MODULES IN ECONOMICS

The taught modules fall into two main categories:

• The core. Together, these provide all the knowledge, understanding and skills that someone graduating in Economics is expected to have. There is a sequence of modules (ECN111, ECN211, ECN311) that proceeds from a broad introduction to advanced analysis of microeconomics, a sequence (ECN112, ECN212, ECN312) devoted to macroeconomics, a sequence (ECN213, ECN313) that concentrates on quantitative analysis, and a final-year module (ECN414) that uses theory discussed in the earlier modules to examine major policy issues.
• Options. In these modules, ideas introduced in the core are applied, developed or more extensively discussed. They provide specialist knowledge of a particular branch of economics beyond that expected of every economist. As this branching out only makes sense when you already have a firm foundation in economic principles, it is necessary to take the introductory and intermediate core modules before starting any option. A key feature of the options is that each one is taught by staff with special expertise in the field and covers issues of topical interest. As a result the list varies over time and some options will not be available during the Honours years of some students. Normally three are offered each semester and the selection is varied from year to year so that twelve are offered in any two-year period.

There is an alternative introductory module (ECN115) for those taking programmes in Accountancy that covers those topics in both microeconomics and macroeconomics required for professional accreditation.

In addition to the taught modules, there is a dissertation available to those in the final year of a single Honours programme or a combined programme in which Economics is the major component.

The modules currently on offer are listed below. Click on the module code for more information about each module and here for general information applying to all taught modules.

List of modules

Visiting students should check availability before applying.

General information applying to all taught modules

Teaching methods

The standard pattern is that there are two or three lectures per week on each module. Each student also attends a weekly meeting in a smaller group, either a tutorial or a seminar, on each module. There is some variation to meet the different demands of different syllabuses.

Usually lectures are used to present the core material. Tutorials and seminars provide an opportunity for students to ask questions about any points of difficulty from the lectures or related reading, to discuss the answers to problems and written work, and to discuss wider issues raised by the subject matter of the module.

Assessment

In each module, a final grade is given at the end of the semester, based on coursework and an examination. The weighting is 40% to coursework and 60% to the examination. Usually the coursework consists of two essays or class tests and some tutorial preparation. In the first two years, a good performance in the coursework gains exemption from the examination.

Learning outcomes

To avoid repetition, the individual module descriptions list only the knowledge and understanding you can expect to acquire as a result of the specific content of the particular module. The knowledge, understanding and skills that can be acquired from the study of Economics in general are given in the information about programmes.

Reading

Students are recommended to read widely on almost all modules. On advanced modules, this reading will often include journal articles and research monographs as well as textbooks. Under each module description we suggest some reading to give an idea of the scope and level of the module. The work listed may not be the main textbook recommended to those taking the module, which is decided a few months before the module begins in order to take account of variation in the books available from publishers.

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