are part of the European
Union Erasmus scheme. Whatever partner institution you choose, a year of study
abroad will provide you with invaluable experience of living and working in another
culture and the modules you select will complement your main programme studies.
If you opt for Study Abroad, your diet of study at the partner institution will be agreed
with the Study Abroad co-ordinator and will be in addition to the credits you will study
towards your Financial Economics programme. During your year abroad, you will be
registered for the Diploma in International Studies, to be awarded following
successful completion of a reflective assessment in recognition of your experience
and development.
We also encourage you to consider applying for work placement opportunities. We
ask you to identify opportunities in conjunction with the Careers Service, who will
help you locate and apply. A year spent in employment provides an excellent
opportunity to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills that you have
developed during the earlier stages of your programme. It will also enable you to
further develop your transferable skills and may even secure your entry onto the
graduate career ladder as many employers use a placement year as a method of
recruitment onto their graduate training scheme. Our students are increasingly
securing work placements, either during the summer vacation or for a full year in
industry and the public sector, including HM Treasury and the Government
Economic Service. If you opt for a work placement, agreed with your programme coordinator, you will be registered for the Diploma of Professional Experience, to be
awarded following successful completion of a reflective assessment in recognition of
your experience and development.
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The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme 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 at each Stage in order to be well prepared,
and feel confident, to progress to higher levels of skill and knowledge. While
lectures are the main teaching method, a wide variety of other learning activities take
place including: lectures with notes and supplementary reading, exercises, projects
and workbooks, independent study and group work. Different assessment methods
are employed to match the learning outcomes of each module , and to achieve an
overall balance between examinations, essays and other written work, oral
presentations, problem solving exercises and group work. Classroom and midsemester tests are intended to provide feedback on your progress.
The Stage 3 dissertation is a substantial piece of work that gives you the opportunity
not only to increase your specialist subject knowledge, but also to demonstrate your
ability to undertake independent study. Throughout the three-year programme , you
will acquire skills that will be useful not only in 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 Regulations which are
available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-quality-unit/ordinances-and-regulations-fortaught-courses/
Whilst this Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard
University Assessment Regulations there are 2 additions to these regulations which
are:-:
1)
to progress to the Honours programme in Stage 2 students must achieve at
least 40% in the core modules SE-4001U Principles and Applications of
Economics (Microeconomics) and SE-4002U Principles and Applications of
Economics (Macroeconomics); and
2)
to progress to the Honours programme in Stage 3 students must achieve at
least 40% in the core modules SE-5001L Microeconomic Theory and SE5002L Macroeconomic Theory.
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
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If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
applied to all applicants. We are continually reviewing and developing our practices
and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may
need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We
would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss
these.
A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be in the
range 260-300 points. This points total must include a minimum of 180 points from 2
GCE A-levels. There are no specific subject requirements and General Studies may
be included within the overall points score. GCSE English and Mathematics grade C
or equivalent are also required for entry.
We welcome students who have taken the University of Bradford Foundation Year
who are required to achieve 55% in Foundation Year plus maths GCSE grade C (or
equivalent) or pass in their Preliminary Mathematics module.
Applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on
entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic
qualifications, have significant relevant experience. On completion of a UCAS form
you will be invited to the School for an Open Day when you will have the opportunity
to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss “the Bradford experience” with current
students.
We also welcome candidates with the appropriate Irish Highers or the
European/International Baccalaureate, together with a range of equivalent
international qualifications (and which include evidence of ability in maths equivalent
to GCSE grade C or above).
Applicants with other previous certificated learning (for instance an overseas or
vocational qualification) are also welcome to apply for entry to stage 1 or higher, as
appropriate to their level of qualification and subject experience. International
students 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 both 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 journals are available online
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(both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account,
personal information and programme-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
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by
the University and the Programme 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
programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of Student representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. 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
(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.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their
employability profile and capabilities through learning opportunities embedded within
the curriculum.
Furthermore, the University is committed to supporting students to develop their
commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your
time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The
support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of
information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a
mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and
help to you find part time work, summer work placements, graduate internship
programmes and graduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students as part of
their programme of study may have the opportunity to complete a Career & Personal
Development accredited module delivered by the Career Development Service.
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All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early
stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web
site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all graduates to find
out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the
employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other
information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc.
The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme
information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’
website www.careers.brad.ac.uk
The Financial Economics programme 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, social sciences or business. Indeed, graduates with a
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. See www.whystudyeconomics.ac.uk for
more information about the skills acquired by economics graduates and the types of
careers pursued.
Learner Development Unit
For undergraduate students who are looking to improve their marks during their time
at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree
discipline or level of study. Students can access a programme of interactive
workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to
our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide
range of online and paper based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/learner-development/
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 support, advice and
equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where
you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need,
whether these relate 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
Learning and Teaching
Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is encapsulated by an
integrated set of themes and principles within our Curriculum Framework. All of our
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degree programmes have been designed to provide you with an inclusive and
engaging learning environment which gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop
in your area of study. Our research-informed programmes have a particular focus on
developing your employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative,
real-world and enquiry-based learning, supported by appropriate learning
technologies. Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement,
but also to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing
level of challenge as you progress through your degree. Together, these lead to you
developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare you for life
beyond university.
Ecoversity:
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures.
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Appendices to Programme Specifications:
BSc Financial Economics
1. Programme Learning Outcomes
Level
4
5
6
NEW VER:
SE-4001U
SE-4002U
SE-4004D
SE-4003M
SE-4005M
SE-4007M
SE-5001L
SE-5002L
SE-5003L
SE-5004L
LSS4000M
SE-5005M
SE-6003K
SE-6001M
SE6016M
SE-6002M
LO1
A
A
S
A
A
A
LO2
S
S
A
A
S
S
S
LO3
S
S
S
A
S
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
S
S
A
A
A
S
A
LO4
LO5
A
S
LO6
LO7
LO8
A
A
A
S
A
A
A
S
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
Notes: A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module; S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed
Certificate in Higher Education
When you have completed the year 1 of the programme you will be able to:
LO1. Understand and evaluate the theories and concepts of economics at both the macro- and micro-levels, relevant methods
and analytical techniques, and the applications of economic principles to diverse areas of national and international affairs at
an appropriate level.
LO2. Apply IT skills, use written and electronic sources of information, communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing,
and work as an effective team member.
© University of Bradford
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Diploma in Higher Education:
When you have completed the year 2 of the programme you will be able to:
LO3. Abstract and examine essential features of complex systems; analysis, deduction and induction applied to assumptionbased models; quantification and design of data and its effective organisation; framing of parameters in problems.
LO4. Access, retrieve, and synthesise information, apply critical thinking and use numerical and statistical techniques to construct
reasoned arguments and present empirical evidence.
LO5. Research, make decisions and action plans, demonstrate self-evaluation and reflection, and construct effective applications
in relation to career planning.
Bachelor’s Honours Degree*
When you have completed the year 3 of the programme you will be able to:
LO6. Select and apply the relevant methods and techniques to review, consolidate, or extend knowledge and understanding.
LO7. Effectively communicate complex economic information, ideas, problems, analysis, and solutions
LO8. Display familiarity with the possibility that many economic problems may admit of more than one approach and may have
more than one solution.
* Those students awarded an Ordinary Bachelor’s degree will achieve the same learning outcomes, but on the basis of a smaller
number of credits.
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2. This table shows the methods of assessments used across different stages and modules:
Methods of Assessment
Level
Module
Coursework
/ Essay /
Research
article ass.
Exam
MCQ
Exam /
Class
test
4
SE-4001U
X
X
X
SE-4002U
X
X
X
SE-4004D
X
SE-4003M
5
Presentation
Group
Assignment
X
SE-4007M
X
SE-5001L
X
X
SE-5002L
X
X
SE-5006M
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SE-6006K
X
Dissertation
X
LSS4000M
SE-5005M
Data
Task
X
X
SE-5004L
6
Report /
CV
X
X
SE-6001M
X
SE-6002M
X
SE-6016M
X
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3. This table shows the main delivery methods which are used across modules and stages:
Teaching and Learning Methods
Level
4
5
6
Module
Lectures
Seminars /
Workshops
Library /
Computer
Sessions
Presentations
Supervision /
Tutorials
Group
work/
discuss
Formative
test /
Online ex.
SE-4001U
X
X
X
SE-4002U
X
X
X
SE-4004D
X
X
SE-4003M
X
X
SE-4007M
X
X
SE-5001L
X
X
SE-5002L
X
X
SE-5006M
X
X
SE-5004L
X
X
LSS4000M
X
X
SE-5005M
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SE-6006K
X
X
X
SE-6001M
X
SE-6002M
X
SE-6016M
X
X
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