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An Introduction to Undergraduate Economics Programmes at the University of Sussex E Economics at Sussex: Quick Guide 1. What is Economics? Economics is a social science concerned with income, wealth and well-being and the factors that influence how people, families, firms and governments make decisions. We look at a wide range of issues, from education, health and crime to poverty, trade and globalisation. 2. Why should I choose Sussex? Sussex does well in league tables. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2011-12, Sussex University ranks 12th in the UK, 31st in Europe and 99th in the World. Economics at Sussex is a fast-growing department committed to high quality teaching and research within a friendly academic environment. Between 2007-2011, the average score for the Department of Economics on student satisfaction in the National Student Survey was 86%. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, 50% of our research was graded as being “internationally excellent” and another 10% as “world-leading”. Economics faculty members conduct research on a wide range of contemporary real world economic problems and are involved in consultancy and advising policy-makers. We are a friendly department committed to helping our students achieve their potential. 2 3. What are the different Economics degrees at Sussex? BSc (Hons) Economics; BA (Hons) Economics; BSc (Hons) Economics and Management Studies; BSc (Hons) Finance and Business; BA (Hons) Economics and International Development; BA (Hons) Economics and International Relations; BA (Hons) Economics and Politics. Students can also take Economics as part of a Maths degree. 4. Is Economics very mathematical? Economics uses Maths (e.g. graphs, algebra and calculus) to communicate ideas and Statistics to analyse real world data. You do not need Maths at A2 or AS level, but you should be ready to push your Maths skills beyond what you have done at school. We provide Maths workshops to help everyone keep up. If you really like Maths, consider doing the BSc in Economics, which has a quantitative focus. 5. What jobs is it useful for? A wide range: anything that requires problem-solving, logic and numeracy. Our graduates are successful at getting jobs for example with the Government Economic Service, in Banking, Insurance, Consultancy and the Charitable Sector and some go on to further postgraduate study. 6. What are the admissions requirements? For entry in October 2012, our entry requirements are AAB in 3 A2 level subjects plus Grade B in GCSE Maths, or the equivalent in international qualifications. 7. Want to find out more? Come to an Open day or an Admissions Day (see www.sussex.ac.uk for dates), read on through this handbook, see our web-site www.sussex.ac.uk/economics, or contact us at [email protected] 3 What is Economics? Students are often drawn to study Economics through the media and national politics. Stories of boom-and-bust or stop-go Economics, of trade-offs between unemployment and inflation, stock-market crashes and financial crises in the print and broadcast media are what most people think of when someone says Economics. But Economics is not just about money, or the economy, but about how people, families, workers, firms, trade unions, governments and international organisations make decisions and about the effects of these decisions on others. This broadens the scope of Economics to such diverse issues as crime prevention and the law, illegal drugs, higher education, pay and promotions, marriage and child-bearing decisions, trade, debt and poverty. The standard text-book definition of Economics is that it is the “study of how scarce resources are allocated among competing needs”, but this is hardly the sort of description likely to attract many people to study Economics! Although it does turn out to be a good description of what Economics is once you have already studied Economics, it is not a very good definition for people new to the subject. All economic questions arise from an unavoidable fact known to humans long before its popularisation by the Rolling Stones: “you can’t always get what you want”. The real world is characterised by scarcity (e.g., not enough land, time, hospital beds, clean water) but through engaging in economic activity individuals are able to resolve the conflict between their unlimited wants and their limited resources by making choices. In order to understand and explain certain economic phenomena, Economists develop theories aided by what are called ‘models’. These models are defined to exist in a fictional world invented to assist our understanding of the real world. Architects construct 4 models of buildings and biologists models of DNA that represent the real thing in appearance but do not work like the real thing. Economic models are motivated by a similar principle but are not “physical” like those of the architect or the biologist. Our models sometimes represent an abstraction from reality but thinking about them provides a useful way of understanding some of the complexity of our world. But our models are only useful if they help us understand what is going on around us. Theory is only justified by its power of application and, in particular, its application to policy. Why study Economics? Economic issues surround us and impact on us in our daily lives, whether it is in our work or in our social activity, and studying Economics provides an insight and understanding into many of the important issues that govern not only our well-being as individuals but also the well-being of the economy and of society. There are many “why” and “what happens if” type of questions that can be asked about ‘every-day’ phenomena and to which Economics can provide answers. For example, why are some goods taxed more heavily than others, why do food mountains exist, why are some goods provided by the state and others not, why do some countries export cars and others textiles, what happens to unemployment if unemployment benefits are reduced, what happens to consumption if the interest rate rises, what happens to employment if a minimum wage is introduced, and what happens to criminal activity if judicial penalties rise? Economics is concerned with observing the way things are, offering behavioural explanations for the phenomena observed, and demonstrating the consequences of a given policy under certain conditions. The “why” and “what happens if” type questions comprise the core of what is often called positive Economics. However, positive Economics often suggests what are called normative questions, questions that require value judgements to be made about what is 5 good or bad. For instance, the question of what happens to alcohol consumption if we double its tax rate may be asked for normative reasons – a concern about the adverse health effects of alcohol. The success of any science, including Economics, rests on the ability of scientists to separate their views on “what does happen” from “what ought to happen”. The study of Economics trains individuals to distinguish between the positive and the normative but allows value judgements to motivate positive questions that generate positive answers. Why study Economics at Sussex? The Economics degree programmes at Sussex offer students a specific training in core Economics-specific knowledge but also provide the basis for the accumulation of a range of general skills. For example, students learn how to use simple formulations that distil the essential features of a complex problem, and to assess the logical consistency of a theory or argument. By its nature, the study of Economics also provides students with numeracy, analytical and quantitative skills that are practical and transferable across a wide range of careers. The teaching of Economics at Sussex emphasises the analytical methods of the discipline and encourages students to understand both the basic principles of economic theory and their application to a range of economic and social phenomena. Courses are designed to include both theoretical and applied material and emphasise the relationship between economic analysis and policy. A unique and distinguishing feature of Sussex is that students have the opportunity to learn Economics within a multi-disciplinary, or an inter-disciplinary, context dividing their time between Economics, which is called the major, and either another discipline, as a joint major subject, or a set of complementary inter disciplinary programmes. Inter-disciplinarity and multi-disciplinarity exposes 6 Economics students to alternative methodologies and the analytical approaches of other disciplines including history, politics, philosophy, international relations, geography, social anthropology, sociology and social psychology. Through study of Economics in conjunction with other disciplines, Economics students learn to appreciate the strengths and limits of their own discipline. Are the Economics programmes at Sussex mathematical? Mathematics is an important tool in Economics, useful for conveying ideas clearly and concisely and for summarising information. Although we do not place an unduly heavy emphasis on Mathematics, preferring to emphasise understanding, any degree in Economics requires the use of some Mathematics. The branches of Mathematics most commonly used are: algebra (using equations to express relationships), geometry (using graphs to convey information and ideas), calculus (to explore how relationships work), and statistics (to analyse data). You should therefore be prepared to take your Maths well beyond the GCSE, particularly if you decide to choose the BSc in Economics degree. However, we do provide additional Maths (and Computing) workshops to support students who find the Maths a bit difficult. What will I have acquired at the end of the programme? Students who have successfully completed our undergraduate programmes of study will have acquired a range of specialist and transferable skills. These include a detailed knowledge and understanding of the principles of Economics, the ability to abstract the essential features of a problem and use the framework of Economics to analyse it, the ability to evaluate and conduct your own empirical research, the ability to communicate economic ideas and concepts to a wider audience, as well as a range of general literacy, numeracy, decision-making, time management, analytical, computing and communication skills. 7 What are the entry requirements to study Economics at Sussex? The requirements for Economics for 2012 entry are AAB at A-level or the equivalent in other comparable national or international qualifications. We do also require candidates to have at least a grade B in GCSE Mathematics or its equivalent. However, each application is considered on its own merits and we sometimes make an offer below this level. Candidates are not expected to have a background in Economics. We encourage applications from mature students, for instance through ACCESS schemes. What are the degrees in Economics at Sussex? There are many different ways of studying Economics at Sussex. The current set of degree programmes is listed here. Details of the Economics courses taken in each degree programme are listed in Annex 1. Economics Major degrees: BA (Hons) Economics This is a core Economics programme. Students follow a number of courses each year in theoretical and practical Economics and in applied economic analysis. These constitute 75% of your degree, the other 25% coming from non-Economics, but complementary subjects drawn from fields such as International Relations, International Development and Management Studies. Students on this degree have the option of taking 100% Economics courses in their final year. 8 BSc (Hons) Economics This is the other core Economics programme. A more quantitative approach is followed in the BSc in Economics. In addition to the core Economics courses in the BA, students follow additional courses on the techniques of applied economic analysis (Mathematics and Statistics). This programme places more emphasis on quantitative skills and students with A-level Maths are particularly encouraged to choose this route. Joint Major degree programmes in Economics: Each of these joint major degree programmes is made up of 50% of Economics and 50% of a second major subject. The Economics courses are those from the BA in Economics, with less emphasis on the methods of quantitative method courses. BA (Hons) Economics and International Development This is a natural choice for students interested in applying Economics to developing country issues, such as debt, globalisation, international trade, aid, hunger and poverty. BA (Hons) Economics and International Relations International relations poses some of the biggest challenges to the Economics approach, focusing on issues such as power relations, international negotiations and international organisations. BA (Hons) Economics and Politics Understanding the political issues surrounding Economics topics provides much greater understanding and insight into how decisions are made and their likely effects. BSc (Hons) Economics and Management Studies This degree is useful for those planning a career in business and who need to combine the analytical approach of Economics with more practical management skills. 9 BSc (Hons) Finance and Business This degree includes courses in Business and Management and Financial Economics. It is ideally suited for those planning a career in the financial sector or in business, requiring analytical and quantitative skills, but also practical management skills and an understanding of the world economy. 10 What Will You Learn from a Degree in Economics at Sussex? There is a growing emphasis – by government education ministers, by employers and by prospective students – on the set of skills that a degree in Economics provides. We have listed what we think these skills are in the box below, but briefly these include specific knowledge and understanding of Economics itself, along with a set of intellectual, practical and other general skills (such as numeracy and computer literacy). Knowledge and understanding Knowledge of the core principles of economics (recognised nationally as the benchmark for economics). Understanding of those core principles as they relate to economic problems and issues. More detailed knowledge and understanding of an appropriate number of specialised fields of economics (e.g. labour economics, development economics). Knowledge of quantitative techniques appropriate to the study of economics. Transferable skills Understanding of appropriate concepts in economics that may be of wider use in a decision-making context (e.g. opportunity cost). Ability to communicate economic ideas, concepts and information using means of communication appropriate to the audience and the problem at issue. Appreciation of the importance of, and ability to construct, rigorous argument to help evaluate ideas. Skills in numeracy and other quantitative techniques, such as correctly interpreting graphs. Skills in the use of a wide range of appropriate computer software (e.g. spreadsheets). 11 Practical Skills Knowledge of sources and content of economic information and data. Knowledge of how to conduct and evaluate applied (empirical) work. Ability to carry out empirical work using appropriate techniques. Ability to carry out self-directed study and research. Intellectual Skills Skills in abstract thought to focus upon the essential features of an economic problem and to provide a framework for the evaluation of the effects of policy or other exogenous events. Ability to analyse an economic problem or issue using an appropriate theoretical framework. What do Economics graduates do? There is considerable evidence available at national level suggesting that Economics graduates are more in demand than graduates from most other social sciences and have higher average earnings than other social science graduates. In common with Economics graduates from other reputable institutions, good Economics graduates from Sussex are confronted with choice in the graduate labour market because they possess a wide range of ‘marketable’ skills that are transferable across a variety of careers. The most recent data (for 2009) on Economics graduates from Sussex suggest that only a small number were unemployed six months after graduating; 81% of graduates were either employed or involved in further study. For more details, please see: www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/ 12 Economics offers you a range of career options. Our graduates have done well in securing jobs, for example as Public Sector Economists, in Banking, Consultancy, Accountancy and with NGOs. Some also go on to further postgraduate study. On average, 10-20 percent of our recent graduates have pursued further studies in Economics and many of these are now practising as professional economists in the Government Economic Service, research institutes, universities, in the City, or in international organisations. Funding your studies Your fees will depend on whether you are classified as a Home/EU student or an Overseas student and whether you have previous qualifications. Please see the Undergraduate Prospectus for more information on funding options. www.sussex.ac.uk/study/funding/ug How can I find out more? The University holds a number of Open Days and Admissions Days throughout the year, when members of each faculty will talk about studying their subject at Sussex. Students thinking about applying to Sussex can attend our Open Days in October and June: see the university web-site for details www.sussex.ac.uk or telephone Student Recruitment on +44(0)1273 876787. Students who have applied to Sussex and received an offer can visit during one of our Admission Days. You will be sent details of these with your offer. It is also possible to join a tour of the campus throughout the year by calling +44(0)1273 876787, or by booking a place on-line on the university website. 13 If you require any further information about the undergraduate Economics programmes at Sussex or have any other queries please contact: Economics Programme Co-ordinator School of Business, Management and Economics Mantell Building Room 2B4 University of Sussex Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RF UK E [email protected] T +44(0)1273 678889 (ext. 8889) F +44(0)1273 873715 Visit our website at: www.sussex.ac.uk/economics Here you can find links to local websites that will tell you more about the local area. We look forward to hearing from you! STRUCTURE OF THE ECONOMICS DEGREE PROGRAMMES The tables overleaf show the courses taught by the Economics department for each programme for the 2011/12 entry. Some changes are possible in 2012/13. For further details on the courses taught by other departments for the joint degrees, please see the Undergraduate Prospectus online: www.sussex.ac.uk/study/ug/2012 14 Table 1a: Structure of the single honours BA Programme in Economics Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Autumn Term Spring Term Introduction to Economics Microeconomics 1 Contemporary Economic Issues Macroeconomics 1 Introduction to Mathematics* The World Economy since 1945 plus two more electives1 (one Autumn, one Spring) Autumn Term Spring Term Microeconomics 2 Advanced Microeconomics Macroeconomics 2 Advanced Macroeconomics Statistics for Economists Applied Economic Topics plus two electives1 (one Autumn, one Spring) Autumn Term Spring Term Applied Economics Econometrics Dissertation/Options Economics Option Economics Option Understanding Global Markets/ Economics Option/ Inter-disciplinary course Inter-disciplinary course Table 1b: Structure of the BSc Programme in Economics (virtually 100% Economics) Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Autumn Term Introduction to Economics Contemporary Economic Issues Introduction to Mathematics* Elective course1 Autumn Term Microeconomics 2 Macroeconomics 2 Statistics for Economists Applied Mathematics for Economists Autumn Term Spring Term Microeconomics 1 Macroeconomics 1 Principles of Finance The World Economy since 1945 Spring Term Advanced Microeconomics Advanced Macroeconomics Applied Economic Topics Applied Statistics Spring Term Applied Economics Dissertation /Options Economics Option Applied Econometrics Econometrics Economics Option Further Statistics 15 Table 1c: Structure of the Joint Honours Degree in Economics (50% Economics): BA in Economics and International Development, International Relations or Politics, BSc in Economics and Management Studies. Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Autumn Term Spring Term Introduction to Economics Microeconomics 1 Introduction to Mathematics* Macroeconomics 1 plus four joint major (non-Economics) courses Autumn Term Spring Term Microeconomics 2 Advanced Microeconomics Macroeconomics 2 Advanced Macroeconomics plus four joint major (non-Economics) courses Autumn Term Spring Term Statistics Project Economics Options/ Applied Economics Dissertation Statistics for Economists plus four joint major (non-Economics) courses Notes: 1 Students can choose their electives from a large range of courses taught by different departments. *”Introduction to Mathematics (for Economics and Finance)” will be offered at two levels: for students with A-level Mathematics (or equivalent) and for students with less experience in Mathematics. Table 1d: Economics Third Year Option Courses Autumn Term Economics of European Integration Labour Economics Monetary Theory and Policy 16 Spring Term Applied Economics Dissertation (counts as two options) Applied Econometrics Prerequisite: Students must have completed Econometrics. Climate Change Economics Behavioural Economics Economics of Development International Finance & Macroeconomics International Trade Table 1e: Structure of the BSc in Finance and Business Autumn Term Spring Term Introduction to Economics Principles of Finance Introduction to Mathematics* The World Economy since 1945 Yr 1 Intro to Business Law Tools for Business & Management Introduction to Business & Principles of Organisational Management Behaviour Autumn Term Spring Term Statistics for Economics and Macroeconomics I Finance Money & Banking Finance for Development Yr 2 Financial and Managerial Accounting Information Systems Operations Management Autumn Term Spring Term Applied Statistics for Finance and Understanding Global Markets Economics International Finance & Corporate Finance Yr 3 Macroeconomics Strategy Specialist Business course option Specialist Business course option Specialist Business course option *”Introduction to Mathematics (for Economics and Finance)” will be offered at two levels: for students with A-level Mathematics (or equivalent) and for students with less experience in Mathematics. 17