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, thats it.

You dont need an A-level in economics.

You dont 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 dont 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:

8- 10 hours of
Module Options contact time a
-Money and Finance week
(including seminars, tutorials
-Development Economics and lectures)
In addition to this you will also
-Business Economics 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 A-
levels).

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk Source: LFS Survey, ONS, 1994 - 2006

 What will I do to earn all of this money?
Economic Advisor
Underwriting Assistant
Lecturer at Technological Institute of Patras Programme Manager: Fiscal Policy
Terminal Stock Controller Salesperson Fixed-income Derivatives Trader
Assistant Economist Partner in Accountancy Firm
Researcher
Director of Campaigns and Communications CPD and Business Consultant
Relationships Director Account Executive
Director of Finance and Corporate Governance
Logistics Manager Internet and CRM Marketing Manager Investment Banker
Credit Analyst Expatriate Tax Manager
Press Associate Director
System Analyst Sky1 Online Editor Theatre Storekeeper
Professor and Director
Detective Superintendent Environment and Climate Change Analyst
Army Officer Assistant Government Economist Assistant Statistician
European Regulatory Manager Social Worker

whystudyeconomics.ac.uk 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